Verizon iPhone More Likely When 4G Networks Arrive in 2010

[MacRumors]

The Wall Street Journal reports on comments made by Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg on a broad number of topics surrounding the company.

Of interest to readers, however, is the fact that Seidenberg addressed the possibility of Apple's iPhone coming to the Verizon network.

Mr. Seidenberg also addressed the notion of Apple Inc.'s iPhone ever coming to the Verizon Wireless network, saying it is more likely that Apple would be willing to work with the carrier under the fourth-generation, or 4G, network, which follows the same technology standard as AT&T Inc.'s 4G plans. He said Apple never seriously considered making a CDMA version of the iPhone because it didn't have as wide a distribution opportunity.

CDMA is the technology behind Verizon's current cellular network and prevents the current Apple iPhone from running on their network. In order to accommodate Verizon, Apple would have to release a modified (CDMA) iPhone which Seidenberg seems to think was never likely.

Verizon plans to launch their 4G network in 2010, conveniently near the time AT&T's exclusivity expires.

Article Link: Verizon iPhone More Likely When 4G Networks Arrive in 2010

[iMacoo7]

If ATT does not get an extension, maybe they will come up with a deal where they still use ATT but the iPhone can be on other networks as well.
It seems logical.

[MrM]

This would be awesome.

[iOrlando]

steve will invite him for dinner when it is time to talk

[Frisco]

If the iPhone ever goes Verizon it's game over for the rest.

[pismodude2]

Yeah! Screw AT&T! I get no service where I live, and they overcharge a lot. Here's hoping Verison keeps it under $80/month

[LanPhantom]

I work for Verizon and that sounds like a good plan for them. It will provide for time to get the 4G network rolled out and tested... Then.... Bring on the iPhone to make USE of it.

Nice job Ivan we're all behind you!

[iMacoo7]

Originally Posted by Frisco

If the iPhone ever goes Verizon it's game over for the rest.

I actually think they will offer the iphone to T-Mobile as well. They would not have to alter anything, just make the iPhone unlocked (GSM Version) which might potentially open up the flood gates but the way the iPhone is supposedly going to reach the china market (Where supposedly allot of unlocked iphones were floating around) and the iphone has already filtered in other countries, I actually think it will reduce allot of the need to unlock.

Making a move to Verizon,T-Mobile would be a nice move.
I have family that stay in places where Verizon is the only service that works, some were T-Mobile only works.

So maybe they have been waiting until Verizon gets their situation taken care of before making an initial leap or maybe we are all wrong and Apple sticks with ATT for another couple of years (If Apple is coming out with a netbook, maybe the opposed netbook will not be with ATT and that is why they are asking for an extension).... Questions and answers to what it could or could not be....Guess we all will have to wait for the final verdict

[Glideslope]

Originally Posted by Frisco

If the iPhone ever goes Verizon it's game over for the rest.

In a BIG way. I could join my family again!!!!

[Silencio]

Well, we'll see whether ATT or VZW gets their LTE network up to snuff quicker. If VZW can deliver the network and decides to carry the iPhone without crippling it like they have done to every other half-decent handset they've had, then I would consider switching over. Nothing wrong with some healthy competition.

What 4G technology is T-Mobile going to be implementing? They currently provide 3G on a band that the iPhone doesn't support.

[ProwlingTiger]

Oh that's good. That way the iPhone can sport a hindered version.

I seriously just got done with speaking to a Verizon rep not 20 minutes ago. My Storm had a host of issues, which they tried to direct me to their "tech" support.

They claimed (there were 4 idle employees) that their Storms worked. I said well it must be an exclusive employee version because half the time this phone has a mind of its own.

All I wanted originally was some earbuds as the ones that come with the Storm are the cheapest damn things i've ever seen. Mine broke in a way I cannot contemplate how.

Even walking in, I had to touch the screen of a computer about 4 times to create a *ding* to get a salesperson. From there, I knew they didn't want my business.

Granted this was not my usual location of store, I was at a different side of town. But where I'm from, just walking into the store you're greeted and fought over by at least 3 employees.

I was greeted to the image of a man's as*. An employee was, and I kid you now, crouching on a kiosk / computer desk deal, working on something. Apparently it was a slow day.

But, that's not the typical Verizon experience. I'm just ranting.

...

But I seriously don't want a CDMA iPhone. It provides healthy competition that other makers and other companies need to learn to match. Except the idea of an all iPhone world is appealing...*runs to Photoshop*

[RidleyGriff]

The differing technologies of CDMA/GSM in the U.S. have been a big hindrance to both innovation and the widespread proliferation of wireless technology. Getting one standard going will be great for our wireless industry overall.

However, part of me suspects that without the artificial differentiator of tech inside the phone, phone-specific exclusives and long-term contracts will become even more important for carriers looking to lock in their base.

It will be very interesting to see how this develops. Without some sort of reasonable regulation in play here, I don't have a lot of faith in the carriers doing the right thing. Allowing people to network hop based purely on things like quality of service provided would just be too honest and logical for these companies.

[JB413]

Sounds too good to be true. But that would be awesome!

[Doju]

Wow, imagine the impact if the above suggestion became valid.

iPhone stays on AT&T, but gets unlocked to T-Mobile also. Finally, it gets added to Verizon.

Sprint dies.

I'm Canadian so I could care less, but cool!

I have a plan on Rogers with 0.5GB data, unlimited calling, texting, visual voicemail, caller ID, who called, call forwarding and something else for $45/mo.

[greenpaz]

Precisely when does the contract between Apple and AT&T expire? The article says 2010. Is that January 2010? June? December? It matters a lot to those of us who want to take the iPhone plunge but fear we're going to be stuck with AT&T for 18 more months while new iPhone customers enjoy the much more reliable Verizon network (which I have now). So, a little specificity would be nice.

[fishkorp]

Verizon won't have anything close to a nationwide rollout of LTE in 2010 though (even though they're starting this year), and the phones still have to fall back on CDMA, whereas the AT&T LTE phones fall back on GSM. I can see an LTE phone working on BOTH once there is sufficient coverage. I can't really see a Verizon LTE iPhone in 2010 unless they really move their ass in rolling it out. 2011 or 2012 certainly. 2010 seems too soon. If they offer all customers femtocell base stations at least they can get coverage in their houses, lol.

Don't forget AT&T is supposedly starting their LTE rollout in 2010 also.

[Eric S.]

I would definitely like to see the iPhone come to the Verizon network.

[ThomasJL]

I am a T-Mobile customer, and I love their service. It's one of best customer service experiences ever!

I was a former AT&T customer, and their customer service was a nightmare!

One bonehead move by T-Mobile, however, was when they chose to use a non-standard 3G service. It's not the same 3G standard that's used everywhere else in the world. I hope T-Mobile uses whatever 4G standard the rest of the world chooses.

[butterfly0fdoom]

Even Verizon now has stated that the iPhone is unlikely to appear on their network until the LTE roll-out and that even they don't think Apple saw any merit in a CDMA iPhone. Now can the naysayers stop whining until LTE is rolled out?

[iceman73]

Ha, conveniently? I think not!

[alexbates]

It's good to know that atleast Verizon has some interest. An iPhone on another network would be great.

[panaphobe]

Let's hope that Steve and Co. is able & willing to adhere to their strict no-carrier branding policy. I'd hate to see the Verizon version of the iPhone slathered in red Verizon branding, whether it be a big "Verizon" logo on the outside or on a startup/shutdown screen. I never quite understood why they had to have so much influence on something so insignificant and unnecessary.

[aprilfools]

Yeah! I’m patiently waiting for this to happen. I like and want to see the word iPhone and Verizon in the same sentence. I’m tired of all you over zealous AT& T subscribers. BTW….
AT&T can kiss my $%&*!!!!!!!!!

[formerpc]

Please!!!

[formerpc]

Originally Posted by aprilfools

Yeah! I’m patiently waiting for this to happen. I like and want to see the word iPhone and Verizon in the same sentence. I’m tired of all you over zealous AT& T subscribers. BTW….
AT&T can kiss my $%&*!!!!!!!!!

Ooh... me likey!

lol