This is why (in my opinion), you won't be seeing the iPhone on the Verizon network for at least 5-6 years at least.
First, most of AT&T's network issues are not AT&T, they are phone issues. I have tested the same SIM in numerous places in numerous phones, and the iPhone was the weakest of the lot. I've been in areas where I had no 3G signal with my 3G, but when I popped the SIM in a blackberry, full 3G service. It was the same with Nokia and Motorola phones I tried. Luckily, I'm in a strong area where my iPhone works great. Yes, AT&T have bad spots, but so do the other carriers. Also, the amount of people who are complaining about service is small when compared to the amount of phones sold. Overall, the vast majority are happy with their phones and service.
Anyway, onto the point of my post.
I've seen many threads on various forums salivating at the thought of Verizon's 4G LTE network (which with be GSM based) and the thought that Apple will jump ship to Verizon. It's not going to happen any time soon.
To understand that statement, you must understand the network. Currently, Verizon's network is CDMA based. The 4G LTE network is not backward compatible. They are initially only rolling it out in about 20 markets. Next, initially, it's only going to top off at 8-10Mbps (which in real world, it will be about 5-6Mbps). So, you're going to have one of 2 options until the Verizon 4G network is fully rolled out... go 4G and only have service when you're in a 4G service area, or keep your current phone and stick on their 3G CDMA network and never get 4G service. The only other option is that cell phone makers will come out with a phone with both chipsets available that will move between both. That will be bulky and expensive. It doesn't make any sense for Verizon to continue to build up their CDMA network because it will be useless within a few years.
Now take a look at AT&T. They continue to and will continue to build out their 3G network while building their 4G network. A 4G LTE phone is backward compatible with a 3G GSM network, so the one 4G chip will work with both. AT&T will have markets with over 20Mbps speeds on their 3G network by next year. This is faster than Verizon's 4G network. They can hit building up their 4G network running because they will already have a compatible 3G network to fall back on.
So looking at that, AT&T will be the carrier for a while, at least 5-6 years at least. after their current contract expires. T-Mobile don't have the 3G network to rival AT&T or Verizon, nor the customers. That would mean that the biggest cash cow for Apple in the US right now is AT&T.
First, most of AT&T's network issues are not AT&T, they are phone issues. I have tested the same SIM in numerous places in numerous phones, and the iPhone was the weakest of the lot. I've been in areas where I had no 3G signal with my 3G, but when I popped the SIM in a blackberry, full 3G service. It was the same with Nokia and Motorola phones I tried. Luckily, I'm in a strong area where my iPhone works great. Yes, AT&T have bad spots, but so do the other carriers. Also, the amount of people who are complaining about service is small when compared to the amount of phones sold. Overall, the vast majority are happy with their phones and service.
Anyway, onto the point of my post.
I've seen many threads on various forums salivating at the thought of Verizon's 4G LTE network (which with be GSM based) and the thought that Apple will jump ship to Verizon. It's not going to happen any time soon.
To understand that statement, you must understand the network. Currently, Verizon's network is CDMA based. The 4G LTE network is not backward compatible. They are initially only rolling it out in about 20 markets. Next, initially, it's only going to top off at 8-10Mbps (which in real world, it will be about 5-6Mbps). So, you're going to have one of 2 options until the Verizon 4G network is fully rolled out... go 4G and only have service when you're in a 4G service area, or keep your current phone and stick on their 3G CDMA network and never get 4G service. The only other option is that cell phone makers will come out with a phone with both chipsets available that will move between both. That will be bulky and expensive. It doesn't make any sense for Verizon to continue to build up their CDMA network because it will be useless within a few years.
Now take a look at AT&T. They continue to and will continue to build out their 3G network while building their 4G network. A 4G LTE phone is backward compatible with a 3G GSM network, so the one 4G chip will work with both. AT&T will have markets with over 20Mbps speeds on their 3G network by next year. This is faster than Verizon's 4G network. They can hit building up their 4G network running because they will already have a compatible 3G network to fall back on.
So looking at that, AT&T will be the carrier for a while, at least 5-6 years at least. after their current contract expires. T-Mobile don't have the 3G network to rival AT&T or Verizon, nor the customers. That would mean that the biggest cash cow for Apple in the US right now is AT&T.
