The Apple Upgrade program is great for consumers and Apple, but bad for carriers like Verizon and AT&T — here's why
THE SO WHAT
Apple’s upgrade program is a slow re-routing of value away from carriers and into Cupertino — financing, lock-in, and customer relationship all consolidate at the device layer. If you depend on distribution through telcos, assume their leverage over the end customer keeps eroding and plan for more direct-to-user acquisition and support.
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