Re:Why is it that the device must be... (Score 1)

Right, but also new apps that Apple releases for the phone that require data transfer on the cell network and are not just AJAX in Safari. This is where the cell co. is the gatekeeper. Apple also gets a cut from AT&T's data charges to the user in this deal, BTW. I will be interesting to see how the IPhone gets released in Europe, where Apple can't just make a blanket deal with one Telco.