iPhone Helps AT&T Lead U.S. Smartphone MarketiPhone Helps AT&T Lead U.S. Smartphone Market

Thanks to the success of Apple's iPhone 3G, AT&T has become the leading U.S. provider of smartphones, according to research from ComScore.

The report found that twice as many smartphone users have chosen AT&T over rivals like Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile, and the iPhone has been a catalyst for that. The touch-screen smartphone has been a hit since its release about two years ago, and AT&T is reportedly looking to extend its exclusive deal to maintain that momentum.

But it's not just the iPhone that's leading smartphone users to AT&T, as it has arguably the best lineup of devices. For the mobile professional on the go, the carrier offers full-QWERTY messaging handsets like the BlackBerry Bold, Nokia E71x, and the Samsung Epix. Along with the iPhone, it also offers touch-screen smartphones like the HTC Fuze and the LG Incite.

One factor to AT&T getting a plethora of smartphones is that it is a GSM provider that operates its 3G network in relatively standardized bands. By contrast, T-Mobile is also a GSM provider, but its 3G operates in a spectrum that isn't used by many around the world, which means manufacturers have to make significant changes to get it on T-Mobile's data network.

"AT&T made a big push to be the mobile broadband and smartphone leader many years ago, and it's clearly paying off in a big way for us and our customers," said David Christopher, chief market officer for AT&T Mobility, in a statement. "We've taken integrated devices mainstream, and nearly a third of our postpaid customer use one. Our industry-leading 3G and Wi-Fi networks make mobile data accessible to everyone -- from road warriors with advanced smartphones to texting teens with quick messaging phones."

Smartphones are becoming an increasingly important component for carriers because the users generate more revenue on average than regular cell phone users. T-Mobile appears to be looking toward Android for its high-end handsets, and Sprint is relying on the upcoming Palm Pre to draw smartphone users. Verizon has the BlackBerry Storm as its flagship smartphone, but it's rumored to be in negotiations with Apple to bring an iPhone to its network.

Part of the growth in the smartphone market will be for enterprise use, and this can quickly bring up multiple questions about security and mobility policies. information analyzed how businesses can lock down data when it's on the move, and the report can be downloaded here (registration required).