Verizon iPhone in the Works?

[bergmef]

It's not the chip, but the network that needs to be upgraded. Verizon hasn't done this, seems that they're more focused on LTE.

Actually it is the chip. 1X needed the new channel card. In my area, it was years ago for the 1X upgrade.

We'll just have to see. It, the verizon rumor, easily could be a rumor started by apple to beat ATT over the head with for more concessions.

 

[3247]

A world phone as defined by the US market. There are serious technical issues with supporting that CDMA/GSM combo. Can it be done? Yes. But what are the costs and benefits?

CDMA networks are becoming more and more similar to GSM networks. With the "upgrade" to LTE, which is a GSM-based standard after all, the core networks will have to handle GSM-style and CDMA-style subscribers.
If you support LTE, it's not a big deal to support hybrid CDMA/GSM phones.

 

[CubusX]

Not anytime soon. With the iPad's launch, Apple made 2 truly revolutionary delas. One, no lock of the device and two the cheap data plans with AT&T. For that deal to pass along with AT&T, Apple had to give up something, say more exclusivity for the iPhone.

Also Verizon's new 'Big Red' ads show an iPhone on par with some other phone. Not a good sign to bash a product you want to sell.

AT&T is doing the same thing, why are they release Android phones on their network after 3 years.

They have to be loosing their fair share, Apple sees on the wall.

If the iPhone is released on Verizon this year, I will buy one. Even if I can't get special pricing.

 

[rdstoll]

Man, I want to switch over to Verizon if they get the iPhone but have to say the inability to talk and surf at the same time on Verizon's 3G network is most certainly a deal-breaker for me, as much as I can't stand AT&T's network. And from what I've gathered in this thread, this inability to talk and surf is still an issue on Verizon. You'd think that they could work around this somehow...

 

[Hmac]

Man, I want to switch over to Verizon if they get the iPhone but have to say the inability to talk and surf at the same time on Verizon's 3G network is most certainly a deal-breaker for me, as much as I can't stand AT&T's network. And from what I've gathered in this thread, this inability to talk and surf is still an issue on Verizon. You'd think that they could work around this somehow...

Apple doesn't care if you switch or not. They just need access to Verizon's 91 million customers. Those Verizon smart phone customers have never had surf n' talk before and won't miss it.

 

[cjmillsnun]

CDMA networks are becoming more and more similar to GSM networks. With the "upgrade" to LTE, which is a GSM-based standard after all, the core networks will have to handle GSM-style and CDMA-style subscribers.
If you support LTE, it's not a big deal to support hybrid CDMA/GSM phones.

But why should I, a consumer in a country that doesn't have one CDMA network, have to pay for a phone that supports CDMA?

 

[Hmac]

But why should I, a consumer in a country that doesn't have one CDMA network, have to pay for a phone that supports CDMA?

You don't. No one will force you to buy an iPhone. There are many, many other options, mostly cheaper.

 

[bergmef]

Man, I want to switch over to Verizon if they get the iPhone but have to say the inability to talk and surf at the same time on Verizon's 3G network is most certainly a deal-breaker for me, as much as I can't stand AT&T's network. And from what I've gathered in this thread, this inability to talk and surf is still an issue on Verizon. You'd think that they could work around this somehow...

The network can handle it, it's the handset chips for SVDO that are lagging right now. Qualcomm is baking them into all the snapdragon chips so you should see them soon. Maybe that is what apple is testing if they really are testing.

 

[Mr. Jobs]

On exclusivity to AT&T:

Apple had the ability near their start to distribute their OS to other companies, but they didn't.

This is the same sort of situation, they create a sort of communistic compound with all of their products.

ONE company for their Products like Mac and Ipod and Ipad, and ONE carrier for the Iphone and Ipad 3g

 

[bergmef]

On exclusivity to AT&T:

Apple had the ability near their start to distribute their OS to other companies, but they didn't.

This is the same sort of situation, they create a sort of communistic compound with all of their products.

ONE company for their Products like Mac and Ipod and Ipad, and ONE carrier for the Iphone and Ipad 3g

But shouldn't itunes be the only place to get mp3s? I can read in my own discs and I've purchased from amazon. I think the control is on the hardware side, that's where they make the money. Just my 2 cents.

 

[TheSlush]

There are two ways to do talk+data at the same time on a CDMA phone:

1. The device maker can implement SVDO (simultaneous voice+EVDO).
2. They could use VoIP.

Neither seems likely to me, so it's likely they would ignore the situation since that's the way things are now.

As much as I can't stand AT&T, no simultaneous voice + data would be a dealbreaker for me.

 

[eskeebel]

Two models for the US doesn't make a lot of sense. As much as anyone I've been skeptical of a CDMA iPhone. Time will tell, I guess. That exclusivity with AT&T will run out someday.

Well, though it may not make sense, manufacturers are required to make 2 models in order to be able to go across the board with Verizon and Sprint not supporting GSM phones such as the Blackberry Curve. Though i'm not opposed to the iPhone becoming an addition to Verizons network, I don't think it's a smart choice for Apple. We all know that Apple has never really worried about business and would rather worry about exclusivity then they would how many iPhones they move - and that model for business has treated them well. GSM is the global standard and Verizon does not support that. The type of network they run really limits them as to what they are able to offer. We will see if Apple releases anything for Verizon - but until Steve releases it officially, I will assume that they will stay with AT&T exclusively. If anything, they are more likely to team up with T-Mobile - which their network could not support it. I don't think Verizons can either though. AT&T had to invest a lot into the backbone of their network and has spent over $15 billion a yr improving their network since iPhone has been released. It doesn't look like it's lining up for Verizon though. We shall see!!

 

[eskeebel]

You don't honestly believe that Verizon is the only company capable of royally screwing up a bill do you?

I'd take Verizon over shoddy service any day. That is, after they surgically pry this goddamn iPhone from my hands.

I have great service with AT&T and with my iPhone. Super fast 3G speeds. Expensive but no difference than Verizon. T-Mobile Prices with my ATT service would be great!