Hedgehogging: hedge*hog*ging v. Interrupting conversations in an office environment

It’s been fun following the story/non-story about Apple’s possible interest in participating in the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction. Sure, Apple, like Google, which has expressed interest in the auction, has all the money in the world and could easily purchase the spectrum needed to run a network. Reports indicated that Apple could swing a deal with an infrastructure provider to actually deploy and run the network, leaving only the customer-care aspect for Apple to handle. While some articles seemed to gloss over that, we know from any number of recent MVNO flameouts that customer care is actually a bit tricky. Most established carriers still have problems handling the customer care aspect of their network. Apple likely would lose a little of its shine when angry customers call complaining about CRM issues.
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With all the hubbub surrounding early termination fees, it’s amazing that no other operator has followed Verizon Wireless’ lead in pro-rating ETFs depending on where the customers are in their contracts. Also surprising is how little promotion Verizon Wireless is giving to this feature, which we would think would be a bigger attraction than a music ID service or flying pigs. In other news, it looks like Verizon Wireless is dropping its Bob Marley ringtones. Blame RCR’s Mike Dano.
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Have something against AT&T Mobility? Been thrown out of your local Apple story for hogging the iMac’s so you could check in with your MySpace friends? Fear not. Now you can buy a highly desirable iPhone through a certain reseller. We received one such offer last week from a company that says it will provide “Loaded and locked to AT&T” iPhones for the unbelievable price of $510 each. What makes that price so unbelievable? Well you can buy the same device through AT&T Mobility or Apple for only $400. But, that will require you to break your court order forbidding you from getting within 300 feet of an Apple store. Act fast though, because the reseller claims to have only 200 iPhones in stock and said it’s offering “volume discounts!” and to “call with your take-all offers!!!” You’ve been warned.