Why AT&T Didn't Die After Losing iPhone Exclusivity

By Lindsay Welnick

AT&T is not only doing better than predicted after losing its iPhone exclusivity early last year, it’s beating the competition.

AT&T activated 3.3 million more iPhones than Verizon did in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 5.8 million more than Sprint.

The carrier was much more prepared for losing exclusivity of the iPhone than people gave them credit for, AT&T Mobility CMO David Christopher said in an interview with FierceWireless. Christopher said the company focused on launching more Android devices than expected, improving the activation process, and simplifying the pre-order process. However, there is more to AT&T’s competitive edge.

Christopher cited studies that say the iPhone is faster on AT&T’s network. He also pointed out how users can talk and download data at the same time, and that the company has worked hard to make the activation process customer-friendly.

The company has also focused on keeping their prices competitive, Christopher told Fierce. AT&T did this by giving people 50 percent more data for an additional $5 and also allowed users with unlimited messaging to call any mobile phone in the U.S. free of charge.

Christopher also said that AT&T supports developers and aims to be the most open carrier, which allows developers to increase their capabilities and gives users one-click billing for mobile apps.