AT&T Causing Major Hiccup in iPhone Launch?

[Lisa]

It seems increasingly clear that AT&T is even more of a weak link in the iPhone launch than people thought. But it's not the Edge network that's the problem, it's that iPhones are glossy bricks until activated by AT&T, and that activation procedure seemingly has more holes than Swiss cheese.

Read on for examples:

People receiving Unwarranted credit denial

Delayed email confirmation
ATT phone/web support is down
...More and more similar stories coming in via email.

[Update] It gets better. In addition to locking out business customers from flipping their accounts to iPhone, AT&T continues to promote iPhone to the same customers. From an email a few moments ago:

Go to AT&T Wireless "Business Customers" toll-free number (866 429 7222), and listen to the hold message - they're promoting the iPhone! Promoting iPhones to customers they won't allow to use an iPhone.

[Lisa]

Comments


1. Comment by alec -- June 30, 2007 @ 7:45 AM

"Oh, it's worse than delayed email confirmations, unwarranted credit denials or web support being down.

Did you know that customers on small business plans aren't allowed to have iPhones? Seriously, no explanation from customer service other than "we can't register this phone on this plan".

My boyfriend has to take back the iPhone he's been wanting for months now. (And let me note: he wasn't turned down for service because his boss hadn't or wouldn't authorize him getting an expensive new service plan. He's the president of the company. He is the authorization.)

AT&T just pissed of a good customer in a HUGE way."

[Lisa]

"I've been waiting more than 12 hours and this is all I have to show:

"AT&T is now processing your activation. You will receive an email confirmation once your activation is complete."

I called the AT&T iphone support line and the lady said that the network is "jammed." I asked her if she had a sense of timing and she said she had no idea. This sucks! Great foresight AT&T I could of predicated this....going on 15+ hours and no phone service. Btw I went to the at&t store and they said they couldnt activate the iphone, I could only do it online..."

[Lisa]

Another Comment:

"Small business issues were certainly left unexplained (or in some hard to find place) pre-launch. As for credit problems - anyone with a credit fraud alert in their file would not be able to use this online activation process - is there a case of that happening here?"

[Lisa]

" Comment by Jim -- June 30, 2007 @ 9:08 PM

I got the business account issue when trying to add the iphone to my business account. But being incredibly impatient and having to have this iphone working NOW i signed up for a personal account. Maybe that is the idea. Now I have a business contract, a contract for my wife's phone, and now an iphone 2 year contract. ATT must love me."

[Samantha]

I have AT&T. HATE IT!