AT&T Controversially Blocks Online iPhone Sales for New Yorkers
An AT&T website notice states that New York is not ready for the iPhone and an elaborate explanation has yet to be provided by the company
It was reported earlier today that a reader contacted the Consumerist to inform them that AT&T’s online store prevented him from purchasing an iPhone due to the fact that he entered a New York area zip code. ARSTechnica.com is reporting that the Consumerist followed up on their reader’s claim that AT&T effectively cut off New York City by contacting the company’s online sales support staff.
A member of AT&T’s online sales support staff informed the Consumerist representative that iPhones are no longer available to residents of New York City due to the fact that, “New York is not ready for the iPhone. [New York] does not have enough towers to handle the phone.” Despite the fact that online iPhone purchases have been banned for New York residents, the popular smartphone is available for purchase at the company’s retail stores as well as at stores of AT&T’s affiliated companies.
Controversy has circulated within the technological industry as a result of the fact that New Yorkers can sign up for service and purchase iPhones at retail stores but not online. AT&T’s PR Department is currently the target of scrutiny since specific clarification has not been provided to potential online purchasers of the iPhone who reside in New York.