RUMOR: Verizon to get iPhone 3GS in January 2010

[jexner325]

I used to be with AT&T, but recently had to move to Verizon due to the number of dropped calls where I live. I am definitely missing my iPhone 3GS but not the dropped calls.

I called Verizon today (October 17th 2009) to activate my BB Tour. While on the phone with the Verizon rep, I had mentioned that I was excited about some of the upcoming phones; most notably the Storm 2 and possibly the Pre. He told me that all of the Verizon reps received an email today indicating that Verizon just signed a contract with Apple to carry the iPhone in 2010. He told me that the phone was to be released in January 2010 and that many of the employees at Verizon where very excited about the "breaking news". He also said that there is going to be a big announcement in November from Verizon about Verizon carrying the Pre, an Android phone, and the iPhone all in 2010.

I am a little skeptical since I can't find anything firm on the internet about any possible contract, but for this Verizon rep to tell me this, was a little surprising to say the least; I never even mentioned to the rep that I had an iPhone or wanted one, he just simply told me that they were going to be getting it along with the Pre and an Android based phone.

The only thing that I can find out on the net that shows some legitimacy to this rumor is that some european carriers who used to not carry the phone due to an exclusive contract will now be carrying it. I have also seen multiple sites and posts that confirm that the Pre and an Abdroid phone will be on Verizon. Also, I know Verizon is switching to LTE in 2010 which is a GSM based technology which would lend additional credence to the rumor. If the Verizon rep would have said that it was getting released in Summer 2010 I would be less surprised, but to have the phone ready to go in January 2010 seemed a little quick and not really in line with Apple's traditional unveiling of products. That being said, I know Apple could make a ton of money by opening the phone up to Verizon and AT&T customers simultaneously, and with the assumption that 2010 will be a stronger year than 2009 economically speaking, anything is possible. The other possibility i could foresee is that the phone is already built and ready to go and once the contract with AT&T expires (assuming it is 12/31/09) then the phone can simply be released to Verizon. Just guessing of course.

Obviously, this would be great for me as I would definitely love the iPhone on a dependable network. But, I just wanted to see if there is anybody affiliated with Verizon that could confirm this news. Is there anyone else that has heard something like this from another Verizon rep?

[sting7k]

I'll believe it when I see it. It's not "official" until it comes from Apple and Verizon's mouths. Sales people will tell you anything and know nothing.

[nycsemaj]

Yeah, I'll take that info with a grain of salt...

[Dipstix6996]

Way to post "Official" in the title when their is nothing official about it

[OmariJames]

I don't beleive it.

For one , wouldn't the LTE Network require new phone radios ( the same way phones needed a 3G radio to get the 3G signal) ? Apple isn't going to put out iPhone hardware in janauary, unless there already is a LTE radio that apple will switch on in an update.

Also , How many LTE towers has Verizon set up ? If this is true that there will be a LTE iPhone in 2010 , they would have the same issue they are using against AT&T in their recent advertising - lack of 3G coverage ( in this case LTE ).

I agree with the usual apple Product unvailing. They would probably announce in January if this is true and launch in the summer.

Apple also wouldn't allow verizon to release such information.

[thebeerbaron83]

Is anyone else getting sick of hearing these rumors? No offense jexner. It jst gets really old.

[konstantine21]

The last thing you want to belive is a rep from verizon.
They will say anything to keep you as a sell pitch.

If verizon is planning to have the iPhone ! Why bash apple
in such a way! It's not good for business relations.
Look at the slogan link, idon't campaign!!!!

Verizon’s DROIDDOES marketing campaign : Boy Genius Report

[Rene Ritchie]

Changed thread title to RUMORED because nothing is official until a press release is issues by Apple.

As others have said, this would require either a CDMA or LTE radio to function, and Apple currently doesn't offer a CDMA or LTE, and Verizon has no LTE network yet (and, unlike Bell or Telus hasn't built and HSPA network).

[Earless Puppy]

you will not see the iPhone on Verizon's network anytime soon, hence the iPhone bashing

goto Droid from Verizon Wireless

do you think Verizon would go this route if they were getting the iPhone in a few months

[italianangel8131]

i heard the same thing from 2 people but everything i see online points to a 2011 release so it just a wait and see game hopefully it will be 2011 though cause that when i can get my upgrade but lets just wait and see i have no proof but from what i heard so sit tight it gonna be a bumpy ride