Summary
One possible driver of Verizons negative iPhone campaign can be linked to its failed effort at the iPhone exclusive deal with AT&T (previously Cingular, when the deal was first inked).
Analysis
Verizon lost millions of subscribers to Cingular/AT&T driven by the iPhone.
Verizon and Apple were negotiating before AT&T , but talks failed, with Verizon not giving Steve Jobs the amount of control he wanted over the marketing and selling of the iPhone
The then Cingular and now AT&T was willing to let Steve Jobs control pricing and marketing and the results were a very loyal, incremental subscriber base for AT&T which will remain loyal until the exclusivity expires with AT&T.
Verizon's current position may be tainted by the significant loss in wireless revenues from the prior failed negotiations, otherwise why would they be concerned at all.
