
Originally Posted by
Xectar
Where did you hear this? This is not true at all. Apple chose AT&T to be the exclusive carrier for the launch of the iPhone. However, Apple did approach Verizon Wireless before AT&T but Verizon turned down the terms of the agreement that involved a percentage on the monthly fees, supply control over where the iPhone is distributed and sold, and customer relations for iPhone customers among other things.
When Cingular bought AT&T Wireless back in 2004, it became the largest US Carrier in number of subscribers and the No.1 in the GSM market. With the partnership terms of extra revenue per subscriber plus the customer initial interaction control and the location of distribution and sale of the iPhone, it's a no-brainer to choose the one carrier that will bring the most revenue and control over the exclusive sale of the handheld device.
Source: WSJ, Apple Annual Report.