Before my iPhone , I had 4 BlackBerrys on the VZW CDMA network. No problems, no dropped calls. So I am a fan of the Verizon network. I made the switch to the AT&T GSM network for the iPhone 3Gs and have only experienced a few drops, nothing major.

Now that VZW is carrying the iPhone, I have thought about switching when my AT&T contract is up but have come to the conclusion that I will most likely stay with AT&T. But there is one feature that intrigues me with the Verizon iPhone, the Personal HotSpot.

I really think this is a really useful and practical feature that allows up to 5 wireless devices to connect to one hotspot. Your personal hub will allow you to set a security password and also allows you to connect via bluetooth or USB for a one-to-one connection. The interface is super easy like with all Apple products and the set-up menu gives you easy to follow instructions.

The Personal HotSpot comes with monthly pricing plans at an extra $20/month.This is feature is ideal for someone who travels and who currently uses their iPhone tethering feature. At an extra $20 a month, the price is reasonable and you gain another killer feature for your iPhone.

Here are a few things to consider before making the jump from AT&T to Verizon Wireless.

Starting February 3, you will be able to pre-order your Verizon Wireless iPhone but before you make the change or even consider it, take a minute to review some of the points you should consider.

Because they are different types of networks, AT&T and Verizon have different pros and cons in the user interface. AT&T is on the GSM (Global Systems for Mobile communications) network which allows for simultaneous voice and data usage. If you talk on the phone while surfing the web or checking e-mails, you will have to stay with AT&T. The Verizon wireless network is CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) and does not allow for voice and data usage at the same time.

The biggest gripes I have heard about the AT&T network is low signal, dropped calls and a pokey network. Typically this is more of a concern for users in large metro areas like New York or San Francisco. However, it is expected that the Verizon iPhone will handle calls better and have better signal reception. Also, with some customers switching to the Verizon network the AT&T network should become less congested.

Another point to consider is that if you switch to the Verizon iPhone now you will have to wait 20 months until you can upgrade. AT&T lets you upgrade your phone to the newest iPhone at reduced cost, so if you want to get the iPhone 5 you may have to wait until you are eligible for an upgrade.

Last, we are still waiting to hear all of the final pricing details from Verizon. But it has been released that VZW will start with unlimited data plans at $30 a month to start but the unlimited plans will end after new sign ups. This is a ploy used to snag as many AT&T customers as possible.

It’s your dollar so why not make an educated decision?

This almost sounds too good to be true but the truth is while AT&T has been trying to keep the exclusive rights to the iPhone, Verizon Wireless has been seriously beefing up its network. The announcement became official this morning and the claims from VZW will be put to the test immediately when the largest wireless carrier in the United States signs up millions of new users.
In a quote from Forrester Research wireless analyst Charles Golvin says, “LTE is the future 4G technology path for both Verizon and AT&T … If Verizon can convince Apple to accelerate its incorporation of LTE, the carrier will be able to deliver a significantly accelerated iPhone experience to more customers than its competitor, and attract a significant number of the first wave of buyers, including the Apple acolytes.”
If you have been paying attention to the new VZW marketing campaign, the carrier has started to punch the LTE 4G movement into high gear. The iPhone was announced at 11am this morning by Verizon’s President and COO Lowell McAdam at its network event in New York City. The rumors of a Verizon iPhone have been fulfilled and I expect to see a BOOM in sales for the largest carrier in the United States.
The move has been a long time coming with users voicing their frustration of the reliability of the At&T network. Moving to the VZW network means that a 4G network will be must.

 

A regional VP with Verizon Wireless has stated to eWeek that the Verizon iPhone will happen by late 2010 or early 2011.