Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) hasn’t always been the biggest fan of its current exclusive partner in the 
US, AT&T (NYSE:T), but it is remaining loyal to fast-approaching end. When asked today why Apple has stuck with the exclusive-carrier route given the heap of complaints AT&T has received about its 3G network performance, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook dodged the question, but jumped to the carrier’s defense, calling AT&T a great partner and one that Apple had worked with well before it announced the first iPhone.
“It’s important to remember they had more mobile broadband usage than any other carrier in the world,” Cook told investors on Apple’s earnings call. “In the vast majority of locations, we think iPhone customers are having a great experience, our research has shown. As you know, AT&T has acknowledged they have some issues in some cities, and they have detailed plans to address these. We’ve reviewed these plans, and have confidence they’ll make significant progress.”
That exclusive carrier agreement with AT&T, however, might come to an end as soon as Wednesday, when Apple is scheduled to unveil a new product and is rumored to be announcing an iPhone for Verizon Wireless as well. Cook remained tight lipped about Wednesday’s press conference, although in a prepared statement CEO Steve Jobs called the new products Apple is planning to release this year “very strong, starting this week with a major new product that we’re really excited about.”
Apple sold more than 8.7 million iPhones in its first quarter, a 100% increase year-on-year and an all-time high for the company. Apple also added 17 new carriers across the globe, bringing its distribution across 86 countries. Overall, Apple’s Q1 profit increased 50% to $3.38 billion with revenue of $15.68 billion.