ZDNET has an interesting article about the waves a non-exclusive iPhone could make in the smartphone market.

We agree – it would be a juggernaut, and its agreement with AT&T is seen as holding it back from total domination. It’s other factor ($200 price tag even with contract) is seen as the only other sticking point, but even that wouldn’t be much of one if you could use it with T-Mobile or Verizon for example.

There have been rumors for month about Apple wanting out of their AT&T agreement, which expires in 2010. Verizon is seen as the most likely suitor for now, but really, it could be anyone.

Now the rumors are it could be until 2011 (when 4G is released) before another company will carry the iPhone in the US. Let’s hope that isn’t the case; variety and options could help to catapult the iPhone to new heights, and spur even greater growth in apps and development (and perhaps price).

Article source is here: http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=25330