Nobody keeps a secret like AT&T, and by that I mean nobody keeps a secret quite so poorly. Boy Genius Report and other sites are talking up an internal Death Star memo that asks employees to hold down the fort during the June 15 - July 12 window. Vacations should be moved if possible, says management, and no additional vacations are being approved during that period.
Since AT&T pulled a similar Mr. Burns-esque maneuver last year prior to the iPhone launch, it's entirely reasonable to pin this year's lockdown on the arrival of the 3G iPhone after WWDC. It's probably not necessary to stake out your place in line just yet, unless you happen to be an elected official or have an injured knee from a previous iPhone queue. If you were planning an iPhone purchase in the next four weeks, however, this is some of the strongest evidence yet that you really should put your credit card down and think it through.
[via Techmeme]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-06-2008 @ 5:20PM
Mel said...
wouldn't the 3G iPhone be on the FCC??
Mel
Reply
5-06-2008 @ 5:27PM
Enrique said...
I agree... what's the verdict on that?
5-06-2008 @ 5:56PM
dagamer34 said...
Not really. Apple can ask that the FCC keep mum until a certain date when they've announced it already. They couldn't really do that last time since it would be 100% obvious that Apple filling a phone to the FCC = iPhone.
However this time, we KNOW a new iPhone is coming, but we don't know what's in it. Apple can request that the FCC keep those details to itself before releasing they release the phone.
5-06-2008 @ 5:54PM
atuck said...
I've heard that the process is not public, although the approval is. However earlier today someone seemed to think that the approval can be moved in order to coincide with a release. Not sure if thats true but it seems technically possible.
5-06-2008 @ 6:00PM
Bender Bending Rodriguez said...
It will be public when the FCC releases it as approved.
First Apple has independent testing facilities secretly test the radios. Then this is submitted to the FCC privately. The FCC looks over these tests and then if acceptable deems it approved.
I believe that Apple can state in a coverletter that certain aspect remain private for x amount of time and also prolong the approved date to coincide with the product's release at which the FCC ID and some specs are made public.
(still trying ot get exact details on how this works)
5-06-2008 @ 5:36PM
mikekochansky said...
This seems promising. I posted a story about the same thing on my blog at http://www.mikekochansky.com
Reply
5-06-2008 @ 6:16PM
Eric said...
My friend at AT&T, when asked if he got a memo about not taking vacations between certain dates in june/july, replied: ".........i dont know what you're talking about *cough*"
Sounds like a solid lead.
Reply
5-08-2008 @ 1:40PM
Actionable Mango said...
Apple, please allow tethering. That is the only thing keeping me from buying an iPhone. This feature is crucial for many of us; it will keep me from buying the 3G iPhone as well.
Reply