AT&T Says NYC is 'Not Ready' For the iPhone [UPD]

AT&T says that NYC doesn't have enough towers to handle the iPhone.

Those if you in New York City trying to get an iPhone by ordering from AT&T online will know that it's just not possible right now. For one reason or another, those trying to buy online using a New York City zip code will find that the iPhone is not available in their area.

The Consumerist did some digging behind such claims and verified that AT&T has frozen online sales of the iPhone in NYC. (It does seem, however, that retail sales are continuing as normal.) The following is an online help desk conversation between the Consumerist's Laura Northrup and AT&T sales support:

^{Daphne: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?}

^{Laura: Hi, I was looking at the iPhone 3Gs and the system tells me that I cannot order one in my ZIP code. My zip code is 11231. (Brooklyn, NY) Is this true? Are iPhones no longer available in New York City?}

^{Daphne: I am happy to be helping you today . Yes, this is correct the phone is not offered to you because New York is not ready for the iPhone.}

^{Daphne: You don't have enough towers to handle the phone.}

^{Laura: Thank you for your help. So the phone is not available to people anywhere in the city?}

^{Daphne: Yes this is correct Laura.}

This sort of news is startling in light of service complaints in U.S. cities such as NYC and San Francisco – where there are high concentrations of iPhone users.

AT&T responded by issuing the statement, "We periodically modify our promotions and distribution channels," which basically tells us nothing other than confirming that sales have indeed been frozen in NYC.

Update: it appears that New York City is once again ready for the iPhone, as online sales via AT&T's website are now possible again for those living in the city that never sleeps.