Is Verizon attempting an end run around AT&T with iPhone-like devices?

Computerworld - Verizon Wireless, which is reported to be in talks with Apple Inc. over two iPhone-like devices, could be attempting to make an end run around the exclusive deal that AT&T Inc. has with Apple to sell the iPhone.

It shouldn't be surprising that Verizon would do anything to get its hands on a product that has a small letter "i" in its name and that's made by Apple. The drive at Verizon to compete with AT&T is robust and even dogged, said industry observers.

BusinessWeek, citing an unnamed source, reported that Apple has two prototypes in the works for Verizon to sell -- an "iPhone lite" calling device and a media pad for listening to music, viewing photos and watching high-definition videos, as well as making Wi-Fi voice calls. One of the devices could go on sale this summer.

Verizon and AT&T, the nation's two largest wireless carriers, may be the most recent example of tough competition among U.S. capitalists, analysts said today. As such, it is easy to see why Verizon would like to sell the iPhone, and if not the actual iPhone, because of AT&T's exclusive deal with Apple, then something like the iPhone. Meanwhile, AT&T is trying to extend its deal as the sole U.S. wireless carrier of the device beyond 2010.

Some observers have speculated that the reports of Verizon's talks with Apple are simply Apple's attempt to manipulate AT&T into paying more for an extension of its exclusive deal.

Gartner Inc. analyst Phillip Redman said he questioned why Apple would be working with Verizon on iPhone-like devices because Verizon hasn't been active in promoting Wi-Fi, or at least as active as AT&T, which has 20,000 Wi-Fi hot spots that certain customers of AT&T data plans can use for free.

"I would be surprised [if Apple is working with Verizon on iPhone-like prototypes], since Verizon Wireless hasn't been a big supporter of Wi-Fi," Redman said. "I don't see how those products would fit in their strategy, since they are not actively selling Wi-Fi services, and Wi-Fi services for handhelds really make the most sense when combined with cellular services."

Still, it is easy to see why Verizon would not want to give even an iota of competitive advantage to AT&T, said Jack Gold, an analyst at J.Gold Associates LLC.

"Verizon clearly has to do something to compete on the iPhone," Gold said. "AT&T has done a good job of selling the iPhone and has taken advantage of all the iPhone is and Apple's marketing."

Gold pointed to the large number of subscribers that AT&T has gained just by offering the iPhone. "Those subscribers had to come from somewhere, and maybe some came from Verizon," he noted.