Another obstacle to the iPhone is the network. Jeff Ventura told me "the majority of member accounts are on Verizon, though some have AT&T service." The former staffer I spoke to told me that most folks prefer Verizon to AT&T because of the quality of service.
"Verizon ran lines underground through the Metro and I like getting my phone calls underground. Until AT&T does the same, the iPhone just won't be as popular." On top of that, "most Hill staffers don't live on the hill, so Verizon comes in handy when they're at home. Northwest DC, particularly Georgetown/Glover Park, is where many young staffers live. There's an impression that AT&T service there is inferior to Verizon's."
An AT&T spokesman told me "AT&T is continually enhancing coverage and downtown DC is an area of priority. Additionally, AT&T is anxious to provide service in the Metro and will do so at our earliest opportunity." Verizon currently has exclusive rights to provide service underground in DC, but this may be changing soon. A clause in a rail safety bill passed earlier this month requires the Metro to open wireless service underground to all carriers. A Verizon spokesman told the Wall Street Journal the company "supports the idea of other carriers being in the tunnels."
"If 10 members came to us asking for the iPhone, we'd certainly take a look at it, but that isn't something we've seen," Ventura told me.
"Unless we hear that this device has utility that the BlackBerry doesn't deliver on, we probably won't offer it on our own."
Post new comment