AT&T has stopped selling iPhone in NYC because it can't handle the traffic? (Update: Fraudulent activity)

Update 2: just heard from AT&T.  They said:
Thanks for reaching out.  Here’s our statement this evening:

“We periodically modify our promotions and distribution channels.”

WTF!

Update: We’re hearing that they aren’t shipping online orders to NYC because of widespread fraud in the NYC area.  If so, these fraudsters aren’t going to be able to foil this sophisticated fraud prevention tactic by ordering to another ZIP code.

Thanks Dan B.

According to a Consumerist report, AT&T has stopped selling the iPhone online to Zip codes in the New York City Metro area.  We’ve confirmed that we cannot get an iPhone online from AT&T’s online store with our NYC and Westchester Zip codes. Is New York not ready for the iPhone?

A Consumerist reader reported:

I was on the AT&T Wireless website trying to get an iPhone. However, when I put in my zip code 11231, the site says the iPhone is unavailable. This seemed a little odd so I started punching in other famous zip codes: 90210, 60609 (spiegel catalog), 02134 (zoom, an old children’s show).For theses cities, LA, Chicago, Boston, iPhone is available. Then I looked up some other zip codes: Dallas, Miami, St. Louis, Philadelphia, San Francisco. All those cities are ok. Then I started putting in more NYC zip codes: midtown, Staten Island, the Bronx…no iPhone available.

This is weird…AT&T has cut off New York City.

They even contacted AT&T support to verify the problem:

Daphne: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?

Laura: Hi, I was looking at the iPhone 3Gs and the system tells me that I cannot order one in my ZIP code. My zip code is 11231. (Brooklyn, NY) Is this true? Are iPhones no longer available in New York City?

Daphne: I am happy to be helping you today . Yes, this is correct the phone is not offered to you because New York is not ready for the iPhone. Daphne: You don’t have enough towers to handle the phone.

Laura: Thank you for your help. So the phone is not available to people anywhere in the city?

Daphne: Yes this is correct Laura. 

Is it true? Is New York not ready for the iPhone?  We’re hoping to get some clarification from AT&T ASAP.  

Update: We’re hearing that they aren’t shipping online orders to NYC because of widespread fraud in the NYC area.  If so, these fraudsters aren’t going to be able to foil this sophisticated fraud prevention tactic by ordering to another ZIP code.

Thanks Dan B.

Thanks Mark!