In a recent interview, Verizon Wireless CEO Dan Mead rebutted recent reports suggesting Verizon iPhone sales were low by confirming that the wireless carrier sold more iPhone 4s during its initial launch than any other product in the carrier's history. Mead would not divulge the actual numbers, but he confirmed these sales figures would be released during the carrier's next quarterly report.
The Verizon iPhone launch was characterized by fewer and shorter lines at both the carrier's retail outlets and Apple stores. According to Mead, this was not a reflection of low demand, but the carrier's plan to stagger the launch.
"It was a conscious decision to spread the launch over three phases," said Mead, who also confirmed that 60 percent of iPhone sales were processed online. Verizon held two pre-sale opportunities on February 3 and 9 and kicked off the official launch on February 10.
Besides the iPhone 5, Mead hinted that Apple was interested in LTE technology and working on devices compatible with Verizon's 4G network. Mead said, "You'll see more coming from Apple on LTE. They understand the value proposition of LTE and I feel very confident that they are going to be a part of it."
Apple recently addressed LTE, and COO Tim Cook confirmed the Cupertino company is not ready to adopt this 4G technology. Speaking at the Verizon iPhone launch, Cook said, "the first-generation LTE chipsets force some design compromises, some of which we wouldn't make."
Hopefully, Apple can work with chipset manufacturers to iron out these kinks, and we can look forward to 4G speeds combined with Apple's solid hardware and slick mobile OS.
Verizon CEO: iPhone 4 sales strong, more coming from Apple on LTE originally appeared on TUAW on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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