AT&T is angling to keep its exclusive iPhone deal until 2011. The arrangement is set to expire this year, but the telecom giant would like to keep the blockbuster device tied to its network — and away from other wireless rivals.

According to the Wall Street Journal, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson wants Apple to stick with Ma Bell for an additional few years as the company continues to expand and strengthen its wireless network. Stephenson plans to embrace wireless service as customers’ primary telephone service — he wants customers to be able to use a cell phone in a service bundle instead of a landline, for example. Because iPhone users tend to be extensive users of AT&T’s data service, AT&T likes keeping the device around to help “future proof” their infrastructure.

AT&T has been making big investments in its networks in recent years. Since Stephenson took over two years ago, AT&T has spent $18.8 billion purchasing cell phone radio spectrum and acquiring smaller companies. AT&T has also sunk $1.3 billion into discounting the iPhone — which has helped ensure its rapid and widespread adoption. After all, the company added 4.3 iPhone subscribers in the second half of 2008, and 40% of them were first-time AT&T subscribers.

Stephenson declined to discuss his company’s deal with Apple. An Apple spokeswoman told the WSJ only that Apple “has a great relationship with AT&T.”

[Wall Street Journal article via Ars Technica]

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