Report: Verizon And Apple In 'High-Level' Discussions Over Potential iPhone Deal
This story was written by Tricia Duryee.
With AT&T's exclusivity on the iPhone nearing an end next year, Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) appears to be playing the field. USA Today is reporting that Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) and Apple are considering making an iPhone that would be ready for Verizon's network as early as next year, according to people familiar with the situation.
The unidentified sources said the two companies entered "high-level" discussions a few months ago when CEO Steve Jobs was still overseeing day-to-day business. And, even though Jobs is on medical leave until June, the conversations have continued. Meanwhile, AT&T's exclusivity is rumored to end sometime next year, something the WSJ reported that CEO Randall Stephenson is working hard at extending until 2011. It's no surprise that the iPhone is a hot commodity among wireless carriers. Last week, AT&T (NYSE: T), beat expectations, boosted in part by the iPhone. More on our sister site mocoNews.
By Tricia Duryee