AT&T hates its customers

Today from CrunchGear:

"Want an iPhone 3G S? Already have an iPhone 3G? Be prepared to pay $700 to upgrade"

Apple said today that the iPhone 3G S costs $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB). But that’s the price only for new AT&T customers. The price if you’re already an AT&T customer and/or are upgrading from an iPhone 3G? Try $699 (32GB), $599 (16GB), and $499 (8GB).

From AT&T:

An iPhone 3G customer in most cases can early upgrade at $399 [16GB] or $499 [32GB].

I've said ever since the 3G debuted last year that AT&T has probably the shittiest treatment for its existing customers of any company I've ever seen, with the possible exception of Sprint. Their philosophy seems to be, "we've already got their money and they're locked into contracts. Let's bend them over at every opportunity we can and focus only on new customers."

My thinking is that if AT&T would just take care of their customers and treat them well, they wouldn't be tempted to switch phone carriers every couple of years. Then even if Verizon or Sprint do get the iPhone in a year or so, they won't have to worry as much because they will have built up some loyalty. Treat your existing customers right and you'll have customers for life.