Verizon Announces Different Network, Similar Features on iPhone

Jan. 11, 2011 — -- The anticipation is finally over. Verizon Wireless today announced it will begin selling Apple's iPhone 4 on Feb. 10.

The announcement means Verizon will break the exclusive hold AT&T has had on the device since the its June 2007 launch.

While those loyal to Verizon celebrated the long-awaited option for one of the most popular smart-phones in the world, tech aficionados say some of the features are lacking. There are also some concerns over how millions of new iPhone customers will affect Verizon's network for other users.

AT&T iPhone users have long complained of dropped calls and slowdowns, particularly in major cities.

"AT&T has often implied that heavy data users (a.k.a., iPhone users) are at least partially to blame for the carrier's frequent network outages and slowdowns," wrote Mike Gikas, electronics editor with Consumer Reports.

Verizon has said it has built its network to prepare for the new users.

"We're ready for this launch," said Verizon President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Mead.

AT&T began limiting data usage last summer. iPhone users had previously enjoyed unlimited data plans.

The Verizon iPhone will be similar to the current iPhone 4 but will use Verizon's CDMA technology and 3G network. The phone will allow customers to use their phone to connect up to five wi-fi enabled devices, with its new "Personal Hotspot" feature.

"Today two industry innovators are coming together," Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer with Verizon, said to about 200 people in gathered for the announcement at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The Verizon iPhone still has a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and HD video recording as the current iPhone 4.

Users will not be able to talk on the phone while simultaneously using the Internet as they can on current GSM models. Some tech analysts hoped the new iPhone would utilize the faster 4G connection that is becoming available on other networks, such as T-Mobile.

iPhone pricing for Verizon customers is identical to the current models available with AT&T service: $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model with a new two-year contract.

The iPhone 4 will be available at Verizon Wireless stores, Apple stores and the websites of both Verizon and Apple.

Qualified Verizon Wireless customers will be able to pre-order the iPhone online on Feb. 3. Pricing for the data plans were not immediately available.