Complicated Apple-Verizon deal unlikely

Given the dissatisfaction of iPhone users with AT&T, and the fact that Verizon has a much better network, it has been hoped that Apple would strike a deal with Verizon. One analyst is saying no.

Analyst Shaw Wu of Kaufman Bros thinks that it is more likely that the iPhone will be carried by T-Mobile or Sprint in 2010 than by Verizon, something that would disappoint many current and potential iPhone users. Shaw says one major stumbling block is that both Apple and Verizon have grown their businesses through close control of their customers and that this shared trait may keep the two apart. After all, both parties cannot really control a shared customer. Read more...