So, how is it that one cannot provide an internet browser automatically loaded on your operating system, despite the fact that the operating system can handle other browsers, and despite the fact that the pre-loaded browser is also freely available, as that would constitute anti-competitive behavior...but it's ok to exclusively offer the iPhone along with a service contract through a particular cell phone provider?

'Cause it's Apple, duh.

It happens all the time in the cell phone wars. Verizon(or T-mobile) had the chance two years ago to lock up the iPhone and they passed on it. It's the same thing with the RZR at first, then other cell providers slowly got ahold of it to sell.

Basically you have the option of using any cell phone you want to, just sometimes you have to go with a certain provider to get said cell phone. With Microsoft they have such a monopoly on the OS market everybody is after them. You could get a Mac and have a great computer, but limited software options. Or Linux which is not the most user friendly OS to use if you arn't that proficent.