So it’s beginning to look more and more like the iPhone isn’t coming to Verizon.
(I’ll give you a moment to mumble some expletives under your breath. Are you all okay now? Good. Lets continue.)
Of course, anyone who really knows if Verizon — or Sprint — will be getting the iPhone is sworn to secrecy. That hasn’t stopped rumors that Verizon is planning to release an iPhone version in September — or later. But for now I’m only concerned with what will happen in two weeks at Apple’s WWDC. I’ve put together my favorite 10 reasons why a Verizon iPhone isn’t likely.
10. Verizon forces companies to meet their needs, not the other way around
When the iPhone was being shopped around by Apple, they wanted to maintain a high degree of control over features, pricing and plans. AT&T was willing to work with Apple, but Verizon wasn’t.
9. The new global LTE 4G standard in 2011-2012
Verizon and AT&T are both moving to the new, upgradeable global standard wireless phone platform called LTE, or Long Term Evolution. If Apple waited to move networks it might be more cost-effective to wait until they can offer one single phone in Chicago, Tokyo, Moscow, Paris and Santiago.
8. Verizon has plenty of smartphone options
Verizon already has a wide range of smartphone options and adding an iPhone into the mix may upset their other manufacturers.
7. Apple just released the iPad on AT&T’s network
Apple’s 3G iPad is being offered on AT&T’s network at a pretty sweet monthly price starting at $14.99. An argument could be made that if Apple was planning to move to a different network they would not have released the iPad with AT&T.
6. “There’s a map for that” Campaign
Verizon isn’t winning any fans at Apple with this campaign that takes a pretty significant jab at them. Granted, it’s just an ad campaign and they could easily switch gears. Take this one with a grain of salt.
5. Verizon is in bed with Google
Verizon and Google have been spotted in a tree… and while Google and Apple aren’t exactly jilted lovers they’re sure not going to be exchanging love notes in a Wave anytime soon.
4. Apple signed an exclusive 5 year contract with AT&T
Much has been made of this contract, but honestly, there’s lots of ways out of things like this. Apple can certainly say that AT&T hasn’t upgraded their network sufficiently to keep up with the massive data traffic their phone requires.
3. Verizon runs on CMDA, AT&T runs on GSM
Now we get into some serious issues. Verizon’s network runs on CMDA, a wireless standard which is incompatible with AT&T’s GSM network. While Research in Motion (RIMM) sells BlackBerrys on all major U.S. networks, it may not make sense for Apple. Besides, go back and re-read #9.
2. Verizon’s CMDA network won’t allow surfing and calling at the same time
Apple has made a huge deal about this — and it would be dearly missed on the Verizon network. I surf and chat all the time, I’m not sure I’d be willing to do without that.
1. Verizon’s logo is hideous (See Exhibit A)
Verizon likes to put their logo on every device they offer. And I just can’t see Steve Jobs allowing them to put that fugly logo on his pretty phone. That’s a dealbreaker, ladies.