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[UPDATE] And just as mysterious as the reason as to why this occurred, the online sales of the iPhone for New Yorkers has resumed. In short, New Yorkers can once again feel free to purchase an iPhone online from AT&T.

In what seems to be a pretty strange move, and one that does not yet have a clear answer as to why — AT&T has stopped online sales of the iPhone for those located in New York City.

Of course, this does not mean anyone affected cannot get an iPhone, it just means they would actually have to leave the comfort of their home and venture out to an AT&T retail, or Apple retail location.

In addition, the Apple website is still allowing for orders to New York City zip codes, which just brings the question — Hey AT&T, What’s the deal?

Initially the only response from an AT&T spokesperson has come in the form of this cryptic message.

“We periodically modify our promotions and distribution channels.”

However additional communication has revealed another possible reason, of course this also makes little sense.

And that other reason was said to be due in part of an effort to prevent fraud, which almost sounds logical except that you can still apparently purchase a refurbished iPhone online with AT&T.

Bottom line, this is a strange story, and one that seems to have lots of theories and few actual answers.

[via Consumerist and MediaMemo]