AT&T stops online iPhone sales in New York

By siliconindia   |   Monday, 28 December 2009, 18:26 IST
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Bangalore: AT&T ceased its online Apple iPhone sales in the New York metropolitan area, which could be for a number of reasons, from data congestion, credit card fraud, to routine sales strategy changes, reports CNET News. Online sales of the phone were suspended on Sunday in the area. Prospective customers attempting to buy an iPhone through the Web site and using a New York area ZIP code are greeted with a message saying, "We're sorry, there are no packages and deals available at this time. Please check back later." An AT&T representative's statement to CNET suggested that the move to not offer any iPhones online to buyers in the Big Apple was a routine strategic decision. "We periodically modify our promotions and distribution channels," said Fletcher Cook, an AT&T Spokesman. However, customer service representatives, who are generally not authorized to comment officially for the firm gave differing views. One customer service representative hinted that data congestion may be the reason for the suspension, telling the Consumerist that New York is not ready for the iPhone. There are not enough towers to handle the phone. However, another representative said that the credit card fraud is responsible. Sales were suspended due to increased fraudulent activity in that area when ordering the iPhone, said another representative to the Gearlog blog. However, the iPhone is still for sale at Apple stores in the New York area.