With the special upgrade option from AT&T for anyone whos contract ends in 2010, I am thinking that their exclusive window is closing. It gives AT&T a way to lock in any current iPhone users(who they helped Apple service when it was not proven) it lets them grab a few people who were sitting on the fence, but then would allow Apple to get people on multiple networks in the US.
I wonder if Apple told them that the end was near, and might end sooner if their was an "actual" competitor to the iPhone at launch.
I can not think of ANY other strategic reason why AT&T would go back on their 5 androids by mid year announcement, and the LONG delay for the already announced Aero.
I almost feel sorry for anyone who dropped down to the 2gb data package then gets the new iPhone and uses Netflix streaming, better Pandora in the background and the Video conferfencing when it goes 3G