Experts: iPhone customers shun AT&TWASHINGTON (UPI) -- Experts say hundreds of thousands of U.S. iPhone users have voided their warranties by switching to carriers other than AT&T. Two sources speaking on condition of anonymity told USA Today that T-Mobile alone has more than 300,000 customers using iPhones, despite distributor AT&T's policy of only selling the devices to those who agree to use the company's network, the newspaper reported Tuesday. Joel Kelsey, a public policy analyst with Consumers Union, said cellular customers are increasingly moving to gain greater control over the wireless devices they purchase, even if it means voiding their warranties. "Consumers are craving greater control" over their phones, Kelsey said. "They're willing to risk turning their $300-plus investment into a brick." Sameer Mithal, an independent wireless consultant, said iPhone "jailbreaking," or using a wireless service that has not been approved by the retailer, may be the start of a revolt among cell phone purchasers. "There's a consumer movement to controlling the service" and devices, Mithal said. "Carriers will be very reluctant to make this change," he said. "But they're not going to have a choice." |
