However, it is not clear what is the real reason behind AT&T decision to stop selling the iPhone online through their website. According to a conversation with a customer service rep, Laura from
could be a reason for the move. Here is a transcript of the conversation posted on the Consumerist website between Laura and an AT&T customer service rep
Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?
Hi, I was looking at the iPhone 3Gs and the system tells me that I cannot order one in my ZIP code. My zip code is 11231. (Brooklyn, NY) Is this true? Are iPhones no longer available in New York City?
I am happy to be helping you today . Yes, this is correct the phone is not offered to you because New York is not ready for the iPhone .
You don't have enough towers to handle the phone.
Thank you for your help. So the phone is not available to people anywhere in the city?
Yes this is correct Laura.”
However, AT&T now claims that the real reason behind the move seems to be a massive number of frauds in online ordering. Also, the company claims that this is part of a regular revision of the company's distribution channels. New Yorkers can still purchase iPhones at the AT&T and Apple stores or online at Apple 's website.
But Peter Kafka of All Things Digital points out that the reason provided by AT&T doesn't make sense as they are selling other expensive smartphones like BlackBerry etc online. He has raised some other valid points:
“The AT&T pr rep I talked to tonight knew nothing about this. And shutting off online sales of the company’s most high-profile phone to the biggest city in America seems like the kind of thing a corporate spokesman would have an inkling about.
Likewise, AT&T’s Google (GOOG) ad campaign sends New Yorkers searching for iPhones directly to this page, which doesn’t mention that you can’t actually buy an iPhone online. If you click on the “Buy Now” and give the site a New York zip code, you get the following nonsensical message: “We’re sorry, there are no Packages & Deals available at this time. Please check back later.”
What do you think? Do you believe in AT&T's claim that online ordering fraud is the reason behind the move or do you think it is because of the congested network in New York? Please let us your thoughts in the comments below.
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