Carriers

Consumer Reports Doesn’t Recommend the Verizon iPhone Due to Antenna Issues

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Proving that they do have something against Apple, the fine folks at Consumer Reports have refused to give the Verizon iPhone their official recommendation. After testing the Verizon iPhone for antenna issues, Consumer Reports determined that the same "antennagate" issue that plagued the original iPhone 4 on AT&T also plagues the CDMA version of the iPhone.

Despite the Verizon iPhone being generally well received by the public and press, the stubbornness of Consumer Reports prevails with their verdict of judgement.

AT&T Now Showing 4G HSPA+ Coverage Map

Alex Heath ∙ February 21, 2011

AT&T is now showing its 4G coverage map on its website. The cites/areas listed on the map only reflect the places that have undergone a complete backhaul upgrade for 4G speeds. This 4G rollout is apart of AT&T's new promotional campaign to show off its 4G capabilities.

Since the iPhone was made available on Verizon, AT&T has had to find another way of attracting potential customers. This 4G stunt is obviously part of AT&T's new strategy to show that it doesn't really have awful coverage...

Verizon vs AT&T, Comparing Data Speeds on the iPhone

Alex Heath ∙ Updated March 18, 2019

Now that Verizon carries the iPhone 4 on its CDMA network, there is a new way to compare iPhone data speeds with AT&T's infrastructure.

People have been comparing the Verizon and AT&T iPhone's data speeds, and CNET has posted a very detailed comparison of how the two networks compete with each other on the iPhone. The results weren't that surprising; Verizon seemed to do better than AT&T in almost every way...

Cydia Blocked by Carriers in 3 Countries

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

There has been reports coming from 3 different countries that Cydia was blocked by carriers, making it impossible to load Cydia over 3G. So far, only 3 countries and 2 carriers have been reported to be blocking access to Cydia: 3 Ireland, 3 UK, and China Unicom.

When trying to load Cydia over 3G, iPhone users in these countries get an error message saying the page cannot be loaded. Cydia does work fine on wifi though.

I'm not as surprised by the blocking of Cydia as I am by the timing. It seems that the blocking from the carriers started at the same time, which leads me to believe this is an operation that has been discussed and planned in advance...

AT&T Offering Free “Mobile to Any Mobile” Calling for Customers

Alex Heath ∙ February 9, 2011

Verizon has been stealing attention away from the iPhone's original carrier, and it looks like AT&T is doing all it can to keep disgruntled customers from jumping ship.

500,000+ Verizon iPhones have already been pre-ordered, and the device just became available for purchase on Apple's site.

Needless to say, AT&T is definitely feeling the heat from its new competition, and it's doing everything it can to ensure that customers don't cross over to the dark side...

AT&T Commercial “Answers” The Biggest Problem With Verizon iPhone

Alex Heath ∙ Updated February 6, 2016

And you thought the Mac v.s. PC ads were heated. It looks like Verizon and AT&T are prepared to sling mud now that AT&T is not the only carrier claiming the iPhone as its flagship device.

The finger pointing started when AT&T sent out an email to its customers with the subject line, “Feel free to make a call while reading this email." This jab was aimed directly at Verizon, who's CDMA network does not currently allow voice and data at the same time.

Big Red then struck back at AT&T with a poignant and witty commercial featuring the Verizon "Can you hear me now?" guy. AT&T has now retaliated with its own Verizon-aimed commercial...

Speculation: Apple Working On LTE for the iPhone

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Could Apple possibly be working on implementing LTE technology into the next iPhone? LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a new wireless data technology that is supposed to offer higher peak throughputs and better data performance. Following 3G, LTE is the next stage in the evolution of wireless data technologies.

A new Apple job posting hints that the company is looking to implement LTE into their iOS platform. While LTE knowledge has been part of other Apple job requirements, this specific job listing is the first time that LTE has been called a "specific duty."

This job listing is not necessarily empirical proof that Apple will implement LTE in the near future, but it's definitely a strong indication of Apple's roadmap for iOS...

Verizon iPhone Will Have $30 Unlimited Data Plan for a “Limited Time”

Alex Heath ∙ January 25, 2011

It's official. The Verizon iPhone will be initially offered with a $30 unlimited data plan. Potential Verizon iPhone customers can celebrate that they will be getting the coveted unlimited data plan that AT&T stopped providing for the iPhone last June.

Verizon's COO, Lowell McAdam, has confirmed that there will indeed be a $30 unlimited data plan for Verizon iPhone customers when product sales start in February. This move is clearly Verizon's attempt at attracting disgruntled AT&T iPhone customers to the Verizon Wireless platform.

It looks like Verizon is pulling out the stops to attract as many AT&T customers as they can...

Verizon ‘It Begins’ Commercial Teases the iPhone to Customers

Alex Heath ∙ January 21, 2011

Verizon has launched full swing into its iPhone ad campaign with a new broadcast commercial. Just in case you've been under a rock lately, the Verizon iPhone has finally arrived and is available on February 10.

The Verizon iPhone is going to be huge, and this commercial definitely plays it up. The 30 second tease is even perhaps a little too dramatic, but I guess when you've been waiting as long as Verizon, you deserve a little room for hyperbole...

Current Verizon Customers Should Be Eligible for a $200 Credit Towards the iPhone 4

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Good news for current Verizon customers: the latest U.S. iPhone carrier has posted its FAQ on the iPhone 4, and it turns out that a $200 credit will be given towards an iPhone upgrade. However, not everyone will qualify for this credit.

If you purchased a new smartphone from Verizon Wireless between November 26, 2010 and January 10, 2011, you should be eligible for a $200 credit towards an iPhone 4 upgrade. This credit should be available as long as your purchase the iPhone on Verizon before February 28.

Verizon's FAQ has some interesting answers for current (and potential) customers who might want to use their available upgrade on the iPhone 4...

A Closer Look at The Verizon iPhone’s ‘Personal Hotspot’

Alex Heath ∙ January 12, 2011

Yesterday, the Verizon iPhone was announced. Not much is different; there is a new CDMA antenna and mobile hotspot feature coined as "Personal Hotspot." This new (currently) Verizon-specific iPhone feature mimics popular jailbreak utilities like MyWi.

Personal Hotspot will be a new, pre-installed software feature for the Verizon brand of iOS. This mobile hotspot feature has been available on most Android phones for quite some time. Some more details have surfaced about Personal Hotspot...

How to Check Your Verizon iPhone Eligibility

Alex Heath ∙ Updated November 12, 2018

The Verizon iPhone has been announced, and if you're one of the millions that is probably planning on buying one, you can now check your contract eligibility. Among other things, the Verizon iPhone has a new antenna. This should make call reliability much better with the iPhone on Verizon's network.

If you are a current Verizon wireless customer, Apple has posted a page where you can check your contract eligibility for an upgrade. Verizon also has an eligibility page for customers to check their contracts as well...