Are you only big news when you're mentioned in Congress? If so, Apple might soon be hitting the political headlines following chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Edward Markey, raising concerns about the AT&T lock-in agreement over the coveted iPhone. Highlighted as part of a hearing regarding US carriers' objection to State control of industry regulation (in favour of a centralised governmental control which would unify legislation nation-wide), Congressman Markey described the AT&T agreement as "Hotel California service".
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave — you're stuck with your iPhone and you can't take it anywhere" Congressman Edward Markey
Increasing examination of business practices and sole-network agreements comes at a time when the FCC is considering how to auction off another chunk of the wireless spectrum, scheduled to happen in the next six months. Potential future plans being discussed include setting aside part of it as universally accessible to all devices, including the iPhone.
[via iPod Observer]
What a fool. Mostly all phones lock you into a 2 year contract. What is his point, other that trying ride the tails of the iPhone news brigade?
Why is he bashing either company for trying to have a competitive advantage? It’s a basic business strategy to help gain customers.
Also, if you don’t want to get stuck with AT&T, there is a simple solution. Don’t buy an iPhone.
Garfinkel,
You are an idiot! Everyone in Asia and Europe has the option of using their device on any network. That creates open compentition. American cell phone service prodviders are a bunch of thugs who are getting away with murder by locking people into these creazy contracts and giving them no choices. It’s about time the gov’t steps in and stops these thugs from ripping American consumers. Do some research first before you make a fool of yourself again.
Ever heard of OPEC? Did you study economics? Imagine buying a TV and only being able to use cable and no option for satellite?
JL
Jason,
Very mature of you to call someone a fool and an idiot, rather than possibly try to educate him or her, or bring up an educated counter point.
Regards.