Absolutely. Device portability would add real competition to the market, but in reality, AT&T would never agree to that because their whole rationale for the merger is to reduce competition (per the leaked memo).
Verizon would also take major issue with this and most likely not allow any such AT&T devices on their network... and if VZW did certify a device, they would only permit the most crippled hardware from AT&T on their network.
True competition between the two telco giants is an exciting proposition though, hopefully this is eventually accomplished. Just look at what it did to the long-distance market: http://video.wttw.com/video/1949293907/ (this is a PBS documentary on MCI breaking up AT&T premiering this weekend--good timing!)
Verizon would also take major issue with this and most likely not allow any such AT&T devices on their network... and if VZW did certify a device, they would only permit the most crippled hardware from AT&T on their network.
True competition between the two telco giants is an exciting proposition though, hopefully this is eventually accomplished. Just look at what it did to the long-distance market: http://video.wttw.com/video/1949293907/ (this is a PBS documentary on MCI breaking up AT&T premiering this weekend--good timing!)