AT&T could carry Apple’s high-profile iPad in the US, which was a coup for the company but on terms eroding the wireless industry’s carrier-centered model. About half-decade ago, the big US wireless companies completely controlled the way the subscribers used their service, setting specifications for the phones they offered and locking subscribers into contracts. And Apple wrested away control over the handsets with iPhone. At present time, another hot device of Apple could diminish the control of the carriers even further.
Two cellular-service plans includes a 250-megabyte plan for $15 a month, and an unlimited plan for $30 which will be provided by AT&T for Apple’s new device but it will not need the contracts accompanying its data plans for cell phones and laptops. This move was able to push the carriers more and more into the realm of being a conduit for devices and content produced elsewhere.
This deal can be considered the latest compromise in the long-running tussle of control between the carriers and Silicon Valley. Apple, Google and some other companies have their sights being set on the mobile market and they want to be free to control the design of their devices and the way they’re used. Whereas the carriers are relying on the data services for growth more and more.
