Latest leak pointing to iPhone inevitability

Verizon Wireless is reportedly upgrading its network capacity to handle the onslaught of iPhone usage, sources have told the Wall Street Journal. The carrier is said to be participating in ongoing discussions with Apple, in an attempt to prepare its networks for the surge in data usage expected with an iPhone launch.

Earlier leaks suggested Verizon is trying to avoid reliability problems that plagued AT&T. The latter carrier was widely criticized for failing to upgrade its bandwidth capacity as iPhone sales accelerated. Users reported slow data speeds and dropped calls, especially in urban areas such as San Francisco.

Verizon is said to be in a better position, as its networks have already dealt with increasing data usage brought by Android handsets and other smartphones. CTO Tony Melone claims the "Android experience" has bolstered the company's confidence to manage a "great data network." The executive suggests Verizon is "planning for growth," although he declined to name the iPhone as a specific factor guiding its infrastructure strategy.

The carrier has acknowledged plans to update its networks to support simultaneous voice and data usage, a factor which is seen as necessary to appease Apple and match functionality available to AT&T subscribers.

Although a Verizon iPhone has yet to be officially confirmed, sources suggest the offering is slated for early 2011.

By Electronista Staff