

Apple is more likely to bring the iPhone to Verizon once the cellular company deploys its fourth-generation network, claims Verizon's chief executive.

That's because Apple was never very interested in Verizon's current CDMA

cellular standard, which is less popular among cellphone networks outside North America, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg told The

Wall Street Journal.

Therefore, Verizon's upgrade to 4G

in 2010 should rectify the issue. Verizon will adopt a standard called Long Term Evolution (LTE), which many domestic and international carriers plan to use for their next-generation networks as well. For Apple, that should mean more potential iPhone customers and fewer troubles in terms of hardware production.

But wait. Didn't Verizon say in 2007 that it rejected Apple's iPhone, rather than the other way around? Then, Verizon complained about

Apple's control over distribution, which is a non-issue now that iPhones are being sold in Wal-mart, Best Buy and AT&T stores.

Verizon also moaned about Apple's desire to handle all the customer care — but that shouldn't be a problem anymore, either, since Apple is the big leader in the latest customer satisfaction survey.

Still,

Verizon spurned Apple. And Apple could lose face if it warms up to Verizon so easily after such an emphatic rejection. We're not satisfied that scoring the iPhone will be so easy for Verizon, but we definitely think it would be a wise, crucial move for Apple. Below is a list of reasons why we think a deal makes sense. If you agree, we encourage you to add your own reasons. If you disagree, well, we welcome those comments, too.

Verizon's Reputation for Its Superior Network

Let's start with the obvious: Everyone will agree that Verizon generally has better call and data quality than AT&T. Surveys say so, too. Many Verizon customers resist the iPhone because they don't wish to sacrifice reliable call reception and consistently zippy downloads.

We're not taking sides here, but AT&T has the opposite reputation. "Dropped calls" and "no signal" are phrases commonly heard when discussing AT&T's service quality. By expanding to Verizon, Apple will undoubtedly further its iPhone penetration in the United States.

__Sharing Is Caring

__AT&T will never, ever admit this, but its current 3G networks are evidently overloaded, due in large part to the iPhone's booming success. In August, Wired.com conducted a global study showing that iPhone data speeds were suffering on the U.S.

AT&T network, when compared to Europe's fine-tuned 3G networks. And several iPhone customers have been so dissatisfied with network issues that they filed lawsuits accusing Apple of making false advertisements about the iPhone 3G's performance.

Why not share the responsibility of carrying the iPhone? It'll amount to less money for AT&T, but less trouble for Apple and less anguish for customers. Better service equates to more satisfied customers and fewer lawsuits. It's your basic win-win.

Polygamy = More Control, Power

For manufacturers, working with multiple partners is strategically wiser than working with only one. Take the iPhone's components, for example. Apple doesn't rely on a sole supplier for each part of the iPhone; it buys from various suppliers so one doesn't have too much bargaining power. If one partner is asking for too much money, you threaten to ditch it because you have multiple partners. Simple, right?

So here's where a ménage à trois with AT&T and Verizon would be great.

Apple could potentially ask for a bigger slice of the pie when it comes to iPhone revenues, because it could threaten to leave either of them for the other. Ultimately, this gives Apple more control over how it handles the iPhone. And we all know how much Apple loves control.

Competition Is Good

Economics

101: Throw Verizon into the boxing ring with AT&T, and both companies will likely reduce monthly costs for the iPhone for the sake of competition. I'm tired of paying $80 a month for my minimal iPhone plan, aren't you? And, again, cheaper monthly plans will attract more customers to the iPhone. Even the naysayers might be tempted.

We're going to leave you to continue this conversation. Do you think Apple should work with Verizon to carry the iPhone? Whether it's yes, no or maybe so, add your thoughts in the comments below. **

Photo: Seenya Rati/Flickr