AT&T vigorously denies a report that store managers are being told to keep customers away from the iPhone.
"The idea that we would steer any customer away from a particular device couldn't be more farfetched," AT&T told BGR. "Our reps do what it takes to align customer needs with the best device for them. iPhone remains one of our most popular devices, which doesn't happen by steering people away from it."
Three sources, though, told BGR that regional sales managers have instructed store managers to direct customers who are in the market for a smartphone toward Android devices or Windows Phone devices like the Nokia Lumia 900.
The iPhone has proven to be a smash hit at AT&T since it started selling Apple's smartphone in 2007. AT&T activated 3.7 million iPhones in the second quarter. Analysts have said the iPhone is a bit of a catch-22 because it hurts wireless carriers' margins since it is so heavily subsidized.
One source told BGR that the iPhone used to account for as much as 80 percent of smartphone sales at stores in his area but has fallen to between 50 percent and 60 percent since regional mangers instructed stores to market other smartphones.
AT&T, the second-largest U.S. wireless carrier, asserts it wants its representatives to be familiar with all its wireless products.
"Our reps are encouraged to try all devices so they are more knowledgeable on our industry-leading smartphone lineup," AT&T said in the emailed statement to BGR.
