IPhone’s carrier, cost could deter
The price of Apple Inc.’s iPhone and the cost of switching to AT&T; Inc.’s wireless service may suppress demand for the device, a survey by research firm IDC found.
Although about 60% of those surveyed were interested in the iPhone -- a combination mobile phone and iPod music player -- only 10% said they might buy one at full price when it goes on sale Friday, according to a survey of 456 people by Framingham, Mass.-based IDC.
Two versions of the device, costing $499 and $599, will be offered exclusively for use on AT&T;’s network under a two-year contract.
About 18% of respondents said they would buy the iPhone if it were priced at less than $299, and 17% said they would buy one if it were offered by their current mobile service provider, IDC said.
