Rumor Roundup: The iPhone on Verizon Wireless
Jan 10, 2011 11:14 AM EDT by Sarah Silbert, LAPTOP Staff Writer 
In the wake of Verizon Wireless’ upcoming press conference, the blogosphere is aflutter with rumors about the carrier acquiring the iPhone. While the iPhone on Verizon seems almost a done deal, there are plenty of other details making their rounds online. Here are the top stories creating buzz about the upcoming announcement.
Verizon iPhone May Come with a Higher Price Tag
According to AppleInsider, the iPhone on Verizon Wireless could cost $20 to $30 more than it does on AT&T. The reason? In order to work on Verizon’s network, the device must be redesigned to include a CDMA radio, which is more expensive than the UMTS technology found in AT&T’s version of the iPhone.
Apple May Be Dropping Restocking Fees
Electronista reports that Apple may waive its 10 percent restocking fee starting tomorrow (January 11th), the same day as Verizon’s expected announcement about the iPhone.
Verizon iPhone Will Launch on February 3rd
Sources over at Boy Genius Report are putting a date on the Verizon iPhone’s commercial release. This rumor is fueled by a reported freeze of Apple employees’ vacation requests, which suggests the company is about to launch something big.
This iPhone Will Lack Multitasking, Will Work in Fewer Countries
The Wall Street Journal has its finger on the pulse of the Verizon iPhone rumor mill, and it hints that the device on Verizon Wireless may have to sacrifice true multitasking (the ability to browse the Internet and send messages while on the phone) to work on the carrier’s network. Additionally, Verizon’s technology is less widely used than AT&T’s, suggesting that the iPhone on Verizon may not work in as many countries.
Verizon to Offer Unlimited Data Plans for iPhone
Perhaps the sweetest rumor to surface, WSJ also reports that Verizon Wireless will offer unlimited data use plans for the iPhone, a perk which AT&T currently does not offer.
3G or 4G?
Verizon has been gearing up its new 4G LTE network, but that doesn’t mean the iPhone couldn’t run on the carrier’s slower 3G network. Just add this to the list of questions we hope are answered at tomorrow’s press event.
