No CDMA-Compatible iPhone For at Least 5 Years

That’s the word from USA Today’s Leslie Cauley, who appears to have confirmed that AT&T has exclusive U.S. distribution rights on the Apple handset for five years. As part of the deal, Apple is reportedly barred for that time from developing a version of the iPhone for CDMA wireless networks, such those operated by Verizon Wireless and Sprint.

This is one of the reasons I am losing interest in the iPhone. Being forced to a specific provider is unfair to the consumer, especially those who dislike AT&T but want an iPhone. It’s the same thing here in Canada. Rogers is the only provider, but I have never heard good things about their cell phone service in my town. It’s a lose/lose all around.

I don’t claim to be a businessman, but wouldn’t offering a CDMA/GSM phone cause more iPhones to be sold?

Source: Apple Insider