As the iPhone is sadly limited to the service of AT&T; it would only follow that competing carriers would be anticipated a large fallout as customers migrated to AT&T for the new gadget. Though one might expect Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint to be preparing a competing unit that could keep a hold on drifting customers, Verizon’s CEO has outright said they are not afraid of the iPhone, and have absolutely zero intentions of releasing a competing unit.

That doesn’t mean Verizon isn’t prepared; its CEO, Ivan Seidenberg, believes the company’s most recent bevy of devices, including Blackberry’s latest tool, are more than enough to compete with the iPhone.

Cnet documented Seidenberg’s thoughts, “We just added four new devices in the past month,” The new BlackBerry is flying off shelves. The way we see it, our customers have price points and service packaging that is different.”

Though Verizon’s hopes for its own products are positive and upbeat, its hopes for the way the iPhone will impact the market seems a bit shortsighted:

“The way we come at this is to let the iPhone hit the market,” he said. “I don’t think it changes the game plan for how we approach the market. But we need to see the impact. The burden is on (AT&T and Apple) to prove the market will change.”

To deliver a message postdated for June 29, the iPhone will change the market. You’ll get your proof then.

Interestingly enough, Verizon feels quite confident in its own unique twists to the cell phone game; it is banking strongly on the success of Vcast (a service that has, to this point, neither succeeded overwhelmingly nor failed miserably), the video and music service that allows users to download or stream content directly to their mobile devices.

Seidenberg also expressed hopes that the iPhone will stimulate the smart phone market across the board, bringing an increased number of sales of Verizon’s own flagship mobiles.

The reality that is quickly becoming evident is that the iPhone will strongly affect the entire cell phone industry; more than likely, in AT&T’s favor, not in the best interests of competing providers.

But does that mean Seidenberg’s reaction is anything else but what he is able to provide? After all, what is there to say to critics who point to the iPhone and demand an equivalant? Any good PR team will tell you to point out your own company’s strengths and hope beyond all hopes that your current customers (and those of other providers) find what you offer to be the best.

Best of luck to Verizon in their endeavors against the success of the iPhone…what can anyone do, except hope the 5 year exclusivity contract falls through?

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Entry was posted on Wednesday, June 20th, 2007 at 6:30 pm under Apple, Online video, Technology.

Read more entries by Triston McIntyre.
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