Blog Focus on iPhone Sales Ban in NYC
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Score a little holiday cash? Can't wait to spend it on that iPhone 3GS of your dreams? Hope you don't live in New York City, then.
AT&T has apparently decided that you have to show up in person in New York City if you wish to order an iPhone; online purchases using AT&T's Web site have been locked down to prevent using NYC zip codes, including surrounding areas.
The blogs have their theories why, naturally...
• Consumerist— First, the details: Consumerist found out about the issue when a reader wrote in to report the blockage. At first, AT&T customer service claimed it was an attempt to dissuade iPhone purchases in an overstressed network area.
• Engadget — And then other customer service reps suggested online fraud caused NYC residents to be punished as a whole. Engadget heard that explanation as well as others.
• TechTrackr — AT&T has since released an official statement to TechTrackr and others: "We periodically modify our promotions and distribution channels." So that solves that.
• TechCrunch —Yet we're reminded that there's not black-shirted thugs on the outskirts of the metro area preventing entry with boxed iPhones; you can still walk down to your local AT&T store and pick one up. Or possibly use Apple's Web site. Still. Inconvenienced!
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