They're talking about the timing, which is notable because carriers were trying to (1) mainstream mobile data use and (2) generate excitement about the possibilities of 3G, which was just rolling out in the U.S. in 2007.

"[AT&T Mobility president and CEO Ralph de la Vega] also called Apple's iPhone "a game-changer," noting that since AT&T exclusively launched the device in mid-2007, mobile data consumption has grown dramatically." https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/at-t-13-subs-own-a-3...