More AT&T iPhone details

Leaked memos are continuing to expand on AT&T's plans for the iPhone 3G, a new report indicates. Retail stores are, for instance, said to be having a new desktop shortcut pushed to their computers, "for the iTunes utility that will be used for unbricking iPhone 3G devices during the activation process." Workers are being told not to use the software until July 11th, as it is only a partial version of iTunes and intended solely for activations.

Memos suggest that activations will be completed entirely in store, though not whether they will still be divided into a rumored two-step process. The insistence on control is expected to produce heavy demands on AT&T staff, to the extent that the company is calling for extra part-time help simply to run 3Gs from storage to clerks, "to facilitate unbricking."

The company is further pressuring workers to take extra four- to seven-hour shifts in other unorthodox roles for launch weekend, such as Greeter, Crowd Manager or Floor Coordinator. Crowd Managers are expected to setup line barriers, and "coordinate efforts with [the] Line Manager to ensure customers are iReady;" Floor Coordinators are responsible for ensuring reasonable occupancy, as well as a lack of line cheating.

Network engineers, meanwhile, are said to be making continual refinements to AT&T's 3G network, using information gleaned from past Fine EDGE enhancements. This includes extra radio capacity, earlier triggering of additional resources, and a larger number of T1 lines. The company is also attempting to speed up overlay work that was originally scheduled for 2009.

by MacNN Staff