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As rumored, in a new, multi-year partnership, Verizon Wireless will finally, officially, legitimately, and for realsies begin carrying Apple's iPhone 4 starting February 10, 2011. The 16-gig model will retail for $199 with a two-year contract (contract price not yet been released) and the 32-gig version will cost $299. Existing Verizon customers get the pricey privilege of ordering the mega telephonic device on Feb. 3, one week before everyone else.
According to the L.A. Times, the Verizon iPhone will operate essentially the same as the AT&T phone except for two significant differences: 1) Verizon users will not be able to use data services while on a phone call and 2) Verizon iPhones can be used as wireless hotspots, likely for an additional fee, for up to five connecting devices.
Lowell McAdam, Verizon Chief Executive and Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook announced during the unveiling that the Verizon iPhone would be unable to operate with Verizon's hailed new 4G network. Reports the L.A. Times, "'It would've forced design compromises we did not want to make,' said Cook."
