Conflicting Report Finds That iPhone Users Are Interested In Leaving AT&T

Iphone 4 Coming Soon

Predictions are in full swing as AT&T’s hold on the iPhone is presumed to be expiring in the upcoming months. The latest comes from Deloitte that says close to half of iPhone users on AT&T’s network would be “very interested” in switching to Verizon Wireless if the carriers exclusivity ended, according to a survey conducted by Deloitte.

Those findings are in steep contrast to a report released earlier this week, which found that only 3 percent would break their contract to leave. It also goes against statements made yesterday by AT&T’s Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson, who downplayed concerns over a mass exodus.

The Credit Suisse survey released earlier this week, said it expects 1.4 million AT&T (NYSE: T) iPhone users (of the 18 million expected by the end of the year) to switch to Verizon Wireless. Because of the low-level of concern, it upgraded AT&T’s stock to “outperform” from “neutral.”

Stephenson also reasoned yesterday at a Goldman Sach’s event that because of a high number of iPhone upgrades many iPhone users are currently under contract. Additionally, about 80 percent of iPhone users were either in family plans or received their phone through their business, making it hard to leave. Credit Suisse reports that only 3 percent of iPhone owners are willing to break their AT&T contract to leave, and only 18 percent were willing to leave once their contract expired.

Ed Moran, director of insights and product innovation at Deloitte, told Reuters: “If another carrier were to pick up the iPhone, you would probably see a number of defections.” Deloitte surveyed 2,000 U.S. consumers between 14 and 75 years old between June 29 and July 11, about how they used their mobile devices.

loading

Comments have been disabled for this post