W00t! The controversial iPhone exclusivity agreement between Apple and AT&T may officially expire this week.
According the Wall Street Journal, Verizon is set to announce that it will begin carrying the popular smartphone at an event in New York City on Tuesday, January 11.
So, why has Apple decided to abruptly ditch its rather unpopular arrangement with AT&T – which was locked tightly in place since 2007?
Well, Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer of New York-based Solaris Asset Managmenet, told the WSJ that Apple has had “tremendous success” over the past four years with AT&T.
However, the company now realizes a lucrative partnership with Verizon is likely to significantly accelerate sales.
“It’s [definitely] a big boost for Apple,” said Ghriskey. ”It opens up a huge uninstalled base for them in this country.”
Roger Entner of Recon Analytics expressed similar sentiments and noted that other carriers could be hit hard by Verizon’s sudden ascendance.
“This is [certainly] the worst case scenario for the other carriers.
“[Because] when Verizon comes out with the iPhone, there’s only one carrier in the U.S. that will gain customers, and that’s Verizon,” he added.
