AT&T

AT&T should have followed Apple's strategy when there was outrage over
having to pay the full price of an iPhone.

When Apple, no more than 2 months after debuting the iPhone in June
2007, suddenly dropped the price by $200, there was a huge outrage
that went on for probably a day or two, then Apple offered a $100
rebate, and the outrage largely muted itself. $100 is not $200, but it
was acceptable.

AT&T should have developed more of a spine and said people would be
required to buy the iPhone at full price. Then, after a day or two of
fury, offered a rebate.

Except, unlike with Apple, there's nothing to buy from AT&T, so AT&T
could have instead simply say that the customers get one free month on
their iPhone bill, or $70 off. Then the anger would be muted.

Instead, all I see is a muddled reaction to the anger.