Half of iPhone users swapped to AT&T; use another handset

The NY Times is reporting that almost half of iPhone users changed carriers to get the glorious device.

Nearly half of iPhone users changed carriers in order to use the device, according to a survey of 460 iPhone users by Rubicon Consulting, a technology consulting firm. The survey found that the average iPhone user was paying $19 more in phone bills than before.

I’d really like to read some detailed statistics on how many people are using iPhones, unlocked, on other networks. For example, remember China Mobile reported that 400,000 of its customers were using iPhones on their network? What do you think the unlock percentage is? 20%? 30%?

It’s no bother for Apple as they’re making a turn on each device and also getting the built-in ‘I’ve got an iPhone so I’ll get a Mac’ effect — but yes, they lose out on subscriber revenues. However it’s gotta be a bit of an arse for the incumbent contracted network like AT&T/o2…

Have you seen any stats around?