Although it is not even official yet, AT&T PR head Larry Solomon took a shot at Verizon’s upcoming iPhone.
Apple and Verizon are expected to unveil the CDMA version of the device on Tuesday, with sales starting in earl February.
Said Solomon: “The iPhone is built for speed, but that’s not what you get with a CDMA phone. I’m not sure iPhone users are ready for life in the slow lane.”
The claim is that AT&T’s GSM technology is faster than Verizon’s CDMA tech.
AT&T has been the exclusive American carrier for the iPhone since its inception in 2007. Analysts have warned that losing the exclusivity pact, and the strong growth driver that is the iPhone, may affect the company’s bottom line for some time. Other analysts have warned that frustrated AT&T iPhone owners may jump ship to Verizon, who is known to have the most reliable network of the major carriers.
It appears the carrier has fired the first shot in what will almost certainly be a “war” for iPhone customers.
Result for: american carrier
One day after the Wall Street Journal reported that a Verizon iPhone 4 was coming on Tuesday, sources speaking to Reuters have confirmed the claims.
Sales of the device are expected to launch in early February.
As with all prior reports, Apple and Verizon have not commented on the “speculation.”
AT&T has been the exclusive American carrier for the iPhone since its inception in 2007. Analysts have warned that losing the exclusivity pact, and the strong growth driver that is the iPhone, may affect the company’s bottom line for some time. Other analysts have warned that frustrated AT&T iPhone owners may jump ship to Verizon, who is known to have the most reliable network of the major carriers.
On the other hand, analysts also claim that a majority of AT&T’s iPhone owners are part of family plans, which are much harder to cancel as they involve, on average, three family members.
Furthermore, many are new upgraders or purchasers, and AT&T charges very heavy early termination fees.
Result for: american carrier
According to new sources, Verizon will begin offering prepaid BlackBerry data service sometime in the next three months.
Although there weren’t too many details revealed, the plan will cost $35 on top of your normal voice plan. Most likely, only a few BlackBerrys will be available for the new deal.
The move is the first time Verizon will offer a smartphone as a “prepaid” device, and most American carriers have been reluctant to make such offers, instead opting for long-term contracts with locked in prices.
