Rumor: An iPhone for Verizon in 2009

I would not go back to Verizon if they carried the iPhone. They are known for their shady business practices and hidden fees. I wouldn't be surprised to see them cripple the iPhone the same way they have crippled other smartphones over the years (locking down GPS and bluetooth, forcing MS Bing on their customers and removing all other search engines). CDMA is a dying technology anyway. Verizon's customer service is horrible. I was happy to finally drop them.

I am incredibly tired of blackberry! I have Verizon and I absolutely love the coverage but I want the iphone so bad! But I'm not switching to AT&T to get it. I love Verizon but please get the iphone soon! My husband and I want one so bad! We have a couple friends that have them and say they love the phone but hate AT&T service. They say its so slow and don't get service in a lot of places. And with as much as my husband travels we need phones that have as much coverage as possible! Please apple! Please make a phone for Verizon! And Verizon please get the iphone!

I am so excited to hear the news. I will be in line to make my purchase from the apple store on the first day. Just a warning from a former AT&T customer. I purchased my iphone from AT&T instead of the Apple Store, big mistake. If Verizon is offering the iphone I will go straight to the Apple Store and make my purchase. Apple supports equipment purchased from their store much faster than if you purchased it from an authorized dealer.

They chose AT&T because verizon wouldn't charge what aapl wanted them to.

personally i think that the iphone should be at verizon. i mean think of how many people switched from verizon to at&t when they came out with the iphone. i've been holding out on switching because of these rumors that its coming to verizon. i hate at&t my mom and brother has it and their service sucks. i will not switch to at&t just to get the iphone. its supposed to be coming begining of 2010 and i hope it does.

While this is not yet confirmed by apple in any press statement, an apple accounting exec told me last night that it should be happening sometime in January/February 2010

Let's see, where do we begin? If you want apps, there are fewer choices for the BB Storm than what is actually available for an iPhone. If you want to have multiple apps on the BB Storm, forget it; the memory limitation will prohibit you from having downloaded more than just a handful. It will ask you to remove others that you haven't used before downloading any new apps. I had multiple pages of apps on the original iPhone. I even bought the extra 16GB memory card for the BB Storm. Because of it freezing up all the time, I have to remove the battery at least twice a day if not more often. The QuickPull application used to work as a pretend removal of the battery; however, since the new OS 5.0 the QuickPull app no longer works. Now you have to buy a new application to have this same functionality. The battery charge is less than a day on a full battery charge starting in the morning. And on the original or newer iPhones, there is no removing of the battery. Forget using Wi-Fi, the BB Storm doesn't have this capability while the original iPhone had it upon launch. Forget the new release of their OS 5.0; it only had more glitches than actual solutions. It is kind of funny how they are trying to mimic the iPhone "Flick" touch and feel of scrolling on the screen. Why get a mimic when you can get the real deal with the iPhone. I'm about to head to the Verizon Wireless retail store for my third replacement (4th BB Storm) because of the new operating system problems. Save yourself grief, headaches, time and money… go buy an iPhone 3 GS (or any other real SMART-Phone out on the market today). That is what I am going to do when my contract expires. Actually, I'm considering paying the $145 service contract break and porting out my number over to AT&T for the new iPhone 3 GS because it will be well worth it. All I ever hear from ANY Verizon Wireless EMPLOYEE is "my storm works fine." Well just read all the reviews from "REAL" customers and real users of the BB Storm. They even have not-so-good reviews on their own Web site, let alone the ones you can find on Google, Yahoo, or Bing. These are not what I would call a smart phone and the BB Storm does not live up to the hype… and forget about the new BB Storm 2… you will only be another test case for them. I am not even going to go down that route. Three bad BB Storm units have turned me off to BlackBerry and Verizon Wireless all together. As a customer, I don't want to hear "I'm sorry." I want to see results and something that really does work. I have spent more countless hours inside the Verizon Wireless retail store and on the phone with the Verizon Wireless customer service and tech support, and with the transfers over to the BlackBerry tech support than imaginable, nor necessary. The only time I ever had to speak with Apple about my original iPhone was to Activate the unit and to discontinue my service for the BB Storm. The only other time I was in the retail store for my iPhone was to purchase new accessories. The Verizon Wireless retail store reps actually now knew me by name and cringe when I go into the store with a new problem. By the way, Verizon Wireless or BlackBerry does not help customers with third party applications. So you are on your own when it comes to any problems you may experience with those. Who cares if Verizon Wireless has the LARGEST 3G network? If the BB Storm doesn't work and is not user friendly, IT DOESN'T MATTER! If you are a Mac user, forget any real assistance from any Verizon Wireless Employee. It took them months to come out with a platform to sync the BB Storm with a Mac. There were awful third party applications, which they could not help you with. And now their Mac application for syncing is not all that good. I don't even download music or photos or videos because it will only cause it to freeze up when using the BB Storm. It is sad when the original iPhone is far superior to the BB Storm. Yikes! Stay away and head for the hills. If you buy it after reading this post, don't say you were not warned. As for the good reviews on the Verizon Wireless Web site, I really suspect that they are ALL (if not mostly) Verizon Wireless Employees. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't take down this post within 24 hours. I purposely did not use any profanity or inappropriate verbiage. Let's see what happens to this post. And if you were wondering why on earth I went from the original iPhone to the BB Storm… Verizon Wireless sucked us in with the special offer of a BOGO – buy one get one free. I guess, we got what we paid for. It was free and we paid zero dollars… that is about what the BB Storm is worth $0.00. When I port out, I will video the demise and destruction of my last BB Storm and place it on to YouTube for all to see what these awful devices really deserve. Let's see then what the public feels about the BB Storm and Verizon Wireless. It is funny to hear the Verizon Wireless Employees talk down and speak negatively about any iPhone, yet Verizon is trying to get a contract deal with APPLE for an iPhone product for their stores and online sales. This has been their method operandi for several months; on one hand they are telling customers that iPhones cannot compare to the BB Storm and yet on the other hand they are talking with APPLE about an iPhone contract. Think about that the next time they are trying to sell the benefits of their BlackBerries to you. Hypocritical. There are no redeeming qualities with the BlackBerry Storm and nothing unique with the Verizon Wireless Network… NOTHING.

After reading a bunch of these comments, one thing should be noted. Many of the comments refer to Verizon's phones "sucking." It isn't the phones. It is what Verizon does to the phones that makes them suck.

Verizon's business model is clear, give the phones away, charge big bucks for everything else. Verizon has the most inexpensive phones, but the most expensive pricing and the most ridiculous charges for every little thing you do. Their desire to charge constantly for everything is what leads them to use the software they do on these phones and limit things like connectivity between their phones and other devices (like your own PC).

If you can't get games, music, or ringtones to your phone from your PC from a 3rd party, then you HAVE to buy them from Verizon. And this is a situation that Verizon has purposely created, but does not exist with other carriers. Their phones have the ability to connect, Verizon just makes sure that their software cripples the phone. THAT is why Verizon really sucks (And their advertising for DROID is the most duplicitous piece of trash ever conceived. It borders on false advertising. THE most subserviant cell phone ever? Not with Verizon's crippleware on it.).

As far as coverage goes, AT&T's coverage is not all that different from Verizon's. Verizon probably has a little better quality of connection and better customer service overall. However, if Verizon thinks for one second that they will be able to cripple the iPhone and take over the pricing or access to iTunes Store music or apps, they might as well just stop negotiating now because it will never happen unless they pay Apple some royalty on the back end. Even then, I can't see Apple letting Verizon ruin its product, especially if this is going to be the model by which Apple sells itself and the iPhone to other carriers.

i have only had verizon for a short time (about 1 in a half yrs) and i have never had anything better.. yes it is very expensive but i will pay their price for the excellent service they have. I talked to a verizon store just the other day and they said in 2010 the iphone will be with them. so look sharp everyone, its coming. I have the blackberry storm and i absolutely hated it at first, but now they have a software update for it and i love it to death now. i actually like it better than the iphone in some ways. but yes i agree, verizon is the best and they need to have access to the most talked about phone.

ok i have verizon and i love it iv got hardly any dropped calls and service everywhere the phones tho dont even compete with the iphone i was gonna swtch to att but i dont have an actual credit score and they want a 500 dollar down payment when verizon only wanted 125 dollars so i obviously went with verizon i want an iphone badly and want it to come to verizon but verizons web browser does suck badly which is one of the reasons i wanted to switch besides the awesome app store and itunes but will someone tell me if verizon is getting it or not and either way im sticking with verizon all the way they have cut me great deals free stuff and the plans are just about the same as att with the iphone when you add up the texting and minutes and data plans but any way someone tell me whats going on??

I too want an Iphone and do not have one because I have been a verizon customer for a long time. I used to be AT&T. Verizon is superior and I would like to stay but if they don't get the iphone I will be switching services in the near future. My husband and I are not getting new phone upgrades at this time and letting our verizon contracts expire. Right now Apple has lost selling phones to me so in the future either iphone or verizon will be the loser here. I hope they both get some smarts and I can have an iphone and verizon too!

they better get this sometime soon… cause my parents will only get me it with verizon

Verizon cant hurry up and get it. ATT has an exclusive contract with apple until 2010. You will be seeing the iPhone at Verizon during that year.

I have been a Verizon customer sine they started. I love their services but I want the iPhone. If they don't hurry up and get it, they will loosed a lot more customers and that's including me.

With the new Iphone from verizon, does anyone know if the data and voice can be used simultanously?

ex ped: There is no iPhone from Verizon.

I have been a Verizon customer for a couple of years now and love the customer service and the network. I use the Blackberry Storm and that phone sucks. I was hoping it would give me a Iphone type phone. I am not happy with the idea of switching to ATT I had them for home and internet service and there is no service. So listen Verizon.

I'm not sure what is meant by "Apple giving Verizon the iPhone". I'd think they would if they could. My concern is that Verizon could place silly requirements/limitations in a contract that could 'water-down' the capabilities of the Verizon version of an iPhone. I'd hope Apple WOULD say "you either support Apple's current iPhone full capabilities or its no deal".

There may be good news, however, for those wanting a Verizon iPhone and those currently with iPhone AT&T. According to the following article:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/att-verizon-plow-billions-into-mobile-2009-09-18

both companies are pumping billions into their networks, despite the economy. This could seem that AT&T is attempting to improve their yucky network/coverage in order to retain iPhone customers and that Verizon may be trying to boost theirs in order to gain future iPhone customers when the AT&T contract ends in December.

I believe apple would make a wise choice giving verizon the iphone. They would make twice the amount of money than they do now. Im not only saying this because I have a contract with verizon and would like the iphone for my next phone but apple has created an amazing invention. Apple deserves to make decisions on their own even though they are very close with at&t. If apple decides to bring the iphone to verizon I am very aware at&t will drop in sales but what companies haven't been perfect due to sales decisions. Apple is on a long road headed to success no matter what decisions they decide to make.

I recently switched carriers from Alltel/Verizon to AT&T and believe it was not a set back regarding service. I have no problem with AT&T at all. Surprisingly enough, I have had BAD reception with Verizon but not with my new provider. Yes, I have an iPhone now but I did not choose to switch because of it. I solely switched due to the customer service and basically reception purposes.

Although I want the iphone so badly, I am a loyal Verizon customer and would never switch to AT&T just to get a phone with bad service. The way I see it is, Apple will eventually see that making a reasonable deal with VZW is the best thing that they can do for their company. I also would like to add that Verizon was Apple's first choice to make the deal with, but Verizon rejected the contract. Goes to show that they are very dedicated to all of their customers and wouldn't put them second just to sell a phone!

I Agree!! Verizon service and their coverage everywhere is astounding! The only thing Verizon now needs is the IPhone. I have heard of many customers who have switched over to AT&T, regardless of how bad the service they get, just to get the IPhone. If Apple and Verizon made a deal to get the IPhone set up for Verizon both of their profits would be astronomical.

I have been a Verizon customer for over ten years. I have always hated their phones. I thought when I go the Storm the day it came out I would finally be satisfied. I was sadly mistaken and have continued to be disappointed ever since. I decided to try AT&T for a few weeks to see if I could handle the service and got an iPhone. I could not believe how nice the phone was, really the perfect phone (minus MS Excel and PP). I HATE with a passion AT&T's customer service and how many dropped calls I got. I decided to stick with verizon after I got word they may be gaining the iPhone. If Verizon thinks they are going to put stupid VCAST on it they can forget about getting all those "New customer" and "Exsisting customer" contracts. I will rough it out with AT&T to have the iPhone the exact way it is with AT&T.
Verizon needs to listen to their customers because there are so many people researching Verizon/iPhone..and the wait is on for it to come through, They will lose many customers that are patiently waiting as loyal customers for the iPhone to be how it is now.

I am a Verizon customer, yes I like the service and espcially the customer service I recieve HOWEVER, I WANT A iPHONE. If Verizon does get the deal on the iphone, I will switch to ATT just to get the phone. LISTEN UP VERIZON, your customers are talking to you.

I love Verizon Wireless because they have the best network and I love the customer service. I hated AT&T because of the customer service. The are pretty much the same, price wise. The iphone is the only reason why AT&T is keeping up with Verizon. I wonder what they are going to do when Verizon gets the iphone….because THEY ARE getting the iphone next year.

In reference to the blackberry storm, I hated it, that is, UNTIL i got the software update done a few months ago. Now I love it. No more problems for me.

Apple and AT&T Mobility currently have an exclusivity contract which stipulates that the iPhone won't be sold to any other USA wireless carrier until the contract expires (currently, the expiration date is Dec 31 2009.) Verizon definitely won't be getting the iphone any sooner than then.

The exclusivity deal that AT&T has with Apple is for the iPhone. if Apple and Verizon get together the phone that Apple uses with Verizon does not have to be the iphone, they can make a brand new and different phone that can work with Verizon.

So is the Verizon phone coming with iPhone or something comparable?
I am at the end of my subscription!

Try the new LG ENV touch. It has a great customizable touch screen, a descent camera, cools apps (still a little lagging behind iphone). You don't have to use overpriced v-cast for music. Just plug the phone into your computer and load songs from your i-tunes directly to the memory card. I've only tried the iphone briefly, and this phone is pretty comparable in almost every way.

I have the Dare and when i first got it, i thought it was going to be this great phone that had all these apps and special little extra sweet things that i could entertain my life with. But since all the extra hidden fees that come with verizon my parentals were forced to disconnect internet and browsing capabilities cause it cost way to much. So now i have this swwweeet revolutionary touch screen phone, that only sends text, takes pictures, calls people, and draw little stick men… wowww so stupid. I just want the iphone with the stupid farting app and i will be happy. But once again i do not have control over which network i have so i am forced to stay with verizon lol… even though i do get great service, no phone on verizon can compare with the Iphone and its a disgrace cause people want sweetness not crap with a little sugar on top D: grrrr

Im sorry but Verizon Wireless is a joke. I had VZW and switched over to AT&T. Not because of the iPhone but because of the over priced service. So many hidden charges and "pay for this" and "pay for that". I've had all 3 generations of the iPhone. You know why? Because its a great phone. The iPhone is so easy to use and the hardware is so simple. The only complaint I have is no MMS. Now, verizon has great service but its technology doesnt compare to At&t's GSM (which will and is gettting better) technology. Now Apple chose At&t because Apple would and does have control over iTunes & its App store. (so great) Control meaning "pricing". Verizon on the otherhand like always wants to take control. If they were to land the iPhone, (dont get your hopes up) Apple would lose most control of iTunes and the App Store. Meaning they would lose tons of money. So in that aspect of iPhone on Verizon, do not get your hopes up Verizon clients. At&t Rocks! ! ! I luv my iPhone. . . Oh yeah by the way, BB Storm blows.

the iphone is availible on verizon now i know some one that just got one

ex ped: Yeah, right. Anonymous. Unsourced. Misspelled.

I was a satisfied Verizon customer till Dec, '08. I switched to AT&T just for the iPhone (after my disappointed encounter with Storm). While I am blown away by the iPhone, I am extremely unhappy with the AT&T connection. It really sucks compared to Verizon. Dropped call is just a regular feature…sometimes in between important client meetings! So as much as I love my iPhone (I really do!), I am already planning to switch to Verizon in 2010 if AT&T does not improve its connection quality. And if Verizon offers iPhone, or even something comparable, I will switch immediately to Verizon. Yeah, it is that bad.

Wow, lots of good info on this blog — Thanks everyone for sharing!

I didn't see anyone mention this, so I will share my comments. Background: Verizon service (6+ yrs), old camera phone (Samsung SCH-a990), MacBook, iPod Touch.

I love the iPod Touch on so many levels (esp bc it integrates perfectly with my MacBook) and would love to get the iPhone. Who really wants to carry around 2 devices?? I don't have a problem with switching to AT&T (though would prefer to stay with Verizon). My problem is that I moved to another state a few years ago (NJ to Houston), but kept my cell phone number. You can't use that number transfer program unless you are in the local area. I hear there are ways around it, but cumbersome (change billing address on current service provider and credit card) and I'm certainly not changing my cell phone number — who wants to communicate a new number to hundreds of contacts??

So, I'm pretty much at a stand still. I have decided to keep Verizon a little bit longer and hope that one day soon they will have an iPhone.

Someone else said this perfectly — "MONOPOLY."

I'm a IT Consultor and I help companies to consolidate cellphone under the same carrier. Normally the owners have Iphones and the best way to save money is to move everybody to At&t. I talk frequently with Verizon and T-mobile to see alternatives to mix and save more money but with 10 Iphones in 30 lines accounts they need to keep At&t with everybody.

I'm using an Iphone almost 1 or 2 years ago and Verizon showed me the BB Storm but there is no comparison point.

For business At&t has a great contact center, I get answers fast all the time.

I just want to try the Palm PRE…

The only thing Iphone is missing is Word, Excel and PP.

I bought the iPhone 3gs, 32 gb. And yes, I am a Verizon customer. For 28 days I got to try out the iPhone and compare it to my BB Storm.

My conclusion…the iPhone smokes any phone Verizon has, and I've been with Verizon before they were even called Verizon.

HOWEVER, I had to call AT&T customer service twice and both times I got transferred to the spanish collections team (even though I am an american and was speaking english). I got hung up on when the dude couldn't answer my questions.

When I took my iPhone to the apple store, everyone I spoke with ragged on AT&T's service.

Bottom line is, I returned my 3gs and remained with Verizon because I don't have to deal with idiot customer service.

My only regret is that I had to give up the iPhone because it really is a great phone, and it is true that Verizon cannot compete with that phone. But for me, customer service is very important, and I let AT&T know that because they hired imbeciles, I refuse to give them my money.

iPhone = incredible
AT&T = garbage
Verizon = Incredible customer service, but no iPhone competition

FYI – my BB Storm is a joke. That whole capacitive click screen is slow and the OS is laggy. Hopefully, the iPhone will come to Verizon.

This I can tell you… My hubby and I both have a storm and it SUCKS!!!! the "touch" screen sucks, the apps stink and the internet browsing sucks!! worst money I have spent on a phone.

If the Iphone is not available on Verizon by Christmas we will end our 6+ yr relationship with Verizon. I will have an IPhone for Christmas – with or without Verizon.

Verizon does not have "A SINGLE PHONE" that can compete with the iPhone. I dont care what you Dare and Omnia owners say. The browsers on those phones SUCK!!. The touch screen quality SUCKS!! The Apps SUCK!! V-Cast Mucic….SUCKS!!! The only thing Verizon has going for it is its coverage….but that will only last so long without good quality phones to use it on. Get it together Verizon!!! Get the iPhone and trade some control for some long term accounts. If you dont, you will find people switching as AT&T gets better coverage.

Can we say monopoly.

About "Verizonizing" the iPhone, I highly doubt that Apple would allow any changes to the appearance and pricing of iTunes and App Store. That was one of the main issues between Apple and Verizon that made them want to go with AT&T in the first place. They referred to it as "Verizon wanting more control"

Where the hell do u people live? U must have to live in the middle of the desert or something because I have AT&T with the iPhone and I always have full coverage and I always have full 3g connection so I don't know how u people don't have all ur bars because I have mine with full service about 99% of the time if not 100%

I have verizon and would love to get the iPhone. Although… I'm afraid it'd be much different than the AT&T iPhone. They'd "Verizonize" it by putting on the stupid overpriced V CAST instead of the regular music player, make the apps cost a lot more, and put in a bunch of hidden fees, so if you try to do something that is free on the AT&T version, I'd cost $10/mo. + every time you use it. And it won't stop charging you with that until you call verizon, sit though being on hold forever, then talk to someone who can barely speak English, and then get the subscription to whatever it is stopped after a good 2 hours. Sorry, but this is just like my experiences with Verizon. Why won't my family just switch already?

Verizon seriously needs to get an iPhone. I am tired of this waiting it needs to happen. The apps and vcast for verizon stinks! Its too expensive. I hate that I have to have a separate touch and cell phone.

I really want an iphone but dont want to give up my great service on Verizon. Is this gonna happen or not?

It would be awesome to be able to get the IPhone on the Verizon plan.

i would kill to have an iphone, and many of my friends would also, but we are all with verizon, because it is more reliable. for now i dream of the day verizon gets the iphone…and apple would benefit alot…more customers are already with verizon

Let's step it up people. Super tired of having to be stuck in a child's parent battle between the phone you want and the service provider. I don't want to give up my Verizon account but at the same time I want a bleeding Iphone. Get it together Verizon, I'm ready to cancel my 10 years of service with you for the Iphone. Make this happen!

I have the Dare and it sucks – touch screen my )()_*))0 – it is unresponsive and a PIA. I can't wait to get an Iphone once Verizon gets ahold of it

Hey i think your right there not an Iphone for Verizon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I want to know is what happens if 1: Verizon gets the iPhone, and 2: I get it, and decide to go overseas…. Right now the only phone that works there for Verizon is the Blackberry which I will never own. At least with AT&T you can turn on your overseas account and go…

Posted By Mike, Houston, TX : May 23, 2009 2:53 pm

**************************************

Wrong. Verizon Phones Do Work Over Seas. Not Sure Where You Heard That Bull, But All Of Verizon's Phones, or Most Of Them, Work Over Seas.

Anyway, For Those Who Cannot Wait, But Need A New Phone: The Samsung Omnia From Verizon. It's One Of The Smartphones, It's Got A Lot Of The iPhone Features, But Sadly: No Apps.

I think alot of people want iPhones for the sake that its an iphone. i know alot of people that got it just because it is such. Verizon does have some phones that have some of the same features as the iphone….. i think the Dare (which is what I have ) is the closest so get the next best thing and be happy! The grass isn't always greener on the other side…

Pouria: "Fair"? Fair is a weather condition and has no place in business. If you want an iPhone, get AT&T….

iphone needs to be available with all networks…..it is not fair to those that are locked in with other networks other than AT&T.

Verizon has the best network and coverage. Apple made a great decision doing this.

ex ped: You are jumping the gun. Apple has not done it.

Bummer, I want to make my workplace an "AT&T Free" zone.

ATT employee Charolette I LOVE U!!! Thank you for finally telling the truth. Now i know the iphone is coming to verizon!! YES!! I'm soo excited. I was so fed up with this anxioty. My mom told me i could get the iphone bcuz it's not in verizon, but the research sooo proved her wrong. Thank you sooo much i can wait to finally have a great phone and a great company…VERIZON!!!

Is this true or not

an iphone would be great for verizon, i hope it doesn't make their plans go up even higher though

Lakers suck!!!

Funny how things change in a matter of months. This whole article is wrong, though it didn't happen in January of 2009 it may be in the works for August of 20009

If apple made a flip phone with a touch screen and the iPhone os. It would still be an iPhone because of the os it's an iPhone dirivitive and that would be in breach of contract. See if verizon would have stop tryng to brand the iPhone (which if you read the iPhone user agreement you would know that that is not allowed) and put vcast on it instead of the of iTunes you would all have it now but apple wants to make money and they will not give up any chance to do that. As a side note I don't believe that phone companies should compete with phone I believe that if you buy a $700 dollar machine you should be able to bring it to whatever company you want.

couldn't apple just make a slightly different iphone and name it something else so that it doesnt screw up the exscusilvely contract with at&t so apple could have a contract with verizon or other companies?

OMG! So true! I so want an iphone on the Verizon network and would sell my surfer soul to get it! Not only am I praying for waves, Im praying that Apple and Veriozn finally offer us the iPhone! PS – Go Lakers!

Verizon ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

Again I'm going to be frank, apple will not build an iPhone for verizon because they will not give up control of there itunes and app store sales. Or does paying $0.99 for a ringtone sound like a company who loves to give up any chance at profit. The iPod touch is for those of you who want some of the benefits of an iPhone without having to switch service. Verizon will not give up vcas because, for verizon it is also very profitable. In short will not give up control over there product, iTunes or the app store. AT&T and other companies globaly have agreed to apples terms and that's why these companies have exclusivity.

Regardless of what speculation is out there regarding Verizon and the iphone, IMO, Apple needs a Verizon Iphone for two reasons. One to gain market share of their product vs Rim, and two it's a key outlet to sell more of their products to stay profitable. They have the ability to mass produce these phones now at a much lower cost then at original release. Since the phone mfgs change their models so fast, They never further develop software for their units. Apple is taking the Microsoft 360 approach of making the product new and improved through the development of software while doing only minimal hardware changes to the device itself. Apple will need support of other carriers in order to grow and increase it's sales and product line specifically in the US market.

I had an iPhone for a long time but then had to give it up because ATT was so bad where I lived. I loved the app store and was sad to see it go so what I did was:

1. Got a storm (new update today!)

2. Got an iPod Touch

The storm is not as bad as people say, it just takes some patience to get used to. The iPod touch has everything the iPhone has (if you have wifi) with the exception of ATT's horrible service.

Anyway, just a thought for people that dont get great att service.

I'm going to tell you all why verizon will not get the iPhone. The reason is quite simple apple approached verizon first with the iphone. Verizon said to them that they would take it if they were allowed to brand the phone with all of there wallpapers and other junk and control the content on the phone as well throught the vcast system vs. The iTunes system where as quite frankly we all know is a high contributor to apple's profits. If you know anything about apple and the iPhone you would know that iPhone OS is OSX LEOPARD and to let verizon brand there phone is in effect giving up all rights to OSX. besides AT&T is better there service is decent you get to keep your unused minutes and you won't be overcharged by verizon (to many hidden fees & extremely expensive servise)

Verizon is not the greatest. My gosh, I have dead spots in my house. I get reception in my family room, but not the kitchen, but then again in my dining room. They are all on the same floor right next to each other. Anyway, I too want an Iphone, but the rumor I heard is that a new version is to come out this summer so I am waiting. Could care less if Verizon every picks it up. Rumor there is that Apple gave them first dibs before AT&T and they blew it. If AT&T was smart they would pay to keep exclusivity.

me and my family had verizon FOREVER!! and me as well as other family members would love the iphone for verizon i almost switched to AT&T just to get the iphone but i dont want to go to their crappy service when i am very satisfied with verizon even though they dont have the iphone. but if verizon does pick up the iphone they will get a dramaticly huge increase in sales and more customers for sure. so plus for verizon and apple if it happens!

My boyfriend switched to AT&T for the iPhone and that has absolutely convinced me to stick with my Verizon. I don't care if I never get to see the iPhone dreams come to reality, I'll never sign up with AT&T. His service is spotty even in Los Angeles proper (we play the "do you have service?" game in the car together all the time) and my service works far out into the desert. He loves his iPhone and I really want one, but there's no way I'd trade undeniably superior coverage for a gadget. (and no, I don't work for Verizon, I've just been with them for 12 years)

I know people who have both Verizon and AT&T. In my experience when traveling and around where i live each person gets different bars, or no bars at all in different places. Certain parts of the country have higher service and other parts are lower. So neither company is better. Plus I have never had a problem with customer service when i need assistance. Friends with verizon always inform be they have stupid charges to their bill that verizon can't explain, yet with AT&T if anything is ever added to your bill they have an explanation. I do like how if you break a phone, majority of the time verizon will replace it for free whether you have insurance or not, AT&T on the other hand, that's their downfall

I am still waiting for a Verizon Iphone. If there is no announcement for a Verizon Iphone by summer then I will leave, along with the rest of my family. I have been with Verizon for over 9 years and I dont want to leave. But will if they dont get the Iphone.

A lot of people go on about how great Verizon is. But where I live its decent but AT&T has far superior coverage. I'd like to see exclusives go away more than I'd like to see the iPhone go anywhere. Also everybody just switch to GSM already. I love having several different phones and being able to swap my sim card and go. Also a good way to get out of being forced into a data plan if the carrier thinks your using a cheap phone.

I dont think that Apple realizes how much money they will lose if they dont switch to verizon . . i knwo severa people who are dying for the iphone but will not switch because at&t service is terrible. I am a verizon customer now and I love it . . i always hav service. . . they should really consider switching that phone to verizon they could get soooo much money off it.

I understand why Apple went with AT&T in the beginning of their iPhone release. It was all about network support and at that time AT&T was ahead of Verizon. I wish they hadn't signed such a long contract though. I've told Apple sales people I would go with AT&T if you gave me an iPhone!! Their customer service is the worst. I will wait as long as it takes. Apple just needs to realize how many customers they are missing out on then make their decision based on the numbers.

Verizon will never get the iphone… BOOK IT.

WE'VE HAD AT&T FOR SOME TIME AND MY GOD MY DAD IS TIRED OF IT. BUT WHEN AT&T CAME OUT WITH THAT IPHONE HE REALLY WANTED IT AND SO DO I BUT AT&T HAS HORRIBLE SERVICE. APPLE NEEDS TO GO AHEAD AND SWITCH TO VERIZON CUZ MY GOD AT&T SUX FORGET ABOUT WAITING UNTIL 2010 OR 2012 VERIZON NEEDS TO GO AHEAD AND TAKE THE OFFER. MY DADS THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING TO VERIZON ANYWAY CUZ HE CAN'T REACH ANYONE IN TEXAS CHILDRENS HOSPITAL TALK ABOUT DROPPED CALLS AND NO SIGNAL AND I DON'T WANT THAT WITH THE IPHONE THOUGH. SO PLEASE JUST SWITCH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hey, cant wait for centinneial wireless to get on board with the iphone, seems like every other carrier has it…. glad to see its being sold by everyone know. is it true iphones will actually be able to talk back to you when your having a bad day and act as a therapist… cant wait. keep it up guys.. have a great day

Recently what i have heard was that the iphone will be going to verizon at the end of the year. i heard that from my friends mom that works at at&t. about 2 weeks ago i was 10 seconds from leaving verizon to at&t for the iphone but peoples was like no dont switch because at&t doesnt get great service(more signal yeah right ).but verizon has more customers. To all the people who has verizon dont switch to at&t because when it comes to the end of this year verizon will have the iphone. right now i have the blackberry storm and i think its okay and all but im a mac addict to.trust me veizon will have more features and even more apps and more entertainment for the iphone. but right now they are talking to apple and im certain 95% apple is going to verizon and it will be a smart descion. APPLE will go off the charts with verizon in the contract. And verizon is not expensive at&t and verizon is the same price.

What I want to know is what happens if 1: Verizon gets the iPhone, and 2: I get it, and decide to go overseas…. Right now the only phone that works there for Verizon is the Blackberry which I will never own. At least with AT&T you can turn on your overseas account and go…

its funny to me how many people want the iphone to switch to verizon. I was with verizon for 10 years and felt a bit loyal to for some reason? Now with at&t due to the iphone and my girl still gives me crap for it( and I pay her verizon bill, ???) but it is great and the customer service is a+. when your conctract is up just go get an iphone. Verizon prob. wont have but crap to chose from at that time anyway.

i also like verizon a lot AT&T's phones are complete garbage compared to verizon and i'm sure verizon is by far the largest wireless network i think it would be an excellent desicion for the iphone to go to verizon, they would make soooooooooo any more sales.

Its not like ATT is a bad company but the only problem alot of people have Verizon and I personally think that Apple made a mistake going with ATT, Verizon did get the storm which I use now and they tired to advertised the Storm to compare with the iPhone. When I talked to a guy at Verizon they said they are not getting the iPhone but a phone like it from Apple. This has been ongoing for so long about the whole Verizon getting and iPhone, so who knows.

i could write for days upon days about how much i love the ip_o_ _ (d) but i won't. it's great for apps, ipoding, and watching movies. as far a using it for a phone, the AT&T IS HORRIBLE. it's a better paper weight than a phone. verizon, although the whores they are, have got my heart and wallet. service and support galore. it's a love hate relationship. but at least the "phones" do what they are supposed to do, communicate.

If GSM is going to eat verizon alive why hasn't it happened yet?? It won't happen because verizon is going to switch to their new LTE 4G network which will most likely get them the iphone and ruin AT&T

Though Verizon has excellent coverage in the US, their service abroad is poor, and the customer service is non-existant. I have opted to stay with Verizon because of Family pressure .. but have been using my ATT iphone as my second telephone for about 1 year and have been VERY happy. Service in most parts of the US is excellent, and nothing can touch the international service. Verizon needs apply pressure to open up the CDMA and remain competitive. GSM providers are going to eat Verizon alive.

I am a verizon customer. I live in the southwest and in my location it is "the best" provider of cell phone service. I am holding out getting a new phone (my contract has not been signed for 2 years!) Today I went to the verizon store and the sales person said that if I really wanted an iphone that I should wait to get a new phone . . . because iphone would likely come to verizon.

It would be awesome if Verizon got the iphone, that coupled with acquiring Alltel.. CAN we say POWERHOUSE!!!!!!!

Verizon needs the Iphone!! In alot of places in the wetern states AT&T doesnt get very good service at ALL!!!!!! IPHONE PLEASE SWITCHTO VERIZONNNNN

Iphone owner here.. I changed to at&t for the iphone which I love and wont ever own a different phone however I would prefer to go through verizon so I would be very happy for verizon to have the iphone

loyal verizon customer here wanting an iphone.

I won't go to AT&T. I'm happy w/ Verizon and wanting an iphone. I have a mac at home. iphone is superior to blackberry.

i would most definitly buy the new iphone if it were to come to verizonn. I really want an iphone, but refuse to switch to at&t.

hurry up and come out with it!! =]

So… uh… does anyone know exactly when it's gonna come out?

Look up this on the internet!http://www.youtube.com/user/jameslikecoulter

I work for a company that works closely with Verizon, and I was informed by some very high ups in Verizon that next year there will be an Iphone for Verizon. Just thought I owuld pass that along, the rumors are true and I couldn't be happier!

I heard that the iPhone will be coming to Verzion during October or November of 2009

Me and my whole family have Verizon phones, and for my brithday I asked for an Ipod touch, and my plane for my cell phone ends that following August, so inset of paying four hundred dollars for an Ipod touch and a Dare (the phone I was going to get) I thought that I could just get and Iphone. But to get an Iphone on AT&T I hear would be very expensive when my whole family has Verizon. So if anyone can help me out on how to get an Iphone without it being extreamly expensive, then please tell me. If theres nothing I can do, then I'll just get a cheaper phone when my plans end, or I wont get an Ipod touch at all and still ge the Dare. Thank you anyone for helping.

Just switch to AT&T!!! I don't have any regrets it was all worth having the iphone. I bought 4!I have to say the iphone is the best phone out there. I tried every touchcreen phone verizon had they all sucked even the new blackberry touchscreen. I was a verizon customer for 10yrs they really blew there chance. I really hope apple doesn't make a deal with them for everyone who switched to at&t. If you just turn the 3g off you don't get the dropped calls. It has not been a problem since I switched at least my bill is the same price every month with verizon it was always a surprise every month wasn't sure how much my bill was going to be and I have the same amount of minutes I had with them and all my friends and family are with verizon! Don't know how that was possible! Verizon shouldn't even have a chance to get an iphone.

I WORK FOR AT&T AND ITS TRUE THAT APPLE WITH BE TAKING ITS IPHONE TO VERIZON. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO AREN'T AWARE, APPLE FIRST OFFERED THE IPHONE TO VERIZON, BUT THEY REJECTED THE OFFER SO IT WAS THEN OFFERED TO AT&T. APPLE'S CONTRACT WITH AT&T IS UP IN 2010 AND THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY TALKS ABOUT A 4G IPHONE. ITS PRETTY MUCH A GIVEN THAT APPLE IS GOING TO VERIZON. EVERYONE WHO WORKS FOR AT&T KNOWS THAT. AS A MATTER OF FACT, SALES EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN TOLD TO STOP FOCUSING ON IPHONE SALES AND PUSH FOR MORE BLACKBERRY BOLD/SMARTPHONES (HINT HINT)

The only reason I don't switch to IPhone because AT&T Sucks I'm on location shoots all the time and when you use AT&T no signal Verizon a hole different story It works almost anywhere

Who at apple did the research on this one

I am a Verizon customer for the network as well, but that is because the network is more important to me. While IPhones are great and like the Ipod have taken off it is far more important to me that i get good service no matter my location. I also agree with http://jordancauley.wordpress.com/

In response to JR from Atlanta Georgia, while this may not be the case for all, I myself had an issue with my iphone (back when I had it – I decided to sell it as I am a college student and I didn't want to have to pay the extra money each month for data), and it only took about 5 days total to get it back. They sent me a pre-paid shipping box which came in two days after I had called, I sent it, and it was back in my hands three days after that. Apple's customer service is really unmatched to anything I have ever used (aside from an extremely long wait time on their phone lines – but note that once one does get on, talking to someone, things go very nicely).

In regards to the previous comment I totaly agree if you notice all verizon phones have the same features, why you ask because verizon thinks there customers are stupid and can't figure out how to use the cool features!!

I'm a VZ customer for the network only, and I'm switching to AT&T/iPhone when my contract is up this summer. Something tells me that even if Verizon offers an iPhone, they'll lock half the features on it and charge for every little thing like the GPS service, etc. So while it may be an iPhone, I'm betting their total package would be WAY more expensive than AT&T just to use it.

Verizon may get the iPhone next year or so, but the iPhone will have to meet some pretty high standards. If you have a Verizon phone issue right now, take it to the store and get it resolved. If you have a iPhone issue, you have to send it back to Apple and wait for perhaps weeks to get it back. Verizon has a lot higher standard for its equipment than AT&T. So hopefully the iPhone will be greatly improved if it does come to Verizon.

Verizon better take this chance to offer an IPhone or lose me as a customer once and for all. I WANT MY IPHONE and I want it soon. If AT&T is the only way to get it I'll finally cut the cord. Verizon better not screw up the software model either if they do get the IPhone.

Verizon has the test network yes, but I've hit my limit.

Whoever said that they didnt always like using a "virtual keyboard" for typing all the time, try getting that new phone from Verizon. I believe it is called the Versa? It is a touch screen phone with a sick ass detatchable keyboard..sounds weird…detatchable, but its actually pretty amazing!genious! and both keyboards feel really comfortable whenever you type…more comfortable than the iPhone, in my opinion

What's the problem this is 2009. Dec 09 I'm buying 3 iphones. Verizon how much money are you losing?

AT&T – the last "T" is for Terrible. I can always tell who's on an iPhone when a ten-minute call is dropped a minimum of fie times. The iPhone is closer to an iTouch here in the Washington, DC area.

MOVE THE iPHONE OFF AT&T AND I WILL BUY THEM FOR ALL OF MY EMPLOYEES!

hell yea i can't wait any longer the storm was a bust for verizon its time to hook up with apple and bring the ipone to there faithful customers

i love verizon for the network. The phones on the other hand are not up to par. I-phone for verizon would be amazing! I have a family plan for 5 people. I would buy 5 new iphones. I would not mind paying 400 per phone. I would get the data plan as well. This would be amazing. I hope they can get this done

i would pay $800 with a two year contract for a verizon iPhone, thats how bad i want verizon to get the iphone. their service is just the best, i've tried everyone else including att which doesnt get service in my house or my job. i have the iphone now as an ipod but i would love it to be my phone as well.

i wish they could get the iphone cause my daddy said he was going to get me one when it comes out by verizon but no i have to wait until 2010 or 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

latest and greatest.

Check out this artical about the iphone possibly coming to Verizon when LTE hits

http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/verizon-keep-wireless-stake-steady-dismisses-unlimited-plans/2009-04-16?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

Verizon customers and potential verizon customers sign this petition to support a Verizon Iphone!!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/i-would-buy-a-verizon-iphone#signatures

I am sure Verizon will disable GPS and WiFi and install their own operating system as usual. I want to see who will want such IPhone.

C'mon Verizon! My Treo is about to bite the dust.

I'm a Mac user . . but i refuse to switch to ATT.

You have the best network! Why not the best phone.

C'mon Verizon . . my treo is old and tired . . I need a new iPhone with the best apps. I'm a mac addict but refuse to switch to ATT.

I don't have an iPhone but I have been living with an iTouch iPod for about 3 months and I gotta say that I really love it. When I first got the iTouch, it made me rethink my thoughts on an iPhone.

However, after living with a virtual keyboard as my only option on a device, I'm not so sure. I do a lot of texting and emailing and I find the virtual keyboard to be a bit maddening. I have gotten far better at it but a slide out hard qwerty keyboard would be far better. If Apple really wants to compete with business phones in the current market, I don't see how else they are going to be able to do it other than come out with a slide style phone with a physical qwerty keyboard. I have heard some rumors of this so we'll see. Until then, I will probably hold off on getting iPhone.

The Touch Screen AT&T IPhone has a two year contract with AT&T. The Phone Came out July of '08. Meaning the contract will be up July of '10. My Girlfriend works for AT&T this all was in her IPhone Training. She hasn't heard any word on extending the contract or a new IPhone or anything.

i work for the corprate of verizon wireless store and it is true but there is no set date and they are still working on makeing in compatable with there network but it is a for sure thing probably another 4 months i would say

Verizon is working to have the Iphone compatable with there network. There is no set date but I did call Verizon and the lady did research and said that they are looking to do it fairly soon because the info. provided to her was recent. So just be patient and soon Verizon Wireless will have the Iphone!

i love the iphone but i have verizon. att screwed me over a couple years ago and then i switched to verizon. verizon works great in my area plus my family and friends have it to. i hope apple spreads the love of the ipohne cause i want one.

Verizon customers who would buy an iPhone pleas sign this petition! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/i-would-buy-a-verizon-iphone .

"the iphone is a KILLER phone i dislike VERIZON its prices are reduculous" …… att and verizon plans are the same price for minutes. the only diff is you can get a mms package from verizon and att charges for data each message. i work for att it is insanely hard to get people to switch even if they want an iphone bc they end up paying more. BOOYA

the current iphone is not compatible to the verizon CDMA network. Even thinking about it is stupid. Until there is a CDMA version of the Iphone, dont get your hopes up.

Well according to my calculations….iphone hasnt been a big hit at all. Peoples do not even buy that phone anymore because the ipod touch can do mostly everything.I mostly think that verizon wireless is twice the best then at&t, why because everyone complains about signal in at&t and in verizon i always have some. Verizon has more features than at&t and verizon is cheaper. All im saying is that people are actually going to verizon and getting out of at&t.if apple is smart they need to go to verizon and bring at&t down the drain. Verizon will bring more money into the business and i know at&t and verizon are head to head but in the end of this year or in 2012 apple will transfer into verizon. You might diagree with me but Verizon goes all the way

can u really buy an iphone online and bring it in to verizon and have them convert it for 25 bucks? because i have the money for it i just want to double check that its really true

ex ped: It's not true.

That is absolutely not true. Verizon does not flash or convert phones to work on their network. Go smoke another one.

"You can buy an Iphone directly from apple then bring it to verizon and they will covert it to their plan. Verizon charges like $25 or something for it but i think it is worth it."

I doubt that. What crack were you smoking?

ex ped: I also doubt it. If this were true, we would have heard about it by now.

have u talked to verizon to confirm this

r u sure about the converting thing… that would be sweet

You're kidding me! How is it that no one told me that you could Verizon would convert the iPhone for $25. Sweet deal. I'm sold.

the iphone is a KILLER phone i dislike VERIZON its prices are reduculous and when you call customer servise they dont help you or resolve the problem. the iphone was originaly for AT&T it should stay like that I LOVE AT&T

If apple does that it will kill its reputation! verison will get more sales yeah its the IPHONE but wnen their bills caome in the mail HAHA! yea customers will return it and there is going to be ALOT of REFURBISHED "verison" iphones EEH! and apple will lose money

i hope Apple doesnt do some stpid thing like that!

The iphone plan at AT&T is PERFACT its not expensive at all. verizon should stick to their retarted phones and rate plans and their horrible assistance!!!

I am so bored and fed up with all of this. I live in Rockingham County and verizon wireless is the phone company that works best in my area. But I really want an iPhone really badly though. I really want a iPhone very and really badly. My parents won't let me switch companies either. If you know the exact date let me know. I recently accidentally washed my old phone in my jeans pocket. Verizon, get a plan with Apple and get iPhone's!! You would get a whole lot more business from my district if you had iPhone's. Pretty Please?????

You can buy an Iphone directly from apple then bring it to verizon and they will covert it to their plan. Verizon charges like $25 or something for it but i think it is worth it.

I recently switched to ATT for an iPhone. The phone is nice no doubt about it.It could use video and a better camera but I'm sure thats down the road. ATT's service is slightly less dependable. But then again we've all been in a situation where a friends phone will work and yours wont so it's a give and take. My biggest issue with ATT is their international calling plan sucks! But then again at least they can explain all the charges on my bill when Verizon never could. The Palm PRE looks like it might be promising contender.

I'm one of those people who are on Verizon and want an iPhone. I bought a blackberry in DEcember and it just doesn't paly as well with my Mac's as I need it to.

During a recent conversation with a Verizon Wireless sales girl I was told that Apple came to Verizon first. Obviously, their network blows ATT out of the water. But, Verizon turned Apple down because Verizon has sunk so much of their money into their version of "itunes". If Verizon was to carry the Iphone why would people continue to use Verizon's crappy version of "itunes"? It seems as though Verizon thought it would be a lose lose situation for them. Too bad because they don't have a phone that even comes close to competing with the Iphone.

We should be able to buy an iphone and choose whatever service we want. This should not be forced on us. That is what has to change.

This might have some back to it, their is a petition or something going on by certain major companies to stop this carrier exclusive only deals (basically to make them against some law or something) So we might just see an iPhone for the Verizon network this year. I am not sure what AT&T will have to offer people at that point anymore besides the loyal fans.

I like my IPhone

-Pinky

That would be lovely. Apple needs to spread to Verizon. I know SO many people on Verizon who want an iPhone. It would bring apple SOOOOO much money.

That would be horrible. Verizon would ruin it like they have for so many fones. Gawd. The people at this stupid place should get a life and try to stop Apple from spreading its phone to a larger, more horrible place.

that wouldd be sickkkk!!!! my paycheck would be alll overr that iphonee! : )))

I live in a small town and what stinks is that where we need service we cant get it from at&t and we have alltel but verizon is taking over… and its just a big mess! But my Aunt lives in the cite and has the iPhone it is so cool i would love 1 but i cant have 1 cause at7t cant put up just like 2 or 3 mores towers for me? NO! that just stinks! I hope verizon dose get the iPhone! Cause thats all we can get! And thats all we can pay for!

I just cannot see verizon becoming an iphone carrier any time soon, despite all the rumors floating around. Because even if apple and verizon could navigate around the contract that apple already has with At&t, they would still have the contract between verizon and RIM (the makers of blackberry) to deal with. Because I think we can all agree that if verizon got the iphone, it would slaughter the sales of the storm, and I doubt RIM would be ok with that. Actually, if RIM was smart, they would have placed something in their contract that would help protect against something such as this…..

Anyway Verizon is rolling out its 4G network to major markets in 2010. Why would I want a slow 3G iPhone on a state of the art 4G network? Its all about the network baby.

verizon did what was safe for their company by turning down the iphone…at&t took that high risk and it payed off….but verizon is still killin it

THE NEW FACE OF IPHONE:

Watch the Trailer, ECHELON CONSPIRACY at http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/echelonconspiracy/

I think the new face of IPHONE is going to be that phone in the movie! IT’S COOL DUDE!

Apple actually did go to Verizon with the idea of the iPhone first, but it was Verizon's CEO who said something like, "A $600 cellphone will never succeed in the market." I guess he was wrong…

I HATE ATT THERE SERVICE SUX I WANT THE IPHONE SO BAD ,,I DONT KNOW WHY APPLE DIDNT GO WITH VERIZON IN THE FIRST PLACE THAT WAS A STUPID MOVE TO GO WITH ATT..WHO EVER MADE THAT DECEISION IS AN IDIOT AND NEED TO BE FIRED..ATT IS NOT AS ESTABLISHED AS VERIZON ,,I DRIVE 3 HOURS A DAY EVERY DAY AND I NEVER HAD A MISSED CALL WITH VERIZON….HURRY UP APPLE COME OUT THE THE IPHONE ALREADY

I love the iPhone (all my friends gave in to AT&T). But I dislike AT&T more than I like iPhone. I have already paid almost $500 to get out of AT&T contracts once. So I hang on to my iTouch until Verizon has the iPhone. PLEASE HURRY!

Rumor: Apple iPhone for $99?

By Gary Krakow

What's next for Apple and its nearly ubiquitous iPhones? How about a new model at the industry's magic selling price?

There's word that Apple (Stock Quote: AAPL) is secretly planning to launch an entry-level iPhone, one that will retail for just $99. Apple has usually announced and released its iPhones at the beginning of the summer season.

According to a research note by RBC Capital Markets, analyst Mike Abramsky said that Apple will launch the entry-level device alongside an iPhone 3G performance upgrade in June or July. He forecasts that a $99 iPhone could increase unit sales by as much as 69%. If you do the math, that could lift Apple's share of the smartphone market to as much as 19%.

According to the analysis, the $99 price point includes a $200 subsidy and would be based on a new AT&T "light" data plan (Stock Quote: T) costing around $15 per month.

But aside from the possible jump in market share, Abramsky adds that Apple would risk cannibalizing its own profits. He believes that Apple would have to sell three new $99 iPhones to replace the gross profits of one 3G iPhone. In addition to their smartphones, the new device could also affect sales of certain models of the iPod, which retail at similar price points.

To compensate for shrinking margins, Abramsky said that Apple might look to expand its distribution network, which would mean allowing more mobile operators to offer the device. Here in the U.S., Apple would have to create new versions of the iPhone that would work on T-Mobile (Stock Quote: DT), Verizon Wireless (Stock Quote: VZ) and Sprint's (Stock Quote: S) separate 3G networks.

I expect we'll also be hearing about a truckload of other new 3G smartphone designs at next week's Mobile World Congress exposition in Barcelona, Spain. Big announcements are expected from Microsoft (Stock Quote: MSFT), Garmin (Stock Quote: GRMN), Dell (Stock Quote: DELL) and a number of companies introducing new Google Android-based handsets (Stock Quote: GOOG). We'll be in Barcelona to bring you the latest news, beginning on Sunday.

ex ped: I believe it's considered bad form to paste a story into another blog without a link to the original. Here you go: click here.

I live in a small town very near our state capitol in Illinois and I had verizon for almost a yr. If I traveled 20 miles out of our town I lost coverage w/ Verizon. I went to six flags in MO and had no srvc for the whole weekend (no one had srvc w/ Verizon.) I switched to at&t and have the moto Q and have had nothin but great srvc. Yes an occassional dropped call but I went to New Orleans this past summer for a week and had srvc through the drive there and also while in NO and BR. For those of u that dont want to switch to at&t I can respect that but I think the srvc is 100% better and would not go back to Verizon if they gave me free srvc. As a side note I have F lines on our acct and have rcvd great cust srvc and and phone replacement when needed.

I live in cincinnati and i have the iphone and i love it i did have verizon and drop calls all the time here and i just could not stand it so the iphone comes out i go to at&t and love it

Let me just mention that I am a Verizon customer and ATT. A couple years ago I had everything verizon but I wanted the iphone and did not know what to do. Finally I decided to get the iphone with Att( i had previously ATT and was not very satisfied with their network). I was almost sure that I was not going to like the network again, but now Ive been with ATT almost 2 years and I have not experienced very many dropped calls like i use to back when i previously had them. With the 3g and apple's updates, i have not really experienced dropped calls. Verizons quality might be a little better but honestly with how much Att has improved their network I do not think it's a reason to not get the iphone. I am very happy with my iphone and also with Att in which I never thought I would be saying. I still only have one line with verizon but have switched the rest of my phone lines with Att. I guess it really depends on the person being really loyal to their provider and refusing to change which I do not blame since I was in the same boat, but all I can say is that I am very pleased with the iphone and Att.

As a long time Verizon customer, I spent 6 months trying to convince myself that I could live without the iPhone and I could be happy with another smartphone in order to stay on Verizon. The more I looked at other phones, the more I realized that the iPhone was my choice, even if I had to switch carriers. With much trepidation I took the plunge and bought the iPhone and switched to AT&T. It has been 6 months and I could not be happier with my choice. I feared that AT&T wouldn't have the cell or data coverage I need, because I travel into some remote area. But I can honestly say that I have been very pleased with the AT&T's coverage.

Bottom line . . . if you want the iPhone, go for it. Don't worry about the coverage. I honestly haven't been able to tell the difference. It is the best decision I've made in a long time!

I can live witkout an iPhone. Apple will never get another dime from me.

I have been with Verizon for a very long time. I currently have the BB storm and it is by far the worse phone I have ever owned. It shuts off on you and I could go on for ever. I would love to have an Iphone but I do not want to go to att service. I know lots of people that call me on them and sometimes I can't hear them or call drops. But I will tell you that I never lost a call with Verizon until I got this BB storm!!! Phone sucks!

I've been with Verizon for almost 3 years now, and before that I was with ATT, through the ATT to Cingular back to ATT switch.

Verizon customer service is highly superior to AT&T as is the service area. I am an avid mac user and look verizon, the blackberry storm just doesn't cut it. GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND GET THE IPHONE!!!

I want an iphone!!!!! but am unwilling to leave Verizon. I am a loyal Verizon customer and will not leave… come on, do it NOW!

I've done a lot of research on this subject because I too am waiting for an iphone on verizon. From all of the sites that i've been on, almost everyone is holding out for a verizon iphone. Of all the comments, everyone who has an iphone currently, absolutly hates the service of at&t except the few areas where the service is acceptionally well.Still, with all my years with verizon, i have never experianced a drop call so i do not want to switch to at&t where the iphone users are mentioning dropped called in every other sentence.So, I too will wait for a verizon iphone, it is inevitable because on the businees side of things apple cannot go wrong in providing for verizon since there are thousands and thousands of people ready to buy the iphone on a dime on verizon…but thats just my 2 cents ;P

I too am a verizon customer and want the iPhone. But I know several people here in Phoenix who have the iPhone on at%t's network, and their one complaint – their calls drop all the time! So out comes the BB Storm – we got two of them for our office – pretty good devices except it is slooooowwww. You hit an ap, and it is as if is is asking you, "you really want me to do that?" Where as with the iPhone, it jumps right to attention as if to ask you "What can I do, I ready to go to work for you." The other thing with the iPhone is that is "simple" to use – BB Storm is like going on a treasure hunt to find what you want.

At any rate – I will be waiting for Verizon to carry the iPhone – The best network with the best phone. What a beautiful marriage it will be. Let just hope that it isn't some fairy tale.

I want the Iphone but there is no way I want to switch to at&t. I am a verizon customer and I wish they had the Iphone and I hope they can get it Asap!!!!

Add me to the list of people who REALLY want the iPhone under a Verizon contract. And PLEASE I would really appreciate some official info if this is actually going to happen sometime in the relative future???

I admit this may not make me sound intelligent; oh well.

with that stated, here is my opinion.

as the son of a Verizon Employee, I am "forced" to keep up appearances by using their service. Two of my closest friends have the iPhone and are constantly rubbing it in my face. I would like nothing more than to have the iPhone come to Verizon, giving them nothing to use to claim AT&T's 'dominance'

I would love to get the iphone, and even looked into switching to AT&T, but they could not beat verizon with monthly rate and a discount that I get from my job. AT&T was over $10 more per month for the same exact plan and they did not offer the same discount (15% off the entire monthly service bill) that I currently receive for working through a specific school district. I really like the iphone, but am not willing to spend up to $20-$30 more a month…just can't afford it.

I was in the VZW store this weekend, looking at the storm even though i really want an iphone, and the guy there said that the iphone may be coming to verizon sooner than one would suspect b/c ATT breached their contract with apple. I find this hard to believe, has anyone else heard this?

i agree with below, I don't see how verizon would pick up iphones becasue of thier Vcast (which is terrible), and have a market for itunes…. i too have been hoping to see iphones come to verizon, but its very unlikely- IMO

FYI… just to clear it up you actually have gsm capabilities with verizon as well. Your phone just needs to have those capabilities to be able to use them internationally. AT&T's biggest marketing scheme is this (note they stopped saying the most coverage in the U.S. because it's been proven verizon has the best coverage) so their only other way to counter-act this is to say international coverage which isn't even true if you have a quad-band phone from verizon (*cough cough* the blackberry storm *cough cough*)

I have Verizon and have been wanting to get an iPhone for some time now, but I haven't been wanting to "convert" to AT&T. I hope the companies can come to an agreement and, after all, Apple will get even more sales, so I don't see why they were so dumb in signing an exclusivity contract. :p It would also be nice to see the iPhone coming in some different colors! Like orange or red…

To Edd:

Don't you think Apple can create an app for Verizon's VCast??

I think it won't be possible and this is my reason why: Verizon uses VCast as a music store and manger and iPhones use iTunes. You see the problem here? I'm pretty sure that the iPhone won't drop iTunes to Support Verizon's Vcast. So I think this won't happen, but if it does that will be pretty cool.

VERIZON, Please please please make the deal. I want the iphone so bad, but i hate at&t. Thankyou!

I dont want a iphone i just want verizon to come up with something better then the lg dare and the BB storm. I have the dare right now and the lack of a app store is killing me. they at least need to update there software cuz i get a ton of lag just trying to open my text folder. I also somehow cracked my cam in the damn thing. not to sure how it happened but its got 3 cracks that run the whole length. I love the verizon coverage but again FIX YOUR PHONES. We need the end all phone that apple gave the world and for gods sake give us microsoft windows in all touch screens.

Honestly, those who ache so much for an iPhone but won't buy one because they imagine Sprint's or Verizon's or whoever's 3G coverage is better are deceiving themselves.

1. For the mapping GPS functionality EDGE is more than good enough.

2. For streamed Radio stations – EDGE is enough.

3. For sustained browsing and other high bandwidth uses I'll be using WiFi anyway because in my experience 3G sucks the battery empty so fast it's just not worth it even when you are standing right under a 3G tower.

For heaven's sake, I know a lady who took up smoking again because she said her nerves were shot all to hell lusting after and denying herself an iPhone. All because she dint want to sign with AT&T.

Do yourself a favour: go buy yourself an iPhone or at least an iTouch before you become a meth mouth.

i'm not too crazy about the storm. i'm still forever waiting for a verizon iphone.

On principle alone I would never switch to ATT. Their business practices are dishonorable and over the years I have suffered incredibly in my business. Promises made, never kept, wrong #s in yellow pages and no remuneration or refund for the payments or damages, over and over again. As for the iPhone–I'd love to have one as I love Apple products, but won't make the move until it comes to Verizon. I hope -SOON!!!For now I have the iTouch 2G and love it. Verizon, get on it!!!!!

Read more about this rumor about an iPhone for Verizon in 2009 at http://wfpc.net/rumor_an_iphone_for_verizon_in_2009.html

Remember that in spite of its great success, Apple was/is new in the phone business.

Apple's chances for success were made much greater by nailing an exclusive with a pliable major distributor for the first few years.

After Apple's uncharted waters have been navigated, rough spots all ironed out, initial competition answered and phone market image firmly established, then harder to manage customers like Verizon could be dealt with much more safely and successfully.

Verizon is not a walk-in-the-park for its vendors.

In the long run though, Google may be the best bet. Google could easily become the slam-dunk best source (unique services married to hardware) of virtually all the things you will want from tomorrow's phone.

(Think Apple/Google merger.)

Hey, as I read through the comments I see one point has been missed in the whole Verizon vs. AT&T. The real sticking point for Verizon was that Apply wanted to sell the phones without subsidies from the carrier but take a 10% cut of all subscription fees. This sliced into Verizon's profit margins. Verizon wouldn't do it, so Apple worked out a differently structured deal with AT&T – though they still take that cut, about $10 worth a month, from each iPhone user. For Apple fans, there's a good HBS case on Apple (#706-408) that summarizes their recent history up to almost the end of 2008 – you can get it at http://harvardbusiness.org/

Ive been waiting for something like this to happen…i want an iphone but i don't want to switch to AT&T.. all my friends and family have Verizon so it would be pointless if i did… come on Verizon get the iphone

I have an iPhone and I live in puerto rico… I have the best coverage and 0 dropped calls.. Here verizon's coverage sucks hehehe

Actually Verizon's 3G coverage dwarfs ATTs in the USA. Just compare their broadband data (3G) coverage maps here: http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2482/attvsvzw3gdt0.gif Also, Verizon is just as fast (much faster in my experience) than ATT. I'm an airline pilot I can tell you first-hand that folks with ATT have far FAR less reliable coverage nation-wide than Verizon. If you want the best voice quality and 3G coverage/speed the choice is simple. The facts and unbiased reviews can be read on consumerreports.org. Verizon is the best. Take it from me. I'm an ex-ATTer.

Alls I can say is I want the iphone to come to verizon. If it does hopefully it gets here before May 2009.

So, I was a Verizon customer who finally swithched to AT&T for the Iphone. My joy was short-lived as my Iphone was stolen from my car; Most of you know that AT&T doesn't offer any insurance on the Iphone (the only phone without it). As I was unhappy with the overall quality of the AT&T network (not the IPHone) I now swithched back to Verizon. I miss my phone very much but I am just not willing to pay $700 for a new 16G 3G specially knowing that if I were to lose it or damage it, I would have to pay another $700.

what is wrong with u people the iphone is on the nations fastest 3g network and most coverage wherever u go i hear no complaints about sound quality.

verizon has no advantage over at&t same priced plans…so stop writing false things about AT&t just because u dont want to switch to the "Best" Service

if verizon comes out with the iphone then not only will mac make so much money but verizon will have thousands of people who will leave at&t nd then verizon will become even more dominate. i have the ipod touch right now nd i just wish i had the iphone

I'm actually considering switching to AT&T just to get the Iphone as well. Verizon Needs the Iphone, I know of at least 20 people who left verizon to go to the Iphone. Verizon shouldn't have refused the Iphone.

dude that is so tight. verizon with iphone=excellent calls+excellent features

I left Verizon and got the iphone with AT&T. I hate the lack of coverage and am almost ready to get Verizon back and live without the iphone. Why can't I just have both!!

I HATE my Voyager phone. If AT&T worked in my neighborhood, I'd just switch to them to get an IPhone. But unfortunately, for me, NONE of the other carriers work in my area of Beverly Hills. URGH!!!! C'mon Apple and Verizon – make the deal!!

when is it coming im 4 sure gettin it.

Hey K. James

Why would you be happy for Apple to stick with AT&T? Even if you love AT&T, more competition in the market place would start to drop prices between Verizon and AT&T, therefore, benefitting you.

I've been with Verizon for 9 years and was about to sign with AT&T just to get an iphone but decided against it, so I settled for the voyager instead. I'm praying that it comes because I don't think I can live without my Verizon

Brother works at Verizon. It is COMMING!

I really hope Apple stick to their 5 year agreement with at&t to be exclusive.

AT&T is great for me ! I've had at&t for about 6 years now. Under Cingular, they were really expensive and customer service was not that great. But at&t has been great.

Verizon is too expensive and does not work in most other countries. As long as there are GSM towers, I can get service in and out of the country I'm in.

I'm sure there are other factors that come into play when Apple chose at&t. I hope they stick to at&t.

I would be first in-line to buy an I-phone if it were to come to Verizon.

I love my Verizon network. It's fast and reliable.

I thought that companies like Apple are in it to make money? Verizon gobbled up Alltel wireless and now has moved passed ATT as the #1 wireless carrier in the US. I am not sure what the subscriber base is up to now, but I do know that Verizon should be pushing hard for this device. You are talking about the prospect of possibly putting the iPhone into another 70 million peoples hands…I don't know about you but even if CDMA is on it's way out…I would really look into making this happen both on Apple's side and Verizon's side. The move to LTE is still 2 or so years away….Come out with the CDMA iPhone now and lock people into new 2 year agreements with Verizon eating a portion price of the phone….Then at the end of the two years there is a new version of the phone which supports LTE. It's all about the money and it would be in everyones best interest to make this happen

i think that it should become part of verizon because the for at&t service isnt really that reliable, verizon is the the NUMBER 1 reliable network in the world and plus to add to the collection it would be like the blackberry storm.

the iphone needs to come to verizon…apple can afford to break their contract with at&t if it is for more than 2 years…im sure all can agree that the #1 cell phone carrier in america will sell plenty of iphones !!!

Actually, yes, verizon did/does cripple the omnia.. I have one. they disabled the gps (except for their apps), which means google maps doesn't work. they half crippled wifi (even through they force you to pay for a data plan, just in case you ACCIDENTALLY get wifi to work).

(evidence: even with wifi on, and ip address verified to be the wifi ip via a web browser to one of the 'myip' sites, if you sync your outlook/exchange server, it dials up, connects and uses data plan)

wifi (when enabled) tries to randomly access new networks (despite the settings),

phone locks up if you press button a an b in the wrong order: make a call on your bluetooth, press the 'screen saver/power' button once so you can put phone in your pocket while on the call.. you have to remove battery.

leap second: all the omnias lost their evdo (data plan) last night because someone forgot 2008 has 366 days plus one second.

If you work for AT&T, you should know contracts are made to be broken!

what a joke.

to bad AT&T is in a 5 year contract with apple to be the only holder of the iphone. i Work at AT&T kids

i dont know about the iphone going to verizon but there is a company that made a strange item for apple and called it the inano case s we may be looking at a new generation of phones from apple although they are still denying it

WOW. I totally hope that Apple decides to put the iPhone on Verizon…I would SO buy it! I have AT&T right now, but I absolutely HATE it. It sucks. Never ever ever again will I have AT&T after February 2009…when I am switching to Verizon…But seriously, the iPhone becoming part of the Verizon network in January '09 would be an awesome belated birthday present.

I have heard this so many times on so many other posts it's rediculus. Why does everyone say that the phone will be crippled, or that verizon will put it's favorite interface on it. do you see the blackberries being crippled, or with the interface? what about the Samsung Omnia? The only phones that are "crippled" or that have verizon's interface are the standard phones. all smartphones are left how they are. Period. another thing, LTE will be launched within 2 years time, which leaves room for an announcment sometime soon. We know it will happen, what we don't know is when, and to a previous comment, if you look at the numbers, there is a greater percentage of smartphone users on Verizon's network, than on AT&T, or any other for that matter. That means that there is more of a market for a phone like the iPhone on verizon's network, and that's not including all those who want the phone for other reasons, so yes it does make sense to release it even before LTE… MONEY. Period.

I used to be with SunCom which became Cingular which became AT&T. I never could get good coverage. I finally switched to Verizon Wireless August 2007 and coverage has been GREAT!! I would love to have an iphone but refuse to switch back to AT&T hell and put up with very poor coverage just to own an iphone.

I am a former AT&T customer and left due to repeated spotty service. I now have Verizon and crave the I-Phone. I for one, would love to see this monopoly regarding the exclusive rights come to a grinding halt.

this is asinine. verizon networks use totally derivative technology from the rest of the planet, and would require a complete rework of cell part of the cell phone. it'll all converge with LTE 4G in about 2 years anyway, so its not a good investment. DUMB.

Ok, i WORK for Verizon, out phones are not lock down anymore. We started our Open network in November.

WiFi works on ALL WiFi able phones, Bluetooth works, AND ALL GPS are unlocked, so you can use Google Maps and BlackBerry Maps.

verizon was said to be opening up their network by the end of 2008.

I would love an iPhone on Verizon's network, but we have to be realistic and acknowledge that a Verizon iPhone would be severely "crippled" in some way, just like all their other phones. I fear that we will likely never have our cake and eat it, too…

I use my iPhone with Cellular One here in Montana, and i'm thrilled how well it works out here. It has it's drawbacks not having a lot of wifi hotspots everyone in the bigger cities are enjoying and there are areas (in the mountains) where service would be nice, but not necessary

Since we don't have AT&T in Montana, us iPhone users have to resort in Cellular One which I've been quite happy with so far, even tho, I would prefer the iPhone on the Verizon network. After reading this article and being quite the geek, This is too good to be true. Either Apple would have to manufacture a completely new iPhone that operates on Verizons CDMA network (which wouldn't be that bad because there is another 50% of competition to tap into.) OR Verizon would have to open/switch to a GSM network (and I really see that NOT happening.)

How about an iPhone Nano a Verizon exclusive tho?

i was a customer of at&t for almost seven years. i was so fed up with them i couldnt wait till my contract was up. i live in los angeles and almost every call i made was dropped. the final straw for me was when a customer service rep hung up on me.

i switched to verizon and pretty much been trouble free since.

i am a mac guy. i love the iphone but have refused to switch back to at&t. i really want the iphone though because i travel alot and it is great to have my music and films with me. the big thing for me is that i am a photographer and i can have my entire portfolio on the phone…you never know when you are gonna meet someone that needs to see my work. i was gonna get the ipod touch but thought it would be a drag to carry two things around all the time. so i waited for the storm to come out. i've had it a little over a week and it's pretty good…but it really doesnt compare to the iphone. i can put my music and photos on there and that is cool but i like all the "fun stuff" that goes along with the iphone such as the apps.

oh well…i guess i will wait till verizon can sell the iphone.

i have AT&T and i get no service whenever i go into any residential house or place. i use to have alltel and had great service everywhere even in the middle of nowhere.i live in a town with 100,000 + people and still horrible coverage with my iPhone 3g

That would be great. Then you could use an iPhone to actually make calls in Chicago since AT&T barely works here.

The only reason I don't have an iPhone is the lousy service AT&T has in Chicago and suburbs.

I'm a business man that travels all over the States frequently. I left Alltel for Verizon many years ago due to limited / spotty service. I'd be somewhere with a friend or associate and they almost always had service (on Verizon), when I didn't (on Alltel). The Verizon network served me well for several years.

When the iPhone came out I reluctantly switched to AT&T for fear of going back to a poor network. Well, I love the iPhone, but man did I sure learn how bad AT&T's network sucks. It is truly one of the worst networks. I have dropped calls daily and frequently cannot get service even in the middle of major metro areas around the U.S. The most amusing instance was I was driving on a freeway in Charlotte and needed to make a call, but couldn't because of "no service" instead of bars. At that very moment, I passed an AT&T billboard that said "more bars in more places", but you get NO BARS in front of that billboard! I am currently in Utah writing this message using a wireless laptop card from Verizon, but have "no service" on my iPhone. Further, I know it's not the iPhone either as my wife has a different AT&T phone and experiences the same dropped calls and bad coverage. By the way, I cracked the screen on my 1st iPhone and replaced it with a 3G iPhone with no improvement.

In short, I would throw my AT&T iPhone in the trash, pay a double cancellation fee to break my AT&T contract and spend $$$ on another Verizon supported iPhone the very second Verizon offered iPhone service. AT&T's coverage is so horrible that I'm considering giving up my iPhone, which I love, for the Storm.

The CDMA iPhone exists. Period.

Verizon is not garbage amd neither is AT&T, it all comes down to your location, and the way you use your phone. from an iPhone standpoint CDMA (or VErizon) is far superior as it is pure digital, and has a much wider coverage area outside of the city (any city for that matter.) another thing you can not trust what the dudes in the verizon stores say as they are just employees that make shit up to sould smart. I know because I am a verizon retail employee, I can tell you the first time I heard of this is from an AT&T customer that wanted to switch to verizon but was waiting till 2009 for the iPhone, so I started doing some research. That said the only reason that apple and verizon have not struck a deal is because appl edoesnt want anyone messing with their phone, and verizon want's to keep it's network as secure as possible. in the end one will have to give, and strike a deal as doing so would bring business to both markets.

As much as I doubt this will happen, I would love to have an iPhone, but don't want to leave Verizon. I had a Treo 650 w/ Verizon & coverage was great – dropped calls were rare & usually were dropped by the other party, and EVDO coverage & speed was great. Have a BlackJack 2 through AT&T that work provides. Other than the phone just sucking, I don't get a 3g signal most places in my hometown, so any smartphone is pretty much reduced to "just a phone".

For those uninformed comments made previously, I would like to clear up a few things. Apple originally pitched the idea of an iPhone to Verizon first, several years ago. Verizon (not Apple) said no, and the reasons why – to squash rumors – are:

1)First and foremost, the original iPhone could not compare to Verizon's high speed network. The original was only capable of "2G" (quick dial up) speeds, whereas Verizon has had 3G (EVDO-Rev A) for over a year now.

2) Apple originally wanted the FULL SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND INFO of every single Verizon customer who puirchased the iPhone. Verizon refused to breach customer confidentiality in such a manner. *Note – There was some sort of concession made between Apple and AT&T, and I do not intend to suggest AT&T is giving away every Social Security Number.

3) Apple would solely provide maintanance for the iPhone, and would not let customers visit any nearby Verizon store to have their equipment serviced. There are approxi8mately 50 Verizon stores for every one of Apple's. This proved to be poor customer service and Verizon stood their ground.

4) The battery is non-removable.

5)The iPhone is incapable of both picture messaging and tethering a computer as a modem. Even the more basic phones Verizon offers is capable of tethering.

I think Verizon should have hammered out a deal. I've felt that way for almost 3 years now – yes, 3, not 1 and 1/2, which is how long the iPhone has been out. In retrospect, for a stockholder, the iPhone has had a terrible impact with all the purchasing subsidies. AT&T has gained many customers through the iPhone alone – 43% of which were previously Verizon – however, Verizon remains the largest post-paid carrier both before and after, even excluding the purchase of Alltel.

All things considered, AT&T lost more to the purchasing subsidy than they made through the acquisition of new customers. If you think my stats are incorrect, I'd like to point out that Verizon was up 31% at the end of the third quarter. Guess who was in the red? (Yes, AT&T) Apple, however, is making an enormous profit, and should be considered the savvy businessman of the three, like a millionaire who donates to both presidential candidates handsomely.

On a side note, the 3G iPhone has been a good phone, but AT&T's 3G network is a joke compared to Verizon. There is actually a poster I have in my store that displays Verizon's 3G network, Sprint's 3G network (Sprint isn't even a major consideration anymore, they're falling around Cricket and Boost Mobile's stature very quickly)and AT&T's network.(That poster is available at vzw.com somewhere in there) AT&T was at one point the defendant of a class action lawsuit for false advertisement because of the 3G coverage was poor. As a result, if you notice when AT&T commercials are on, they claim to be the fastest 3G network. At the bottom of the screen, the ads unanimously state *Claim based on global coverage.

Thank.

I personally think that would be freaking awesome, because I have wanted an iphone for a long time, but I can't get one because my parents don't want me to have a different plan for our phones so I have to stick with the one I have until the new iphone gets out!

I would love Verizon to offer the iPhone. I will not buy another one so long as AT&T is the sole provider. I have only had mine for a year and they have been completely unhelpful and have poor customer service.

Why doesn't verizon have the htc touch hd in place of the iphone?

AT&T service is so horrible. I cant believe the amount of people who went there just for the iphone. hey check out my awesome iphone it does everything well except make phone calls.

AT&T went with AT&T because AT&T uses GSM, the global standard. With Verisozon, they would have to have a sepaerate assembly line just for CDMA.

Personally, I prefer GSM because I can travel to Europe or Asia and use my phone. You cannot do that with Verizon.

Verizon has a terrible network. Go AT&T! It is much better; no wonder Apple chose AT&T as its exclusive carrier

Posted By d san fran, ca : September 29, 2008 2:26 pm

Troll.

It would be nice to have the IPhone available but until then I'll just have to wait.

Verizon is retarded for not making the deal with Apple they owed this to their customers especially after all the crappy phones they had us hold in the past, sometimes i just want to leave verizon because of their hard headed attitude

maan ,its a great news,,i have been waiting for verizon i phone for long time ,,,i think verizon needs to get this phone …ASAP

I personally think that Verizon is much better than AT&T but I will switch if that is the only way I can get an iphone by the end of 2009. Eventually, AT&T may get their network up to speed and then Verizon will loose half it's customers because even if they finally carry iphones why would we switch back?

I was talking to a verizon worker and he said that they didn't want the iphone because they cannot change it's battery in the store?

I hope he's right I thought about swiching to ATT but there was a 300 dollar cancelation fee with verizon so instead I just got the dare and it sucks.

THE DARE IS GARBAGE! ! ! DO NOT BUY THE DARE! ! !

I just had to get that out there, I can only pray that the iPhone will make its way to verizon but it doesn't look like it any time soon. I've been with verizon for nearly a decade and I can honestly say that the best phone so far was the envy, not the newest version with the larger keys but the one before. Man I wish I could go back to that phone. As far as switching to AT&T just for the iPhone has been a thought since it came out but AT&T isn't worth a crap out here in Phoenix area, so I cope and wait for the day.

AT&T = garbage. Seriously. If you are in the Washington DC area or any major metro area in the nation for that matter, Verizon tends to be a better bet from a network reliabilityt standpoint. I have very few dropped calls and quality voice; broadband services are pretty good too. Prices are not as bad as some of folks whine about. Trick is to watch the plans and see if they have lowered prices on newer plans, which they seem to do regularly. I have changed plans now twice in 9 months and end up paying 10-15% less each time I switch. $250 covers 4 lines (including my smartphone), broadband, and insurance on 4 phones. Check your corporate discounts too…if you haven't you're paying too much with any carrier. Would love to see the iPhone on a network that can truly support its capabilities. Besides, Apple is just shooting themselves in the foot by not diving into deeper pools of subscribers like Verizon has.

I can't wait if that happens. I switched over to AT&T for the Iphone, loved it but the At&T network dropped so many calls so I switched back and got an LG Dare. It sucks compared to the Iphone.

he is right i went to a verizon store and they are coming out with a iphone in 2009!!!!

It's true! On Wednesday Nov 12th, I went to a Verizon store and an employee told me that it is coming in February of 2009. If you're looking for evidence, there you go!

I find it funny that people here stating Apple's stocks are imploding as if demand for the iPhone is the reason. Have these two market geniuses even looked at the once 1400 DOW now down under 9000? Hmmm, so maybe it's not Apple, but the overall 'market?'

Apple did not go with Verizon, because Verizon has too many restrictions on their phones…they always lock stuff out, have a terrible UI, and nickle and dime you to death. I left Verizon to get the iphone…and it is awesome…and I have not had any trouble with ATT service.

ATT has other phones that are better than Verizons modles you just need to look.

verizon has all the good phones, voyager, the better curve and the better pearl. and now the bb storm? why is everyone complaining that its not fair that verizon cant have the iphone now? boo hoo get over it.

I know from a very good source that some in apple have a verizon iphone on a test bases. This should come out soon.

I am going to buy an iPhone the day that they allow people to use whatever phone service they want. Indeed, imagine if you had to buy a certain type of internet service to use their computers? It is not in the customer's best interest. I will not buy one until they change this archaine policy.

apple first wanted verizon to have the iphone but they refused because apple wanted to control distribution of the phone

@d: Apple went to Verizon first but Verizon felt Apple was asking too much. AT&T was NOT their first choice.

Check it out here.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-01-28-verizon-iphone_x.htm

my mom works for verizon…and this probably isnt going to happen, even thugh i would like it to….otherwise, why would verizon have phones like the glyde, voyager, dare, and prada?

we keep hearing about an "exclusivity agreement" but from what i can gather there are no public documents to support this supposition, making it just as much a speculation as the possibility of a CDMA Iphone. But who really cares go buy the dare

we dont have at&t in north dakota so it will be good

@Don -

The traffic jams that you mentioned at AAPL's retail locations are largely service and activation issues that keep people at stores longer then they really need to be. Even though you may have to wait in line for a long time at their store, they are not expected to sell as many handsets and more importantly computers than they was originally anticipated.

On a positive note, they have created really cool modern looking stores for you to stand in line at and I bet everyone in the mall is thinking ‘wow, look at that guy, he’s SO cool waiting in line and paying more for a product that doesn’t work that well and can’t interface with other platforms!’

Actually in most areas Verizon performs better than AT&T. That and the required $30/ month for data are the reasons I have not switched to an Iphone even though I would really like to have one

Verizon has a terrible network. Go AT&T! It is much better; no wonder Apple chose AT&T as its exclusive carrier

This would be a fantastic move! I have many friends who would buy an iPhone if it worked on the Verizon network. Sales of iPhones would triple.

As a developer, that is good for me. Especially if it happens in January. Go Apple!

Funny how AAPL stock is imploding on a "demand worries" excuse despite the continued traffic jams at Apple's retail stores and rumors like this.

That's stupid…

Even with an exclusivity deal between Apple and AT&T for the "iPhone", what's to stop Apple from coming out with another, different phone for Verizon?

Isn't that what all the other phone makers do?

oh please please please let this be true. I got an iPhone as a present and it is indeed a remarkable device. But I have been suffering such horrid service for over a year now that I long for the days of Verizons MUCH more reliable network

Funny how Philip is trying to fuel a rumor while AAPL is imploding…

"Outside the reality distortion field"?

That's rich…