Consumers in the U.S. may get their wish and see the iPhone available on a number of wireless carriers, if one analyst’s prediction holds true.
Gene Munster, senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, believes that Apple will transition to the multiple carrier model within the next year. This is most likely next summer, a time when Apple typically introduces new models of the iPhone.
The multiple carrier scenario is not new for Apple. In France, for example, the company moved from an exclusive arrangement with Orange to a multi-carrier deal. According to Munster, this lead to greater success for the iPhone in that country.
According to his numbers, Munster says that Apple has market share in the 40 percent range in France, while it is only in the mid-teens in the U.S. where the iPhone is locked to AT&T’s network.
The Piper Jaffray analyst is not alone in believing the iPhone could jump ship next year, as others believe Apple is looking to Verizon as a possible alternative. Even Denny Strigle, Verizon’s president, has been complimentary of the iPhone this year, as his company is rumored to be fast-tracking its new 4G network for launch by early 2010. AT&T, meanwhile, is said to be continuing its negotiations with Apple, in an attempt to keep the iPhone exclusive through 2011. While customers have been extremely satisfied with Apple’s phone and have embraced it, many U.S. customers have been disappointed with the AT&T network.