Verizon to Finally Get iPhone

[Bond]

The iPhone is finally coming to Verizon Wireless.

The largest U.S. wireless carrier will say Tuesday that Apple Inc.'s iPhone will be available to its subscribers, according to a person familiar with the matter. The company is making the announcement at an event at New York's Lincoln Center.

Verizon sent invitations to journalists Friday asking them to "Join us as we share the latest news," but didn't specify the subject matter.

The event will be headlined by Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon Communications Inc., which jointly owns Verizon Wireless with Vodafone Group PLC.

Apple declined to comment.

A Verizon iPhone would bring an end to the exclusive hold AT&T Inc. has had on the iconic phone since its launch in mid-2007.

Adding an extra carrier could spur sales as Apple faces growing competition from phones powered by rival Google Inc.'s software.

Analysts expect high demand for a Verizon iPhone. Users have long complained about dropped calls and poor service on AT&T's network, even as the carrier boosted spending to improve coverage.

Many customers, however, are stuck in long-term contracts or family or business plans, which could make it difficult to switch.

Source: WSJ

Anyone else excited for this? I am eligible to upgrade in early February, so iPhone here I come!