Summary
1. “[A] Verizon iPhone version would [not] necessarily have to be CDMA-ready.” 2. It could leapfrog right to 4G. 3. All of the cost in making it compatible to 3G could be avoided.
Analysis
Apple’s iPhone is the one handset that Verizon Wireless could be very confident that subscribers would knock down the doors to switch to that carrier or to stay with it to get 4G capability. The carrier would not have to be as concerned about facing the challenges in getting backward compatibility on its handsets. The lower operational costs of 700 MHz would provide Verizon Wireless with the flexibility to give even more attractive terms to Apple for exclusivity than was the case with AT&T. The iPHONE would probably offer the best promise of Verizon converging its FiOS infrastructure with its LTE network.
Apple may become convinced about the seriousness of purpose in Verizon moving so quickly to 4G. It would benefit greatly worldwide by getting out in front on the next generation product. It would also be enticing for Apple to profit from much greater indoor coverage sooner rather than later. It just may turn out that AT&T is in fact going to be hurt by coming out with its LTE network after Verizon.
