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The wireless industry doesn't look very blown up to me; in fact, the iPhone appears to be a step back since it is only available on one carrier, while most other phones are non-exclusive.

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Yes: as consumers, we're still captive to the wireless carriers. The difference is that now we're captive to the wireless carriers on Apple's terms. That change might seem insignificant for consumers. ("Le Roi est mort. Vive le Roi!")

But the article isn't (directly) about consumers; it's about the power relationship between wireless carriers and device manufacturers. The wireless industry is "blown up" in the sense that it lost a power struggle with the manufacturers.

Remember: five years of exclusivity is virtually the only thing Apple had to offer Cingular. (Plus a tiny slice of phone and music sales, but that's not huge.) Contrary to the old system, Apple retained full control over the development and marketing of the iPhone.

it's only on one carrier now, because this is apple's first foray into the wireless world. but the repercussions are already being felt. after its initial success in the u.s., all the carriers in europe fell all over themselves trying to get the iphone. when at&t's exclusive deal is up in five years, it will be a very different ballgame.

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