JeffCohn's  Instablog

1)  The iPhone and iPad 3G have given AT&T a boost in subscriber additions. For example, in Q4 2010 the company added 2.8M customers.   However, 1.5M were connected devices that have lower ARPU (average monthly revenue per user).  This trend is likely to continue as free WiFi will continue to compete with expensive 4G and coming LTE. 2)  WiFi competes with 4G and AT&T doesn't have a compelling reason why users should pay the extra amount for it when iPads are used 95% indoors. 3)  AT&T data caps are killing the iPhone application business.4) Apple stock decline recently is another reason to be concerned about the lack of 3G subscriber growth.5) iPad 2 tablets are not price correctly and the 3G versions should be cheaper than the iPad WiFi.  The 3G iPad should be subsidized and priced at $300 if they want to keep monthly subscribers.  See how to choose iPad 2 data plan.  However, we think most people will want to use the iPad 2 without a data plan. 6)  We have a contrarian view and have lots of evidence to believe the acquisition of T-Mobile is in jeopardy and think Obama will appose the merger.  AT&T's corrupt union has a bogus story to promote the merger.7)  AT&T's advisors are lying to the public about the merger ramifications. 8)  AT&T is not going to be able to raise T-Mobile prices if the merger is approved9)  10 Reasons why T-Mobile customers will leave for Sprint.10)  AT&T and Verizon (VZ) are losing the Net Neutrality battle because open access to data on the Internet will come a Civil Right. 

It does not have solid consumer friendly mobile phone strategy.  Does this site about get you excited about buying a phone from them?  Are they missing out on mobile, smartphones and tablets which is in boom times?   Amazon is one of the largest eCommerce communities in the world and could be a powerhouse in mobile phones if they had any balls to get aggressive about provide real consumer value. Amazon Wireless is a half baked site that has very few good offers for  customers switching carriers but none for existing customers.  The site also doesn't tell me squat about the coverage I might receive if I switch carriers or reviews about problems with phones or data speeds.  It also could be a tremendous marketplace for mobile and tablet app reviews for the Android and iPhone but I find nothing.  However, they seem to be afraid of taking an aggressive stance against Verizon and AT&T who continually market 4G bullshit.  Amazon or Best Buy could be one of the few retailers that could clean up the the wireless carrier fraudulent marketing.  Consumer Reports sure sucks at it and we are making an effort with our DeadCellZones.com coverage map.