Verizon's Chief Executive Ivan Seidenberg, smashed any hope for a Verizon Wireless iPhone launching in the immediate future according to an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Thursday. Seidenberg was optimistic that Apple would be willing to consider working with the carrier once they've launched a 4G, network, closely following the same 4G technology standard that AT&T Inc.' is planning. Neither company expects to have any significant fourth-generation networks in place until 2010.
"Apple never seriously considered making a CDMA version of the iPhone because it didn't have as wide a distribution opportunity." Seidenberg told the WSJ.
Meanwhile AT&T is busy trying to re-up their iPhone exclusive with Apple through the end of 2011. AT&T's current agreement holds iPhone in place through 2010. While it's possible that Apple might consider inviting T-Mobile USA to the iPhone party, AT&T is currently the only major US carrier with 3G using the HSPA standard on the 850MHz band. Not that anyone is too impressed.
AT&T's 3G service has proved to be a disappointment for many cult of iPhone faithful expecting much grater connectivity than Edge offered. That's just not been the case in many areas of the US. I'm all for options with my wireless service. Apple needs to offer more than just the current AT&T iPhone hostage program. Been there, done that... sold the tee shirt on Ebay.
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