Only AT&T corporate stores to carry iPhone

A friend at a third-party AT&T/Cingular-only authorized franchise store with 15+ locations has confirmed that they will not be permitted to carry iPhone. Apparently there's a legal issue regarding the relationship between Apple, AT&T/Cingular and the corporately-owned (versus the franchised) stores. Apple is not allowing any discounts on iPhone because of anti-competitive laws. Because the franchised stores didn't want to guarantee that they won't discount, Apple is blocking them from selling iPhone. This particular authorized franchisee will have a kiosk set up to direct people to the AT&T Web site if interested. They will also be offering steep discounts on phones like the new RAZR, giving people a more cost-effective option and capitalizing on the extra foot traffic that iPhone...