After months of speculation as to the existence of an <A title="Review the Apple iPhone" href="/##PATH_US_EN_WLRSapple-iphone.aspx">Apple iPhone</A>, CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the device during the Macworld Conference earlier this month. It was also confirmed that Cingular Wireless, soon to be branded the New AT&T, would be the exclusive carrier of the iPhone. In a January press release Apple CEO Steve Jobs had the following to say about the pairing: <P></P> <P>?Apple chose <A title="Cingular specials" href="/##PATH_US_EN_WLSPcingular-wireless/default.aspx">Cingular</A> because they are the best and most popular carrier in the U.S.". ?We are thrilled to be offering our revolutionary new iPhone exclusively with Cingular, and look forward to working together with them to create some wonderful new features for our customers." </P> <P>In a statement published in USAToday, <A title="Verizon Wireless specials" href="/##PATH_US_EN_WLSPverizon-wireless/default.aspx">Verizon Wireless</A> Vice President Jim Gerace confirmed that Apple approached them over two years ago about becoming the exclusive carrier for the iPhone but turned down the offer. Unable to reach an agreement due to rich financial terms and other demands that included a percentage of the monthly cellphone fees, and control over how and where the iPhone could be sold, the iPhone found a home with Cingular for the next five years. </P> <P>"We said no. We have nothing bad to say about the Apple iPhone. We just couldn't reach a deal that was mutually beneficial." Gerace stated.</P> <P> </P>
