"The author suggests it might be a requirement buy carriers, but again that would affect more than just one manufacturer."
It would only if the other manufacturers caved in to carrier demands. If this is true, more might well do so shortly, but it kind of makes sense -- Samsung is likely looking for every angle to gain share over the iPhone. One could imagine that a sweet deal with carriers could gain them more promotions, greater subsidies (yielding cheaper phones), etc. etc.
It would only if the other manufacturers caved in to carrier demands. If this is true, more might well do so shortly, but it kind of makes sense -- Samsung is likely looking for every angle to gain share over the iPhone. One could imagine that a sweet deal with carriers could gain them more promotions, greater subsidies (yielding cheaper phones), etc. etc.
But, yes, you're right, it's all speculation.