Love & Loss: The iPhone Dilemma

Dear Verizon,

I have wanted an iPhone since they came out, so when they released the 32G, I ordered mine.  And had to switch from Verizon to AT&T. Now I’m on the beach and I have 1.5 bars–which is pretty good (she says sarcastically) considering that even on major roadways there are times I have NO service.  (My husband, who has Verizon, NEVER loses service.  And I didn’t used to either.  O Verizon, I am sad without you…)

This is the reason I’m writing to you:  the MINUTE you get the iPhone, I will switch back to your service. THE MINUTE.

AT&T may be gaining market share because of their exclusivity on the iPhone, but unless they up their game in the service department, they will lose that market share again when customers realize they can have the cool phone AND the best service network.  And the 3G thing?  Yeah, its great if you can get it, but 3G isn’t available in all of their coverage areas. (And they better not even try to blame me, the customer, for not consulting the coverage map before purchase…THEY are the WIRELESS  phone company! THEY are supposed to have the great service!)

The clock on their iPhone exclusivity is running and, although I hope they are using the time to be competitive with you on the service side, I am doubtful…my husband gives AT&T even less credit than I do.  He said it was smart of them to pick the iPhone, since most iphone users are in major metro areas and not likely to have coverage issues. (Um, I live in a amjor metro area and I still have spotty coverage…) His point is that there probably aren’t lots of complaints and thus not a big push to improve their network. So, the AT&T CEO can see big profits and then leave at the high point, giving the market share mess to the next guy.

Such cynicism, but can you blame us?  Is AT&T even considering that the demographics of their iPhone is changing?  Every kid who lives ANYWHERE likes cool new toys and the iPhone is one of them, so the iPhone users of today are not the same as the iPhone users of tomorrow –and if AT&T isn’t paying attention and is just sitting around on their iPhone laurels during their exclusive contract time, they are going to be kicking themselves when YOU get the iPhone because they will lose out. Big time.  “Cuz all those kids are gonna want the best phone with the best coverage (they are part of the entitlement generation y’know, so they feel entitled to the best…).

So, Verizon, thanks for focusing on the fundamentals – like the network…so that when you get access to the iPhone to offer your clients, they can actually USE IT.  (Hey AT&T, CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??)

XOXO,

Adrienne

One of your old customers that will be a new customer again when you get the iPhone.