Replies to post #65858 on Apple Inc (AAPL)

[WinLoseOrDraw]

I really don't think Steve is going to suspend his legendary intollerance for incompetence.

He *chose* to work with Cingular. The intollerance [sic] has already been suspended.

Seriously, that is one f'ed up company. If anybody is going to change anyone, I would worry about the effect of "them" on "us".

[Tex]

tolerance for incompetence

Perhaps Cingular as a partner is intended to do the same thing as MOT as a handset-maker: prepare users for something better.

I know nothing, but the MVNO possibilities still stand somewhere over the horizon. If Apple wants the last word on whether a handset is replaced or not, perhaps Apple intends being active in providing the customer service.

At any rate, it'll be interesting to see. Service revenues would tend to create some stable revenues useful for dampening the jarring differences in quarterly revenue. Assuming these revenues become material.

Take care,
--Tex.

PS perhaps Steve hasn't tried Cingular service in the middle of nowhere, or was thinking mainly of Cingular's competence to sign a fat distribution deal rather than its competence in making the calls actually go through or stay connected.