Verizon, AT&T -- Or Something Better?

It’s on now.

Finally, after years of back and forth, we may finally see some resolution in the endless AT&T v. Verizon debate.

The catalyst? The iPhone finally comes to Verizon — and, with it, the playing field between the two telecommunication giants is finally leveled.

Most analysts think that Verizon (VZ:NYSE) is about to blow AT&T (T:NYSE) out of the water… but not so fast. Many of the worst aspects of AT&T service were symptoms of iPhone success — and there are definite advantages that Big Blue has over Big Red. Let’s take a quick look at the different services, and see what the tea leaves might suggest.

Apples or Oranges — You Choose

The big knock on iPhone on AT&T has always been call quality. Poor reception, dropped calls, weird artifacts… and, no doubt, that has been a problem.

However, part of that was due to the huge influx of callers that came with the iPhone. What’s more, this is a localized problem. Some areas are fine — or even better — on AT&T. Big Blue just lacked the marketing savvy to make sure the major media markets like New York were amongst its best served.

On this, we’ve got to reserve judgment until we see how Verizon survives the onslaught of new subscribers, with increased data demands.

In fact, there are a few worrying signs that Verizon may not be as ready as it claims.

First, there’s little doubt the iPhone is going to create a major influx of heavy users. On the first day the iPhone was available for pre-order — to current subscribers only — Apple’s model had the best launch day of any device on Verizon ever. In only two hours. From 3 am to 5 am. Tons of customers are on the way.

nd, in an effort to save its network, Verizon has introduced two sure-to-be-unpopular policies. One, if you try to send any multimedia via your phone — like a photo or video taken with an iPhone, say — Verizon is downgrading the quality of your item.

In other words, some of the better features of the iPhone are being intentionally crippled, to ease demands on the data stream.

Likewise, Verizon has already decided to choke Internet speeds for the top 5% of users, while reserving the rights to choke speeds on others as it sees fit.

That’s a big knock against Big Red, especially since download speeds are one of the big drawbacks of its network.

The other well-publicized problem with Verizon is the inability to use talk and data at the same time. That’s not usually too big a problem — unless you’re using your phone as a hotspot.

Using this feature — currently only available on Verizon, but widely expected to migrate to AT&T soon — you can use your phone to get Internet on your computer, from anywhere. Great for working professionals, right?

Except a call interrupts the connection. If you want to discuss something online with a colleague, Verizon won’t be able to accommodate you.

These are real problems, and enough of a differentiator that AT&T shouldn’t be swallowed up by a mass migration of customers to Verizon. Make no mistake — the Verizon iPhone should definitely goose the company, while eating away at Big Blue. But AT&T isn’t going anywhere.

At least not until the 4G wars begin in earnest.

Of course, Verizon is more diversified than AT&T, with a thriving ISP and streaming television business that’s deeply threatening cable across the nation, thanks to its FIOS optical cable network. All in all, you’d be wiser to invest in Verizon. But don’t panic if you own AT&T. You’ll be fine.

Yes, you can post investment gains with two giants like Verizon and AT&T. That’s a given. What the two companies bring to the table definitely offers investors the opportunity to grow their portfolio.

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