AT&T Customer Service Rep Claims: “New York City is not Ready for the iPhone”

Posted 12/27/2009 at 8:57pm | by Justin Kerr

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Congestion problems on AT&T’s network, particularly in New York and San Francisco are no secret, but the solution they are choosing to help alleviate the strain is a tad unorthodox. It appears as though AT&T may be voluntarily restricting sales of the iPhone to New York residents on its website. Considering that New Yorkers can still march over on foot to any AT&T store, I doubt this will accomplish much, but what makes this story particularly interesting is the answer consumerist.com received when talking with an AT&T customer service representative about the issue.

Daphne: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?

Laura: Hi, I was looking at the iPhone 3Gs and the system tells me that I cannot order one in my ZIP code. My zip code is 11231. (Brooklyn, NY) Is this true? Are iPhones no longer available in New York City?

Daphne: I am happy to be helping you today . Yes, this is correct the phone is not offered to you because New York is not ready for the iPhone.

Daphne: You don't have enough towers to handle the phone.

Laura: Thank you for your help. So the phone is not available to people anywhere in the city?

Daphne: Yes this is correct Laura.

So far we haven’t heard anything official from AT&T on the matter, but if the statement “New York is not ready for the iPhone” is the company’s new official tag line, well, lets just say the Verizon ad writes itself.