At the Apple iPhone 3G S unveiling, AT&T gets lousy reception

In the secrecy that often surrounds Apple Inc.'s every move, industry cryptologists had plenty to study in Monday's otherwise widely hailed unveiling of the company's newest iPhone, the 3G S. The focus was on AT&T Inc., the only U.S. provider of the iPhone. That's because Apple left its partner in an uncomfortable position. Some of the new features that iPhone users have clamored for, including the ability to use photos and video in text messages and to tether the phone's Internet connection to a laptop, won't be immediately available on AT&T's network. But they will be available in many countries around the world. Apple is pressuring AT&T to end its exclusive agreement now or face the possibility that Apple won't extend its ties to the carrier beyond the contract's expiration in 2010.