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.”
Verizon CFO: Next iPhone works on both CDMA and GSM networks originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 19 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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