Alsbridge Network Services Group Says iPhone 4 May Not be Reason to Jump to Verizon Early

Corporate cell phone users may want to hold their horses before anticipating an immediate jump to Verizon in favor of using the iPhone 4, says a new report from advisory firm Alsbridge, Inc.

According to their announcement at a January 11 press conference, Verizon expects to begin carrying the iPhone 4 next month, which means iPhone users will be able to choose their carrier for the first time. When this happens, about 7 million AT&T customers are expected to dump their service and switch to Verizon.

“Many organizations are anticipating this opportunity to switch,” says Ben Trowbridge, CEO of Alsbridge, Inc. “But being one of the first to take the plunge may not be as rewarding as it sounds. You may be paying a premium for inferior service quality if you don’t consider all the angles.”

A main concern is whether Verizon will be able to handle the new weight on its network. When the iPhone first came to AT&T, the network slowed down dramatically from the influx of new data activity. Also, some wonder if a mass exodus from AT&T will create a better data usage experience for the customers who stay put.

Furthermore, Verizon’s technology doesn’t yet support voice and data simultaneously. This means that if you’re a digital multi-tasker and want to download Web data or e-mail while you’re on a call, you’re in for some electronic speed bumps.

Speaking of speed bumps, traveling on Verizon’s network could get expensive. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the standard for mobile systems, which means traveling on the Verizon CDMA network could be costly.

Most of all, the people who are first in line to switch could end up paying full price - twice. The iPhone 4 will be on sale for full price soon, but Apple has traditionally released new models every summer, which means the iPhone 5 will be available in just a few months. This could mean a lot of extra, barely used phones sitting around the office.

However, having more choices is something to be excited about, especially because AT&T also isn’t expected to lose an estimated 7 million users without a fight.

“This is going to be a war of performance that will inevitably become a bidding war,” said Trowbridge. “Working with a network service group can help companies get deals on items that can lower expenses, double monthly discount percentages, and ensure the best deal for your organization will be won.”

Additional perspective can be found in the newest article from Alsbridge: “Verizon’s iPhone: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”

About Alsbridge Inc.

Alsbridge, Inc. is an award-winning global advisory firm and a distinguished member of the 2010 Inc. 500 fastest growing privately held companies. Alsbridge redefines the way companies reduce costs and improve back office operations. Our proprietary benchmarking tools and data resources enable clients to utilize the most cost effective and value added sources globally for information technology, business processes and telecommunications networks.  Through a combination of internal optimization and outsourcing, our clients achieve cost savings that support their strategic business objectives. Founded in 2003, Alsbridge is the proven, effective difference. The company’s web site is: www.alsbridge.com. Follow Alsbridge on Twitter @Alsbridge_Inc

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