Whether you're excited about this week's launch of the Apple tablet or find the press coverage a bit, uh, excessive -- there's one question we should finally see answered this week: whether Apple will extend AT&T's exclusive distribution of the iPhone. Given the miserable 2009 had by AT&T and their much maligned 3G network, all indications have pointed to the agreement being dissolved, and the iPhone finally making its way on to other carriers. The usual, vague blog rumors are heating up, with Hot Hardware claiming they've spoken to a source that says the exclusive deal is dead:AT&T already more than made their bones off of the agreement in the form of lower customer churn and huge subscriber numbers. AT&T has long argued that it's the quality of the network, not long-term contracts, ETFs and the iPhone that's responsible for customer loyalty. It looks like we'll soon get to see that belief put to the test. We'll also get to see if Verizon's EVDO network fares any better in the face of a flood of iPhone users eager for the promise of a more reliable experience.

As for the Apple tablet, early indications are that the device will operate across multiple carriers, though of course you'll certainly hear more when the device is launched this Wednesday.