Verizon Hangs Up on iPhone

Though it is ridiculously expensive and somewhat limited in data storage capacity, Apple's iPhone does promise a far more engaging multimedia experience and an ultrasleek package. Should it catch on, AT&T could have quite a user magnet on its hands.

The last iconic phone, Motorola's Razr, last quarter passed 70 million handsets sold. Had one carrier owned the exclusive sales rights to the Razr, it's probably fair to say its marketshare would have jumped.

But Verizon's operation chief Strigl says it's a little too early to start conceding anything to iPhone.

Weighing a future offering against what's on the market today is "like comparing apples and oranges," Strigl says. Verizon has confidence that its phone makers like LG, Motorola and Samsung will have compelling designs to compete with the iPhone, Strigl says.

Overall, says Strigl, the iPhone's music features will help "draw attention to our data capabilities."