This past week there was a lot of anxiety and speculations at HQ and all of Verizon Wireless pertaining to the launch of the new revolutionary device from Apple, the iPhone. This sleek all in one phone is exclusively for AT&T customers only. (Formerly Cingular Wireless) The reason behind such high stress levels over here is because AT&T is Verizon’s biggest competitor in the wireless industry.
Keeping everything confidential I heard many reviews and comparisons to the iPhone from Verizon Wireless internal communications. I will say an unbelievable event on what I witnessed however on the days leading up to the launch. Sitting in my cube I overhear a conversation between some high up department directors about the iPhone. I decide to take a gander on what all the commotion is all about. As I stand there, I noticed someone holding their phone up in the air. “I would just LOVE to see an iPhone do this!” was the phrase yelled over and over again. This all being done while taking her cell phone and slamming it onto the ground repeatedly. At that point I made my way back to my desk and began to wonder what exactly has gotten into everyone here.
Is it really hatred towards the new Apple device which revolutionized the smart phone into something that is so far ahead of its time, that the only way to discriminate against it is compare how it can be thrown into the floor? Or is it simply based on the fact that the device is signed exclusively to AT&T Wireless and can only be used on their network? Did the comparison charts even completely make sense distinguishing the iPhone and other competitor devices or was the dispute taken down to an elementary school logic of argument? I could probably write a book on what I have seen, heard, and my opinions on the months leading up to this launch, but I will just leave it at that.
As for the rollout of the iPhone I think Apple did a great job as compared to AT&T. While waiting in line at the Apple store lines were separated into groups. These groups were then given the option once arriving into the store to separate. One way lead you to the quick purchase of the phone, the other let you play around with the device until your hearts content. Walking down to the end of the 500+ person line, I noticed people of all demographics eagerly awaiting their moment of glory to grab one of these phones. It was a great experience seeing how much impact the iPhone has had on the industry both from the inside and out.
