Verizon Gives Small Carriers A Break
Large wireless carriers such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless often lock in exclusive deals with phone manufacturers so that they are the only carrier who offers a phone for a predefined amount of time, such as six months or a year. In AT&T’s case, the exclusivity deal with Apple regarding the iPhone has lasted for multiple years.
Now, Verizon Wireless is giving some of the small carriers a chance to compete when they might not otherwise be able to do so. While Verizon Wireless still plans to lock up new mobile phones in exclusive contracts, the company is making an exception and letting small carriers get the phones in six months or less. With this agreement, “small carriers” are defined as those with less than 500,000 subscribers. Most of the carriers that fit this description are rural carriers.
Earlier this year, Verizon Wireless offered to restrict exclusivity periods for LG and Samsung phones. Rural carriers have said the gesture was insufficient. Even though competition is stiff among the carriers, you have to think that the small carriers should appreciate the opportunity to get newer phones sooner.
Now, Verizon Wireless is giving some of the small carriers a chance to compete when they might not otherwise be able to do so. While Verizon Wireless still plans to lock up new mobile phones in exclusive contracts, the company is making an exception and letting small carriers get the phones in six months or less. With this agreement, “small carriers” are defined as those with less than 500,000 subscribers. Most of the carriers that fit this description are rural carriers.
Earlier this year, Verizon Wireless offered to restrict exclusivity periods for LG and Samsung phones. Rural carriers have said the gesture was insufficient. Even though competition is stiff among the carriers, you have to think that the small carriers should appreciate the opportunity to get newer phones sooner.
