AppleInsider is reporting the rumor that Verizon may be getting the iPhone by Q3 of next year.
Qualcomm’s new hybrid CDMA/WCDMA chip offers the potential for a single, global iPhone that users can take to any major carrier, solving the network fractionalization problem. It also solves other issues that had served as roadblocks, including the issue of user confusion that would result from Apple selling separate CDMA and GSM/UMTS versions of the iPhone.
With one phone that works on both types of networks, any differences between the two (such as in features like conference calling and simultaneous voice and data, unique to UMTS) will be more apparently tied to the provider’s network rather than to an iPhone model itself.
They’re also reporting that the Verizon iPhone will be smaller (more like the Eris in size, I imagine), with a screen size of 2.8″.
The end of AT&T exclusivity means a couple of things:
- If you were waiting for the iPhone to switch to Verizon so you can hightail it away from AT&T, your dreams may be coming to fruition.
- If you were going to get a Droid or Eris because you wanted an iPhone-like phone, but didn’t want to leave the Verizon network, you might want to wait.
Why wait? Well, if what you really want is an iPhone on Verizon, you might not want to pay the early termination fee. Boy Genius reported last week that Verizon is upping their ETF for enhanced devices to $350. That’s a hefty price to pay, even pro-rated, to switch phones. The new ETF apparently goes into effect on Saturday, 11/15. I’m bothered enough that I’m sending my husband into Verizon on Friday, before I get home, to pick up my Droid. After all, there’s a huge chance I’ll switch phones within the next year or two.
I’m curious to see how many people leave AT&T once the iPhone is available on multiple carriers.
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