AT&T once again hiring retail temps for June

[AppleInsider]

In what is becoming an identifiable pattern, AT&T is once again on the prowl for temp workers to bolster its ranks for a 'mystery' campaign during the early summer.

A call has been put out through the Kelly Services temp agency that will see workers join AT&T's wireless division as greeters for a project known only as "Summer Project Pro."

While scarce on details of what the position entails, the request is a near-mirror of the cellular provider's efforts for the iPhone launch last year and hints that the company expects a repeat sales rush for a next-generation product this year.

In June of 2007, AT&T hired short-term workers for what ultimately amounted to crowd control. The new hires steered customers quickly through retail stores to ensure that all buyers, iPhone or otherwise, were well-treated regardless of the added store traffic.

Like the earlier plan, the latest recruiting drive also provides a familiar two-month work span for successful candidates. Work would begin on June 16th and end almost exactly three months later, on August 16th.



However, veterans of the 2007 campaign note that this doesn't necessarily point to the release of a new iPhone at the very start of that period. Temporary workers hired last year needed about a week of training before they began work in earnest, those experienced with past efforts say.

If so, the hiring campaign will swell the numbers of AT&T store staff and put enforcers on the ground during the last week of June -- or during the same approximate timeframe as the iPhone's first birthday.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Footloose301]

If work began on June 16th, then I'm guessing new iPhone June 20th perhaps..... lets hope.

[rulebreaker]

>> Work would begin on June 16th and end almost exactly three months later, on August 16th.

hmmm ... by my calculations that would be a 2 month gig.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Footloose301

If work began on June 16th, then I'm guessing new iPhone June 20th perhaps..... lets hope.

Based on the vacation day memos from AT&T I suspect that the date is the next Friday on the 27th.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

A call has been put out through the Kelly Services temp agency that will see workers join AT&T's wireless division as greeters for a project known only as "Summer Project Pro."

Maybe I am crazy, but does anyone else find the use of the word "pro" interesting? Maybe this indicates the bifurcation of the iPhone line to include an iPhone and a MacPhone Pro.
On second thought, no, I'm not crazy. There is no other way to read this.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Maybe I am crazy, but does anyone else find the use of the word "pro" interesting? Maybe this indicates the bifurcation of the iPhone line to include an iPhone and a MacPhone Pro.
On second thought, no, I'm not crazy. There is no other way to read this.

Why MacPhone Pro? Why not iPhone Pro?

[Eduardo]

That AT&T cartoon graphic that accompanies the article is über lame!

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

Why MacPhone Pro? Why not iPhone Pro?

Just trying to follow Apple's naming protocal. It seems that the "i" has been reserved for the consumer (not pro) version.
Y'know, iMac Vs. MacPro.
Of course this logic took a hit when they rechristened the iBook line as MacBook, but I don't expect them to drop iPhone all together after all the trouble they went through to get it--besides it seems to have achieved some level of name recognition over the past year or two...

[paxman]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Just trying to follow Apple's naming protocal. It seems that the "i" has been reserved for the consumer (not pro) version.
Y'know, iMac Vs. MacPro.
Of course this logic took a hit when they rechristened the iBook line as MacBook, but I don't expect them to drop iPhone all together after all the trouble they went through to get it--besides it seems to have achieved some level of name recognition over the past year or two...

Me thinks there will be two versions - the pro with all the enterprise software bells and whistles, and a cheaper version for the rest of us. I can't see there being much difference in terms of hardware. Possible a different shell, chrome/alu v all plastic.

I'd love to see a clamshell with the transparent touchscreen lid as suggested by Apple patents some time back, but I doubt anything like that will be revealed in this iteration.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by paxman

Me thinks there will be two versions - the pro with all the enterprise software bells and whistles, and a cheaper version for the rest of us. I can't see there being much difference in terms of hardware. Possible a different shell, chrome/alu v all plastic.

I'd love to see a clamshell with the transparent touchscreen lid as suggested by Apple patents some time back, but I doubt anything like that will be revealed in this iteration.

Gads, I hope not (re: pro vs. cheapie)... I don't think Apple will do this simply because they didn't see the need to offer "Pro" versions of OSX. I think the one-flavor approach is the right one, it's the apps that will determine how the iPhone fits into the enterprise. Of course, they'll have faster iPhones, or iPhones with more storage, or maybe even something approaching a netpad eventually... but I think the apps define the user experience.

[quinney]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Maybe I am crazy, but does anyone else find the use of the word "pro" interesting? Maybe this indicates the bifurcation of the iPhone line to include an iPhone and a MacPhone Pro.
On second thought, no, I'm not crazy. There is no other way to read this.

Even if you are right (first thought) or right (second thought),
you could still be crazy or not crazy
or vice versa

[WestByfleet]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Maybe I am crazy, but does anyone else find the use of the word "pro" interesting? Maybe this indicates the bifurcation of the iPhone line to include an iPhone and a MacPhone Pro.
On second thought, no, I'm not crazy. There is no other way to read this.

Perhaps we are being too suspicious here. In the marketing world Pro is often used as an abbreviation for Promotion to launch a new product. My feeling is that the Pro in Summer Product Pro simply indicates a promotional launch of the new iPhone, nothing to do with brand extension. Also it is too early in the iPhone's lifecycle to be complicating the portfolio. So we should not expect to see an iPhone Pro next month, just a world-beating new iPhone, pure and simple.

[nvidia2008]

Basically these are additional part-time promoters, for what I presume/ predict, is the iPhone 3G, with AT&T 3G rollout.

The delay is probably this: end of May/ start of June, Apple completes and rolls-out 3G iPhone. Remember, AT&T may not want to do their massive push of 3G around the time of the 3G iPhone announcement.

Everybody is waiting for the announcement, the thing is that AT&T will need time to test, etc.

The WWDC iPhone platform must be this: SDK, 3G, some roadmap eg. CPU/GPU/advances, and some "WiMax-esque" bubbling.

[nvidia2008]

Originally Posted by WestByfleet

Perhaps we are being too suspicious here. In the marketing world Pro is often used as an abbreviation for Promotion to launch a new product. My feeling is that the Pro in Summer Product Pro simply indicates a promotional launch of the new iPhone, nothing to do with brand extension. Also it is too early in the iPhone's lifecycle to be complicating the portfolio. So we should not expect to see an iPhone Pro next month, just a world-beating new iPhone, pure and simple.

Sounds good

[city]

The AT&T hiring is for the new RIM Blackberry.

[Ferazel]

Worst kept secret ever! They might as well give us pricing and allow us to pre-order the thing. I think even the bums on the street know a 3G is coming June 9th now.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by quinney

Even if you are right (first thought) or right (second thought),
you could still be crazy or not crazy
or vice versa

Hard to argue with that!

[NOFEER]

Originally Posted by city

The AT&T hiring is for the new RIM Blackberry.

that's been delayed.

[Hutcho]

Originally Posted by Ferazel

Worst kept secret ever! They might as well give us pricing and allow us to pre-order the thing. I think even the bums on the street know a 3G is coming June 9th now.

I reckon it's the best kept secret ever. Nothing official has been said about it, no pictures or specific details or anything. Quite frankly, they could not release a 3G iPhone, and everyone would look the fool for all this speculation.

You feel it's a sure thing, but EVERYTHING up until this point is pure rumour and hersay. The secret has been incredibly well kept.

[PG4G]

There's one problem with that:

All the carrier's announcements. Carriers that are 3G only have announced (quite publically) that they will be selling iPhone, including various well-supported announcements by Vodafone and Optus. Some of the carriers clearly said "later this year" and that means 3G must arrive this year.

Considering Mr. Jobs penchant for yearly releases of hand-held devices, and the collision of several major factors, not least of these the AT&T 3G announcement and these memos, it points to this as being most likely.

This would have been well kept if all the carriers kept their mouths shut about everything. Steve is either A) trying to create massive hype or B) VERY ANGRY at the Telcos. Probably varies between different telcos.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by Ferazel

Worst kept secret ever! They might as well give us pricing and allow us to pre-order the thing. I think even the bums on the street know a 3G is coming June 9th now.

Hey, whatever happened to the line of thought: "The iPhone can't be coming out because they would have to file with the FCC and then word would get out."

This line of thought was popular two months ago when some speculated a surprise iPhone update earlier than expected. Now, however, when everyone KNOWS that the iPhone is coming I don't hear it anymore...

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by PG4G

This would have been well kept if all the carriers kept their mouths shut about everything. Steve is either A) trying to create massive hype or B) VERY ANGRY at the Telcos. Probably varies between different telcos.

From what we've seen from Steve he's probably planned this to create hype and he's angry at teh telcos.

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Hey, whatever happened to the line of thought: "The iPhone can't be coming out because they would have to file with the FCC and then word would get out."

This line of thought was popular two months ago when some speculated a surprise iPhone update earlier than expected. Now, however, when everyone KNOWS that the iPhone is coming I don't hear it anymore...

In recent months it seems to have become canon that the FCC only publicly releases approvals. The independent testing by certified organizations, the submission and review by the FCC are clandestine. It also appears that a company can have the FCC postpone the approval date to coincide with the launch date.

(This is just speculation based on available data, if someone has more then please post. Eitehr way, we'll know more after it is publicly released as all the dates will be clearly known.)

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by solipsism

In recent months it seems to have become canon that the FCC only publicly releases approvals. The independent testing by certified organizations, the submission and review by the FCC are clandestine. It also appears that a company can have the FCC postpone the approval date to coincide with the launch date.

Yes, I believe this to be the case as well. And there were several (probably including you) who posted to this effect months ago. But that didn't seem to bother those who decided the FCC would broadcast everything months in advance...

[PG4G]

Apple actually found that they could get the FCC to shut up for a certain time on the original iPhone, until proposed by Jobs that the info got released. At that, not all of it was, some is still kept confidential.

Apple was covering its bases with the first release, as the FCC has the right to turn Apple down on that. They didn't, so it seems Apple is willing to play ball with them I suggest.

[solipsism]

duplicate post

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by PG4G

Apple actually found that they could get the FCC to shut up for a certain time on the original iPhone, until proposed by Jobs that the info got released. At that, not all of it was, some is still kept confidential.

Apple was covering its bases with the first release, as the FCC has the right to turn Apple down on that. They didn't, so it seems Apple is willing to play ball with them I suggest.

When Jobs first announced the iPhone in January 2007 he stated that they wanted to announce it before the FCC. That does have a grain of truth to it, but I believe the real reason for the 6 month advance notice was to give those under contract a heads up about the forthcoming iPhone.


Sunday Morning Research:
I'm surprised the information below was divulged a year ago. I had assumed that the the FCC badge number is only given when the FCC approves a device, but if you look at the 08-MAR-2007 cover letter submission and he earlier Cetecom testing the FCC ID is listed as early as 06-FEB-2007. That is more than a month before Apple field for the FCC submission and the less than a month after the iPhone reveal at MacWorld.

Time Line:
• 09-JAN-2007 — Jobs announces iPhone at MacWorld
• 25-JAN-2007 — Cetecom begins testing iPhone's RF
• 29-JAN-2007 — Cetecom starts RF tests
• 05-FEB-2007 — Cetecom finishes testing iPhone's RF
• 06-FEB-2007 — Cetecom creates report of RF testing
• 06-FEB-2007 — Earliest report date showing FCC ID BCGA1203
• 08-MAR-2007 — Apple submits application to FCC
• 09-MAR-2007 — FCC receives Apple's application
• 18-APR-2007 — Cetecom starts RF retests*
• 19-APR-2007 — Cetecom finishes RF retests*
• 19-APR-2007 — Cetecom creates 2nd report of RF testing

* I suspect that the FCC requested retesting of the original 29-JAN-2007 tests. Perhaps this is common; I have no idea. This does account for the discrepancy between the FCC submission date and and the later dates in the submitted forms if we assume that the FCC replaces the original documents with the new, updated documents but doesn't alter the original submission dates.

[PG4G]

Yeah, I am just suggesting that Apple didn't want to risk it with the first time (a government agency has the right to blab if they want to!) so he made sure he announced before the FCC.

But I also agree that it was for contract reasons, as well. It is a very good point. That makes two reasons why Apple wouldn't announce like last time. 1. No similar contract issue, at least in the states, and 2. The FCC is willing to play ball with Apple now, that has been shown.

The FCC held quite a bit of detail back under Apples request - we didn't find out publically a LOT of stuff that you find out about other products, and the FCC's report noted there was information "kept private" at "the request of Apple".

[RonAnnArbor]

Originally Posted by city

The AT&T hiring is for the new RIM Blackberry.

Most likely, the hiring is for both the Blackberry Bold as well as the iPhone refresh...

I can't tell you the number of people in my office who would never get an iPhone, but would wait in line for hours for a 3G blackberry

It looks like the Blackberry Bold is still online for a June release, and the only real possibility for a Telcom is ATT.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Just trying to follow Apple's naming protocal. It seems that the "i" has been reserved for the consumer (not pro) version.
Y'know, iMac Vs. MacPro.
Of course this logic took a hit when they rechristened the iBook line as MacBook, but I don't expect them to drop iPhone all together after all the trouble they went through to get it--besides it seems to have achieved some level of name recognition over the past year or two...

Given that they say that the iPhone runs "OS X" and not "Mac OS X", I doubt there would be a "Mac" in the name, consumer or pro, all their computers run "Mac OS X".

Anyway, do we really know whether or not AT&T, Cingular or its predecessor companies, have a track record of calling in mid-summer help? I think it's entirely possible that they've done it often but none of us nor the Mac blogs like this would have noticed because Cingular really wasn't really watched by Mac blogs before the iPhone.

[PG4G]

First: Good point

Second: good question

[Bageljoey]

First: Irrelevant

Second: No fun to consider

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

First: Irrelevant

Apple seems to be very particular about its naming, making it very relevant as to whether an Apple phone has "Mac" in its name. As such, it shouldn't be waved off as irrelevant.

The same goes with:

Second: No fun to consider

An unwillingness to consider the possible truth in something just because you don't want to be true is not a good thing. It's called denial.