iPhone Coming To Verizon In February
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Verizon customers have been waiting a long time for the chance to buy an iPhone on the Verizon network, considered by many to be the most reliable network in the nation.
Today, Apple and Verizon announced the iPhone4 would be in Verizon Wireless stores on Feb. 10 and available online a week earlier.
Last June, they lined up in Shadyside when the latest Apple iPhone went on sale.
"The pixels, I can't even see the pixels, no matter how close I am," said one customer.
"This is the rear facing, 5-mega pixel camera with 27p high-def video recording and the new flash," added another.
That's geek for awesome, but until now the Apple iPhone was only available to AT&T customers.
"All of Apple is very, very excited to bring the iPhone to Verizon's 93 million customers," says Tim Cook, Apple chief operating officer.
With a handshake at a press conference, two industry leaders clinched a new partnership between Verizon and Apple. It's recognition of what many Verizon customers want.
"With computing power moving from desktops to handheld devices, users want to carry all of their content from their digital lives with them wherever they go," notes Lowell McAdam, Verizon president.
Out at Verizon Wireless in Settler's Ridge, store manager Jessica Skoner says, "We've had people asking about the iPhone for a year or two years. Since it became really popular, we've had people continue to come and ask about it."
And the partnership means, says Skoner, "We have the nation's most reliable network, so that phone being on our network is going to make it outstanding."
The iPhone may not be for everyone. The Droid is still America's No. 1 smartphone, but if you're looking for an Apple product and 300,000 apps, the iPhone may be just right for you.
"It just has some bells and whistles other products don't have," says Verizon customer Dave Williams of Moon.
And Williams says this is long overdue.
"In so many instances, you are locked into a carrier, which is good like Verizon, through a corporate account, but you don't have access to Apple products."
Now Verizon customers can get that Apple iPhone without switching to AT&T.
But the iPhone is not exactly the same. There are differences, so compare carefully.
If AT&T customers want to switch to Verizon, they will need to buy a new iPhone from Verizon.
AT&T issued a statement saying if you want the fastest speeds, the ability to talk and use apps at the same time, you'll stick with them.
This kind of competition usually ends up being good for the consumer.
