Media for With Verizon on the Horizon, iPhone Users Weigh Leaving AT&T - but there's a Catch [telecom]

With Verizon on the Horizon, iPhone Users Weigh Leaving AT&T - but there's a Catch [telecom]

With Verizon on the Horizon, iPhone Users Weigh Leaving AT&T-but There's a Catch

By ROGER CHENG OCTOBER 9, 2010

Network quality won't be the only issue for iPhone buyers trying to decide between AT&T Inc. and Verizon Wireless when the smartphone becomes available to a second U.S. carrier. The technology behind their high-speed networks matters, too.

The cellular network of AT&T, the current iPhone provider, runs on a standard called UMTS. Verizon's uses something called CDMA, and that will make a difference in how the phones work.

Most notably, Verizon customers aren't able to surf the Web or exchange email while they're talking on their phone. That sort of on-the-go multitasking-which AT&T and iPhone maker Apple Inc. have touted in advertising-might seem a little much to many people, but it's often what iPhone users are signing up for.

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