Verizon iPhone: The Basics

Here are the basics on the just-introduced Verizon iPhone:

It’s an iPhone 4, not an all-new model.

It will run on Verizon’s CDMA network, meaning that it will not use the carrier’s newest 4G network, nor will it work internationally on other GSM networks.

It’s going to be available for pre-order on Feb. 3 for existing Verizon Wireless customers and will go on sale to the public Feb. 10 online and in both Verizon and Apple stores.

Price is $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB with a two-year contract. Verizon did not reveal how much voice and data plans will cost.

It will have hotspot capabilities, allowing up to five devices to connect via Wi-Fi at one time. In the past, Verizon has charged extra for this feature, but also given it away for free on the Palm Pre. Verizon typically charges $20 a month extra, which includes 2 GB of data.

Verizon’s iPhone also has a slightly different antenna design. It has four notches in its external antenna–one more than AT&T’s. Evidently, that was an adjustment made for Verizon’s CDMA network and not a new fix for the problems that gave rise to antennagate.