Verizon's schadenfreude

Verizon Wireless is taking a bit of pleasure over AT&T's continuing troubles with the Apple iPhone. Ever since the first reports of 3G reception problems, limited battery life, and dropped calls, Verizon's media relations arm has been highlighting the issues in e-mails to reporters.

Just today, I received an e-mail that spotlighted a Dow Jones story over the reluctance of AT&T and Apple to take blame for the iPhone's problems. A Verizon spokesman also added his own take. "At the end of the day, a customer doesn't care who's at fault--the phone or the network. But they do want a little responsibility. Because either way, it can add up to a horrible experience. Why would a customer risk their entire mobile experience by getting an iPhone at all?"

While I agree completely that neither Apple nor AT&T have been particularly forthcoming about what (or who) was causing the problems, I find it amusing that Verizon feels the need to remind me. What's more, the Dow Jones story barely mentions the recent 2.1 software update. Though not everyone agrees, that update has fixed the problems for some users.

Remember that Verizon passed up the chance to take the iPhone, so perhaps the carrier is regretting that decision. I don't think it should, to be honest, considering it has a highly regarded network and a spiffy collection of phones. But when Verizon's CEO Ivan Seidenberg called the iPhone's success a "conspiracy," it sure looks it.