The much anticipated iPhone4 launch on Verizon is finally happening today.
It’s great news for Apple and consumers, as the complaints have piled up on AT&T on coverage and signal. The ongoing impression over the past year in the tech business has been that Apple’s phone has a hard time making calls – in reference to the sub-par coverage and antenna on the iPhone. The news will come as a long term benefit for Apple as it now offers another carrier. 
Although great for Apple, I wouldn’t buy the phone right away. My experience is that first generation Apple products are littered with bugs.
Engadget speculates on the antenna configuration. “Tim Cook has just confirmed on stage that changes had to be made to work on the CDMA network, meaning that for users this is pretty much an aesthetic alteration. Otherwise, you’re looking at an almost identical device to what AT&T users have been enjoying since June of last year.”
For years now, Apple and AT&T have been enjoying the growth on AT&T GSM network. Here’s the issue for Apple – a CDMA phone. In cellular service there are two main competing network technologies: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). CDMA has issues in that it’s a 3G network that won’t allow simultaneous voice and data unless you manage data via WiFi.
My advice is to wait six months.
Details from Apple and Verizon
iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning Thursday, February 10 for a suggested retail price of $199.99 for the 16GB model and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new two year customer agreement, at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide It can also be purchased online at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone, at Apple Retail Stores, at the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple Authorized Resellers, or by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN.
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