Apple’s iPhone has been in the news ever since it first launched through AT&T in 2007. Although the handset came into the market through AT&T, it is claimed that the smartphone will gain a better presence if and when it is unveiled through Verizon Wireless. According to Morpace Omnibus findings, it is reported that many consumers were attracted towards the device initially though not everybody wanted to switch to the AT&T network.
The research stated that many iPhone consumers opting for the AT&T service or data plans were dissatisfied as they experienced weak network coverage, increasing dropped calls and other issues. Rumors about the iPhone arriving through Verizon have been in the news for quite some time now but nothing has been confirmed. It further suggests that phone and carrier intentions of many customers will be drastically affected if the handset arrives through Verizon. About a third of their existing customers are very likely or somewhat likely to buy the device if available through the company.
The survey also stated that primarily the Verizon iPhone will be purchased by current Verizon consumers itself and then by other carrier users or AT&T customers. If the handset goes through constant upgrades then it is claimed that it might affect the availability on Verizon or other carriers as well. The research claims that about 34 percent of iPhone consumers have yet not upgraded to the iPhone 4 as they are longing for it to come through other carrier networks.
The report concluded that the sales of other smartphones arriving through Verizon Wireless will face a tough competition if the iPhone is up for grabs via the company. It is also a matter of concern on how the company will manage the bandwidth demand of the device’s customers. The stir caused by unlimited versus tiered data plans will remain though and most mobile networks might need to re-plan their business strategies accordingly.
If both the companies collaborate for the iPhone, then the impact of Android-based smartphones on existing customers is expected to be determined. This could further be an important element in understanding the future market share.