After several months of rumors, speculation, near certainty, and inevitable doubt, Apple and Verizon have finally confirmed, together, that the iPhone 4 will come to the nation’s highest-ranked mobile provider.
It is a huge jolt to both companies as they leave AT&T stranded by the side of the road. For the first couple years, AT&T enjoyed exclusivity for the device, in exchange for helping to promote it. Apple really no longer needs that end of the bargain.
So iPhone customers were left being forced to get an AT&T contract, despite its consistent ranking as the lowest-performing major mobile carrier in the US.
It had been widely reported that the exclusivity contract was to expire in 2010, and even though no one ever confirmed it, we now know it is indeed over.
Here’s what you need to know:
– Verizon iPhone 5 will be in stores Feb 10
– “Qualified” Verizon customers will be able to pre-order on Feb 3
– 16 GB model will cost $200*
– 32 GB model will cost $300*
– Will also be sold at Apple Stores
* – With new 2-year service agreement
“We are pleased to introduce millions of wireless users to the industry leading iPhone 4 on the nation’s most reliable network. This is an important step for the industry as two great companies join forces to give wireless customers one of the most important technological additions to the mobile landscape this century,” said Verizon COO Lowell McAdam.
Apple is also excited to bring the device to a more reputable carrier with a huge consumer base that has been salivating for their chance to get the nifty phone. “Verizon Wireless customers have told us they can’t wait to get their hands on iPhone 4, and we think they are going to love it,” said Apple COO Tim Cook.
Other than a CDMA chip, it doesn’t look to be that much different than AT&T’s iPhone 4. It is able to do anything and everything that AT&T customers have been doing since they got the device last summer.
