Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
iPhone for Verizon – A Small Business Game Changer?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by Bryan Anderson
As if Apple needed more publicity this week - with the iPad due out on Saturday (and the emergence of
Best Buy as a drop spot), a Wall Street Journal article claims that Apple will begin producing
an iPhone that would work on other U.S. carriers, primarily the
"Can you hear me now?" followers.
For months at a time, there has been on and off speculation that
the iPhone would be breaking its AT&T exclusivity and flooding
the streets of wireless users. As AT&T users complained about
hardware malfunctions and lack of coverage, the network began
taking the heat for the drawbacks. Cell phone users have voiced
their support for an iPhone on Big Red.
Aside from the carrier-switch hype, the actual device is getting a list of possible functional
upgrades, including a 940 x 640 resolution and A4 CPU (both similar
to the iPad), while multitasking and a front-facing camera have
been whispered as well. Technobuffalo.com has what it believes might
be a video of the new iPhone LCD display, measuring in at 3.7
inches.
Over at engadget.com, word on the street says the
next-gen model will be dubbed the iPhone HD, locking up with
previous rumors as well as the emergence of 4G phone models.
The biggest question to ask in regards to the iPhone for Verizon
will be extremely important: Can the network handle the iPhone
traffic?
This question is crucial for two reasons: brand reputation and
network support.
Verizon has established a "perfect
marketing strategy," watching AT&T's network struggle with
the iPhone and making commercials that mock the carrier's apparent
flaws. If indeed the iPhone is to blame, and Verizon rushes Apple's
prized possession to the network, then AT&T will have the last
laugh and possibly the momentum for a step-up.
Reports of the iPhone to Verizon were enough to drive Big Red's
stock up and AT&T's down this morning. The
speculation is as strong as ever, but is the infrastructure
capable? There have been several updates regarding Verizon's upcoming LTE
network, expected to launch by the end of the year, but will
Verizon try to speed-up the process to push an iPhone "4G"
simultaneously?
One theory that has been discussed among companies like Sprint
or T-Mobile is the idea of toggling 3G for voice and 4G for data.
This would require hardware with access to both networks, but would
significantly help ease traffic among both networks.
Will the "VeriPhone" change the small business setting the same
way AT&T's iPhone has? Apple's products have found ways to
penetrate the enterprise. Combined with Verizon's nationwide
coverage (and in some cases cheaper rates than AT&T), the new
iPhone may become accessible to a diverse network of potential
customers. With increased area coverage, this means more
interactions and customer-company face time.
Will your company embrace an added generation of iPhone
users?
Until next time -
Matthew Hymel
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester
IT Support & Consulting
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