The long awaited release of the iPhone for Verizon Wireless has been announced for Feb. 10, with pre-orders available for existing customers as early as Feb. 3.
The iPhone, released exclusively for AT&T in summer 2007, has been the world's best-selling smart phone.
The two products will be almost identical, with a few exceptions.
With AT&T, data applications like e-mail and text are still functional during a phone call, something Verizon's iPhone will not be able to do.
Verizon's will have the ability to make the phone a mobile hot spot and link five additional devices to the phone's connection.
With a Verizon kiosk available in the Auburn University Student Center and a sign advertising discounts and benefits for Auburn students, some consider the change positive, while others do not.
Matt Nail, a 23-year-old AT&T customer, said he was "stoked" when he heard about the change.
"All my friends use Verizon, so it makes sense to switch," Nail said.
He said his excitement deflated somewhat, however, when he heard that he would have to buy Verizon's version of the phone because of incompatibility issues.
Verizon customer Chris Nunez, 21, said he was content with his Droid.
"I feel like (the iPhone) is way overhyped for its capabilities and that the Droid offers a larger variety of features," Nunez said.
Nunez described his annoyance with Verizon's announcement to discontinue its popular "New Every Two" policy.
The policy allowed Verizon customers to upgrade to a new phone every two years at a substantial discount.
The policy will end Jan. 16., weeks before the iPhone is available for pre-order.
Existing customers, however, will be provided a discount if they're near the end of their two years.
"Since Verizon is getting the iPhone, their need to provide incentives goes down," Nunez said. "At least current customers will be able to use their discount one more time."
Andy Mayes, 22, said he was sticking with his AT&T iPhone despite Verizon's boasts about having a more reliable network.
Mayes admitted Verizon's unlimited data plan--something AT&T does not offer\0xAD\0xAD--was appealing, but it was not enough to make him switch providers.
"My iPhone works great; the benefits Verizon offers do not outweigh the cost of buying another phone," he said.
The 16GB iPhone 4 will cost $199 and the 32GB iPhone 4 will cost $299 after the two year service agreement.
Without a two year service agreement, full retail price is $599 and $699.
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