Saturday, February 4, 2012

LNiR August 26 2007: iPhone sparks counter measures from Verizon, RealNetworks and MTV, Unlocking the iPhone: is it really worth it?

August 26, 2007 by dennis  

 



In tonight’s Late Night iPhone Reading clipping of notable iPhone-related articles from other news sources:

- iPhone sparks counter measures from Verizon, RealNetworks and MTV @ The Register

The move, to bring RealNetwork’s Rhapsody to Verizon handsets, with the support of Viacom’s MTV, was attributable almost entirely to Apple’s launch of the iPhone with an exclusive relationship with AT&T. In short Verizon HAD to do something, and this is that something. Rhapsody becomes the music service behind Verizon’s VCast Music service, while MTV’s URGE music service will be merged into Rhapsody, which will become Rhapsody America, and be run by the current General Manager of MTV Network’s URGE, Michael Bloom.

- American wireless users are in a bind @ The Indianopolis Star

Though it is touted as a “global phone,” the iPhone is locked, so using it overseas requires paying extra for an international calling plan with — you guessed it — AT&T.
Such handcuffs are common in the U.S. wireless industry. Other big carriers, including Verizon Wireless and Sprint, impose similar restrictions, says Chris Murphy of Consumers Union. “Consumers have no bargaining power.”

iphone world

- Unlocking the iPhone: is it really worth it? @ Blorge.com

So now, just like a kid in a candy store, there are three or four legitimate ways to open your iPhone to GSM networks…but what everyone is wondering is, “Is it worth it?” The answer is both yes and no; it just depends on what you’re looking for.


 


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Related posts:

  1. LNiR August 25 2007: The 300-Page iPhone Bill to Disappear, Is it illegal to unlock my iPhone?
  2. LNiR August 29 2007: Why Apple Can’t Stop iPhone Hackers, Next up for the iPhone video games?
  3. LNiR August 15 2007: Why iPhone’s on Hold in Canada, Apple iPhone (Really?) Can Save Lives!


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  • http://www.wizards.com Ashnod

    I don’t think unlocking my phone will do much for me. I have AT&T and I like my service. I am inclined to add some games and other programs to it

  • http://www.iphoneworld.ca dennis

    I agree with you, it is indeed not something that everyone needs.

    Although in some cases it is a must… For example, if you live outside of AT&T coverage area, in bad reception area, or outside of the USA (Canada, where I am from). Since without unlocking it makes no sense to have an iPhone in the first place…

    Another category of folks that I’d like to put an accent on though, is folks that are already in a binding contract with let’s say Verizon… Or simply folks that only need a pay-as-you-go plan (actually, I am one of them… I am not the type of person that talks over 3 hours a month on cell phone, and I have very little need for EDGE since there are many free Wi-Fi spots for that type of thing…. I need my cellphone for very short calls “Are you there? I’m on my way” type of thing… For everything else I have my house phone # which I already pay money for, so why not use it).

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