iPhone WiFi[s] Next?
As expected earlier this week at the WWDC Apple introduced its next generation of iPhone known simply as the 3G[S] where the “s” stands for speed. While it did tackle some user requested features such as video, cut/copy/paste and voice search, it seemed to me that some of its best features such as tethering, where its connection to a cellular data can be shared with computer users, served as a public trial of their challenges with AT&T and their ability to provide a level of service reserved for its customers.
I have to be honest, when the iPhone originally came out a few years ago, I was puzzled with its choice of carrier partner. AT&T has struggled within the wireless space with its branding blunders when it merged Cingular, poor iPhone activation process and spotty 3G network coverage. From my perspective, for a brand like Apple whose focus has always been on the end customer experience, it seemed to me to be a poor partnership for keeping customers happy.
With the AT&T exclusivity agreement expiration date looming on the horizon, I am curious if Apple is looking to position itself as a direct handset retailer; giving customers the ability to add cellular service with any network as an added benefit, but make phone calls over WiFi their standard feature. It’s no secret that several service providers like Fring and Truphone have already activated WiFi VOIP applications on the iPhone and as Apple positions the iPhone as a speedy device capable of completing data transfers like a computer, it can only continue to be hampered by the 3G network of any cellular company. With the prolific volume of unsecured WiFi networks, having an iPhone and connecting to these networks does not seem to be the same issue it was 3 years ago. This is technically what the iPod Touch serves with the exception of its ability to make phone calls.
While this is not unfamiliar territory for handset manufacturers, I feel the public discord between AT&T’s non-support of tethering and MMS with the iPhone 3G[s] only reflects growing angst between Apple and cellular carrier restrictions. While they may be struggling with AT&T, I cannot imagine a partnership with Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile to be any better regarding carrier restrictions. At any rate, the next few months of negotiation between Apple and AT&T should prove to be interesting and I expect even more public displays of angst will occur.
