According to an article over on theiphoneblog the US Senate is looking into mobile phone exclusivity deals such as the one between AT&T and Apple for the iPhone.

The US Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is looking into how these exclusivity deals balance with technology innovation, consumer competition, business freedoms, and any effect of the smaller rural carriers.

In response to the US Senate’s inquiries, Paul Roth, retail sales and services president for AT&T asserts that exclusivity provided lower costs, more choice and innovation. This exchange follows the committee sending a joint letter to the FCC.