Why the Verizon iPhone is a Big Deal For AT&T
Here comes war.
If we believe the Internet rumor mill and the usually well-informed sources of the Wall Street Journal, then the launch of the Verizon CDMA iPhone 4 is imminent. It appears as if Apple won't make a big deal about the announcement, even if it is a critical step in the market expansion of the smartphone. AT&T has good reason to be concerned as the company has relied on an arrogant iPhone strategy and will now have to compete with a powerful rival. However, if you are thinking about buying a CDMA iPhone, you may want to think twice as the timing of this launch is rather confusing.
What happened to Apple's secrecy? Isn't it disappointing that already know details about an event that is most likely covering the introduction of the CDMA iPhone for Verizon and why do we even know the launch date (February 3)?
Let's just assume that all those rumors are true and that Verizon will, in fact, sell the iPhone next month. What does it mean for each party involved?
Apple: It is about time!
Apple is expected to be downplaying the importance of the Verizon iPhone. Apple cannot raise expectations, if Verizon simply gets the iPhone 4 as well and Apple surely wants to stay out of a carrier bitch fight. However, the iPhone 4 at Verizon is critical for the company's future success.
AT&T accounts for 30% of all iPhone sales, yet there have been a continuous complaints that there is no CDMA iPhone for Verizon customers and supply has not been able to match demand. AT&T has been pushed several times to its limit since the launch of the first-gen iPhone as far as network capability and even launch procedures were concerned.
According to the WSJ, Apple sold about 11.1 million iPhones in the first nine months of 2009. Verizon is estimated to be able to sell about 9-12 million devices this year. Verizon leads the U.S. market with more than 93 million subscribers and will be key for Apple to sell more iPhones. Even if Apple makes a killing on iPhone hardware sales, we also know that Android has just surpassed Apple in U.S. subscriber market share. The (possible) availability of a Verizon iPhone is not a day late.
Verizon: Business as usual
Carrying the iPhone doesn't hurt, but it isn't as important anymore for Verizon as it would have been a year ago. Androids are wildly popular and Verizon could survive very well without the iPhone, even if we know that iPhones tend to have higher average revenues per user than any other phone model. Of course, Verizon will be able to sell boat loads of the iPhone without putting much effort into it, however, the company has much more leverage against Apple than AT&T has. For Verizon, the iPhone is just another phone, albeit a rather attractive one. I doubt that Verizon will be dealing with crap that is being dished out by Apple. Verizon has one disadvantage against Apple: It gets phone that is not brand new anymore and there may be implications as far as the upgrade cycle is concerned.
AT&T: The party is over
Let's be honest. The iPhone played very well into the underlying arrogance that has always been present within AT&T. The most obvious sign of this arrogance are ridiculous pricing plans that do not promote innovation, but restrict it. If you can't have unlimited data on a phone that is the role model of every Internet device out there and unlimited calling/texting and 2 GB Internet cost $115 plus fees and taxes per month, then there is something seriously wrong. AT&T is about to find out what may happen if you take advantage of your consumers with high prices an inferior network and restrict innovative software from running on your network. The immediate impact on AT&T will be that the company will have to revise its service plans to remain competitive. That is, for AT&T customer, a good thing.
Open question 1: What about the white iPhone?
There are some who claim that the whole reason for the delay for the white iPhone was the fact that Apple wanted to give Verizon something special. I personally doubt that the white iPhone will debut before the iPhone 5 is announced. It may be dead altogether as the release date of this model has become a running joke. We should not be expecting any major news as far as models are concerned. Verizon will get the regular black iPhone 4. Everything else would be a huge surprise and an insult to AT&T.
Open question 2: What about the crappy network?
I have been wondering whether the network really matters for a phone. AT&T's network is perceived to be about as crappy is it can get and AT&T recently resorted to rather questionable claims that it has the fastest network in the nation. Verizon has the better network and the obvious iPhond 4 choice would be CDMA now, at least as long as you aren't traveling a lot out of the country where GSM comes in handy. If history repeats itself, network quality should play a big role in iPhone 4 sales and AT&T will have to invest much more in its network and marketing to change the quality and perception of its infrastructure.
Open question 3: What about Facetime and Skype?
Remember when the iPhone 4 and Facetime were announced - and Steve Jobs noted that it would only work on Wi-Fi for now, which was a concession to AT&T. AT&T also canceled the availability of the all-you-can-eat data plan just before the iPhone 4 was announced and gave us a hint to be more considerate when eating up data bandwidth. However, apps such as Facetime will need open limit data plans. Back in June, Jobs said that Apple was working with other carriers to enable Facetime over 3G. I would not be too surprised if Verizon in fact allows this app to run over its network. The company already allows Skype-to-Skype data calls via its network, which AT&T does not. Video calling and Wi-Fi calling could become an interesting battlefield and AT&T could finally receive enough pressure to open up its network (and invest more to provide more capacity.) Verizon could easily embarrass AT&T with this one.
Open question 4: What about the iPhone 5?
Before you run and buy a Verizon iPhone, keep in mind that this is essentially an old phone that will be replaced soon. When the iPhone 5 is released, you will be locked into a 2-year contract with no way to a reasonable upgrade. If you want the new iPhone when it comes out, the upgrade could be rather expensive. The timing for the introduction of the CDMA phone is rather awkward and create a huge mess for Verizon. We know that Apple only cares about itself and will launch a new product when it is ready - not when its partners are ready. AT&T was forced to bend to pressure from its customers when Apple introduced the iPhone 4 at a time when it interfered with the traditional 22-month upgrade cycle and Verizon could see a similar scenario. For all those who can wait half a year, the advice can only be to not buy the Verizon CDMA iPhone, but wait for the iPhone 5, which we should get by mid-2011.
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Skype calls on the ATT cellular data network have been allowed since May 2010.
Good article.... keep in mind though that it benefits the carrier (aka partner) when phones are released out of the "upgrade cycle". Apple will still receive the same money but Verizon and ATT will benefit from people paying more than what they paid Apple for the device
Why bother pretending to analyze a topic when you've already decided the content of your presentation to readers. I quote, "We know that Apple only cares about itself". Perhaps you care more about your opinion than presenting a story based on facts.
A more interesting question is: what will happen with Android? A lot of Android uptake in the US seems to have been driven by the fact that it's the best phone available on Verizon - it's been adopted by folks unwilling to put up with AT&T. But with iPhone supported by a better carrier, will they switch?
A more interesting question is: what will happen with Android? A lot of Android uptake in the US seems to have been driven by the fact that it's the best phone available on Verizon - it's been adopted by folks unwilling to put up with AT&T. But with iPhone supported by a better carrier, will they switch?
They'll switch, break/scratch their shiny new iPhone then go back to a more durable driod.
Very intesting article, although I get the feeling it is indeed a tad biased to your opinion. Then again, I get the feeling that most people here have something against unfair companies like AT&T and Apple, so the subtle in article bashing is ok. I liked it TBH.
Good for consumers, loads more competition. Eagerly waiting for AT&T to get f*****d over, although I dislike the idea that this will help apple. For consumers though, this can only be a good thing.
Im unnaffected however, live on the other side of the planet, where companies don't f**k you over like AT&T does. Got 4GB data with NO SPEED CAP, and with a impressive network infrastructure here, I pull through a good 800KB/s. Costs me $25 for the data alone. Oh, and legally allowed to tether with anything I want, and use the connection for anything a want.
To conclude, DIE AT&T
What guarantees do VZW customers have that the next-gen iPhone 5 will be available for CDMA at launch? Is it not possible that AT&T continues to retain a short exclusivity of at least 6 months on new iPhone models until sometime in 2012/2013 when Apple returns to a single-model iPhone that functions on both network types? For as long as I can remember, Apple has tried not to create the kind of consumer confusion that comes with having too many model lines. Having separate CDMA and GSM versions of a phone certainly falls into that category. And if SVDO is not implemented with the VZW version, that will surely be a knock against both parties since it will create a class of users that can and cannot receive concurrent data while on voice. At this point, the VZW iPhone is shaping up to be a truly boring and inconsequential launch as we've already seen the hardware and software, and already know about the limitations of the VZW network. I'm sure some users will switch, but I'm sure plenty more will stay where they are. Hey AT&T has just as many users as VZW and they haven't jumped ship en masse yet either.
Why bother pretending to analyze a topic when you've already decided the content of your presentation to readers. I quote, "We know that Apple only cares about itself". Perhaps you care more about your opinion than presenting a story based on facts.
Agree. Apple has its own release cycles, yes, but since it is Apple's product they have every right to release their products when they want to.
Besides, Apple is a business and businesses will do whatever they can to make the most money. Verizon would probably be just fine if they kept on with Android phones, but it seems they are trying really hard to get the iPhone. If they do get the iPhone, it will most likely hurt Android sales. But Verizon doesn't care because it'll make them money. If we used the same logic you used for Apple, we could say that "We know that Verizon only cares about itself, and not its Android partners."
But I agree with waiting for the iPhone 5, especially since there is a chance that it'll have 4G capabilities. Apple tends to release its iOS products around June, and while it isn't a for-sure that it is the iPhone 5, I would be surprised if it isn't a new iPhone. Although I wouldn't be shocked if it was the iPad 2.
Verizon does not need the iPhone they want it simply to be able to say we have all the phones you could possible want so there is no reason to even consider another carrier good practice if you ask me. at&t is gonna loose in this deal and possibly be forced to change is pricing to stay in the game. Though I would argue that it is time to reevaluate at&t's network it was crap at in the past yes but with 6b dumped into updating it in 2010 and that is still continuing things have improved greatly. I would also argue that the iphone with its poor antenna design did not help att at all my moto milestone xt701 on att is faster that droids on verizion and the iphone 3gs/4 as the latter will drop to edge while mine is still on 3.5g and i have never had a droped call can not say the same for iphones lol. and i live in lower alabama (only here for the job) with no real city within 100 miles and that says alot to me if att has this area on 3.5g and this should be one of the last places to get upgraded in all honesty.
[citation]AT&T's network is perceived to be about as crappy is it can get[/citation]
Wolfgang: You meant to say, "it is popular and common to make anecdotally based claims that the AT&T network is 'crappy'..." or "it is common to claim that [my current carrier]'s network is unreliable based on limited, singular experience..."
I understand the (bitching) general public making these claims, but the author of a published article?
ATT will not have to invest any into their network. just by having a bunch of iPhone customers switching to Verizon because their toy will be available there, ATT network will get some relief, thereby making it seem that the network has improved.
As far as Android customers, really, I don't think they will be willing to give up their freedom of choice and powerful customization for the limits and restraints of iPhone. The migration from one platform to another will be very limited, and I think after a trial period a lot of these customers will switch back to Android. I have used both and I could never go back to iphone again.
The number of customers that will switch networks will be greater than the number of customers that will switch platforms.
spam is definitely increasing on toms.
admins, are you listening?
I just left the iphone for the new windows phone 7 with Zune. I was a liitle weary, but it is actually much better! The big gorgeous oled screened samsung focus is the model to choose.
i just assumed that Android on Version made a CDMA iPhone unnecessary.
Once you have the freedom of Android, why go the walled off iPhone? Looks?
The fact that Apple only cares about itself has been continually proved and demonstrated for 30 + years.
Wow, this article is so full of grammar and spelling errors that I barely made it all the way through.
It is also full of biased opinions and unsubstantiated claims.
I expect better from the editors at Tom's.
ppl please switch to Verizon, cuz I'll be staying, so we all at ATT get the bandwidth back *haha*
I don't see why this is a big deal...
What can the iPhone do that a good android based phone cant do?
I liked the idea of an iPhone years ago when it first came out cause it could play MP3s and had a large touch screen but now phones like that are a dime a dozen. Soooo, I don't see any good reason to have an iPhone... or even care that it's coming to Verizon.
If you ask me, one of the best phones currently on the market is the EVO (sprint).
Also...
Because I've stuck with my carrier, my monthly bills just go down and down (because they decrease my bill each time my contract is up to keep me). Now my bill is so low that no other carrier can offer me a lower price. I don't switch carriers for a phone. I switch based on monthly price. Don't get me wrong I've got a nice BlackBerry but I'm not jumping ship until these other idoit companies can offer a competative price not some new fancy phone. As long as I can make calls, text and play MP3s, my phone is serving its primary purposes. If you are switching carriers because of a certain phone and not for any other reason, then you are a complete tool.
I didn't know it cost $115 for text/call/2GB with AT&T. And I thought it we had it bad in Canada with Rogers.
Verizon isn't exactly cheap. I will not be getting any smart phone until the monthly price for phone, texting, and data is less than $60 a month. Verizon's cuurent plans are $90+ for this. Even if I get rid of my wired phone, it is way too much, and it can't replace my broadband access.
Am I alone in wondering why so many people are willing to pay so much for a toy?
I didn't know it cost $115 for text/call/2GB with AT&T. And I thought it we had it bad in Canada with Rogers.
It doesn't cost $115 at AT&T, it's just another 'amazing fact' that make the article read well. It's just like the 'terrible' AT&T service (a very _popular_ comment among the disgruntled)
well i have 2 phones with 2GB data and unlimited text and 2 more phones that only have call and text no data and the 4 of them run $150. But it could be $115 for one phone with 2GB data unlimited text and a crazy amount of min. that you could never use lol.
Bad article. It's full of biased opinions and unsubstantiated claims.Expected better from Tom's.
This is a good thing. The only large problem I still have with verizon is the exclusivity of data and voice simultaneously. If they enable their network to have the same capacity and capability as the AT&T network, but with better options and pricing, that'd be great. (Not just for the iPhone either, as I am not interested, but for all smart phones that should be able to multitask concurrent data connections.)
Remember that commercial with the guy checking something online while on speakerphone with someone? You can still do that on AT&T's network.
I frequently tether my smart phone and appreciate being able to be on a voice call at the same time.
Very intesting article, although I get the feeling it is indeed a tad biased to your opinion. Then again, I get the feeling that most people here have something against unfair companies like AT&T and Apple, so the subtle in article bashing is ok. I liked it TBH. Good for consumers, loads more competition. Eagerly waiting for AT&T to get f*****d over, although I dislike the idea that this will help apple. For consumers though, this can only be a good thing.Im unnaffected however, live on the other side of the planet, where companies don't f**k you over like AT&T does. Got 4GB data with NO SPEED CAP, and with a impressive network infrastructure here, I pull through a good 800KB/s. Costs me $25 for the data alone. Oh, and legally allowed to tether with anything I want, and use the connection for anything a want. To conclude, DIE AT&T
Envious, right here. That's pretty much everything I want. Luckily I still have a windows mobile 6.5 phone, not the gimped new windows phone 7. Despite frequent non-permanent glitches with software on my Tilt 2, I'm extremely pleased with it's capabilities. Overall the AT&T data network is pretty robust (was even moreso before the iPhone flood, back when it was Cingular with better cost and plans).
However, without innovation and options, I will be switching to the most capable, hardware-feature-rich Android powered phone when my cycle ends.
I will likely be sticking with AT&T when they're forced to improve their service and contracts due to competition, as I still have a grandfathered unlimited phone and data plan from Cingular!