Change brings risks, benefits

By Devang Joshi

Devang Joshi WebmasterFor some people, February 10, 2011 cannot come fast enough. For loyal Verizon wireless customers, the fabled iPhone 4 will finally be available on a network that is not AT&T. 

Now, that’s great and all, but, seriously, why so much hype? Perhaps my anti-apple mindset does not allow me to understand the eage-beaver mentality that exists around the iPhone, but I will muster on to provide you with a comparison of the two carriers.

For starters, both phones start at $199, according to each carrier’s respective website, and of course individuals will need to purchase a data plan along with the iPhone. 

Exact plan pricing is not really out there from Verizon yet, but it’s safe to say the pricing will closely mirror that of AT&T. Also, there are a few differences in terms of functionally, such as the ability to set up a mobile wi-fi hotspot on the Verizon version (not an option on the AT&T version).

So, if the phones are just about the same, is it safe to switch? Well, yes and no. Remember that AT&T has been in the iPhone business for a few years now, so they have been able to deal with the hiccups where as Verizon has not.

What it all comes down to is good business for Apple. By expanding its partnership to another carrier, the amount of incoming capital has increased exponentially. 

Also, this move is good for the consumer; now individuals do not have to change a network they like in order to use the device they want.

What’s my take? Personally I see no gain to either carrier; both offer the same services at around the same prices (taking into account the “experience” on each network is subjective at best). Also, I do not see the point in dropping $200 on a phone that is “fun” (I don’t believe any mobile device will change my life). However, if you are one of many who have been waiting for this day, hang on and take a deep breath; it’s almost here.

Patrick Owens Collaborating investigator

By Devang Joshi

Devang Joshi WebmasterFor some people, February 10, 2011 cannot come fast enough. For loyal Verizon wireless customers, the fabled iPhone 4 will finally be available on a network that is not AT&T. 

Now, that’s great and all, but, seriously, why so much hype? Perhaps my anti-apple mindset does not allow me to understand the eage-beaver mentality that exists around the iPhone, but I will muster on to provide you with a comparison of the two carriers.

For starters, both phones start at $199, according to each carrier’s respective website, and of course individuals will need to purchase a data plan along with the iPhone. 

Exact plan pricing is not really out there from Verizon yet, but it’s safe to say the pricing will closely mirror that of AT&T. Also, there are a few differences in terms of functionally, such as the ability to set up a mobile wi-fi hotspot on the Verizon version (not an option on the AT&T version).

So, if the phones are just about the same, is it safe to switch? Well, yes and no. Remember that AT&T has been in the iPhone business for a few years now, so they have been able to deal with the hiccups where as Verizon has not.

What it all comes down to is good business for Apple. By expanding its partnership to another carrier, the amount of incoming capital has increased exponentially. 

Also, this move is good for the consumer; now individuals do not have to change a network they like in order to use the device they want.

What’s my take? Personally I see no gain to either carrier; both offer the same services at around the same prices (taking into account the “experience” on each network is subjective at best). Also, I do not see the point in dropping $200 on a phone that is “fun” (I don’t believe any mobile device will change my life). However, if you are one of many who have been waiting for this day, hang on and take a deep breath; it’s almost here.