Verizon CFO: Next iPhone works on both CDMA and GSM networks

As part of the Reuters Global Technology Summit, Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo today talked about data plan discounts, prepaid plans and the next-generation iPhone. During his talk, Shammo noted that the next iPhone model will be released simultaneously for both AT&T and Verizon.

This is an indication that the next iPhone supports CDMA and GSM networks, possibly using the same Qualcomm-produced dual-mode chipset that is in the current Verizon CDMA iPhone 4. While the GSM bands aren't enabled in the current Verizon iPhone 4, bringing that capability to the next generation device would give the company a chance to sell a true "world phone" that can work in as many countries as the GSM-based iPhone.

Shammo also noted that although he is "happy" with sales of the Verizon iPhone, some customers held off on purchasing as they were waiting for a 4G device running on Verizon's LTE network. The CFO isn't concerned about the next iPhone not supporting LTE, stating that Verizon has enough high-speed alternatives to keep customers happy. Referring to the lack of LTE, Shammo was quoted as saying "I think it's a bigger issue for Apple than it is for us."

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Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/19/us-summit-verizon-…

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As part of the Reuters Global Technology Summit, Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo today talked about data plan discounts,...

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tony d

If this is true I hope we can buy one outright, no subsidy. Then we can pick the carrier who has the best service/prices without have to terminate contracts.

May 20 2011 at 1:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brent

I wasn't afraid to get the iPhone 4 from Verizon because I suspected iPhone 5 wouldn't have LTE, nor do I believe the upgrades over the 4 will be that significant. With Verizon's 20 month upgrade eligibility, I'll be able to get iPhone 6 in November 2012.

May 19 2011 at 5:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

IronManLfter1

It really is ridiculous that Verizon has a quickly maturing LTE network and Apple looks like it will be skipping it with this iteration of the iPhone. I was getting ready to jump over to Verizon from AT&T when the next iPhone comes out but if its lacking features like LTE, do I really want to be stuck with a incrementally improved iPhone 4 for the next two years when most other phone manufacturers will be including LTE in their new gear? C'mon Apple, let's get with it please...

May 19 2011 at 4:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

punkassjim

It does not follow, Steve. What he said is nowhere near what you're leading us to believe.

May 19 2011 at 4:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

tcheney

I see At&t running this tag on the next iPhone. The only 4G iPhone is on at&t referring to the HSPA+ that is pushed out as a 4G standard. I should say if the new iPhone has HSPA+ built in. I really wonder if an apple ithings MVNO could make it in the US market.

May 19 2011 at 3:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mark

"Shammo noted that the next iPhone model will be released simultaneously for both AT&T and Verizon."

I just see it as two models being released at the same time so that Verizon owners aren't feeling left out of the party on whatever features the new model has, not necessarily that it will be a dual mode phone.

I hope I'm wrong. I want dual mode now.

May 19 2011 at 3:36 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to mark's comment

milkmage

did you read beyond the first paragraph?

the current VZN model already has the required chip. why would they continue 2 SKU's?

"This is an indication that the next iPhone supports CDMA and GSM networks, possibly using the same Qualcomm-produced dual-mode chipset that is in the current Verizon CDMA iPhone 4."

May 19 2011 at 4:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Kleinias

@milkmage,

Well, in all fairness, the Huffington-esque headline (the sort where the headline is usually divorced from the actual content of the article) is built to draw in the clicks. You will see this more and more with TUAW because it works. The headline draws you in by stating something pretty definite "Next iPhone works on both CDMA and GSM networks," while the article doesn't reasonably lead one to presume that at all. The aim is usually just to rise to the top in the google search algorithm when folks search using certain frequently used terms.

May 19 2011 at 11:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply