Verizon Testing Simultaneous iPhone Voice/Data?

[Paul Daniel Ash]

A random rumor has become the latest glimmer of hope for those anxiously awaiting a Verizon iPhone: news that the carrier is testing a way for iPhones to run simultaneous voice and data. The inability of the existing CDMA/EV-DO network to handle concurrent voice calls is one reason why observers like AppleInsider think Apple has been reluctant to sign an agreement with Verizon, because they are insisting on "feature parity" between different carriers.

Verizon is preparing to move its network to the 4G LTE technology over the next few years. The data protocol on its interim 3G network, EV-DO Revision A, requires a separate channel for voice. Boy Genius Report is quoting an unnamed source at Verizon that says they're working on a way to overcome that restriction. The technology that Verizon is testing, called Voice over Revison A or VoRA, will allow a device to use the EV-DO data channel for voice calls as well. So if persistent rumors of a CDMA/EV-DO compatible iPhone come true, this means you won't have to hang up to check your email or lose your Google Maps session if you get a call.

The future of additional carriers for the iPhone in the US remains a mystery. In a talk at the J.P. Morgan technology, media and telecom conference that was liveblogged by the Wall Street Journal, AT&T Wireless CEO Ralph de la Vega "just laughs when asked to give the date that AT&T's deal with Apple runs out." The executive appeared confident about its future business, however, saying he believed that he could hold on to family-plan or business-discount customers even if the iPhone was available from other carriers.

[RonHC]

i stopped reading after "random rumor"

[lerrysan]

I'd love to see the iPhone go to Verizon. That way I can stay with AT&T and have lesser dropped calls and maybe cheaper bills due to the fight between both carriers!!!!

i stopped reading after "random rumor"

lmfao

[a-F]

It would be nice not to have Pandora drop when I'm driving around LA.

[dmaximob]

i stopped reading after "random rumor"

lol, my thoughts exactly.
I've been reading Verizon rumors for a couple years. But I guess a 'random rumor' is what it takes to meet the mmi rumor quota.

[ForumSnoBorderRK]

^ seriouslyyyyyyyyyyyy

[Fodd1337]

Isn't there a way you could run both signals simultaneously... Like browse the web on EV-DO while making your phone call on 1X?

[waheedtarin]

Another rumor!!!.

I hate CDMA not good for traveling

[szfebje]

well if they're "working on it" it's safe to say that we won't see it this year as other random rumors have stated.

[indyracer05]

well boyz, this looks like the real deal of verizon getting the iphone, there r too many reasons why

ik of the doubts since they have been saying this every year but i think this year is the real year

[lolcats1]

why does this keep getting brought up.

[whereswaldo]

i stopped reading after "random rumor"

the moment i see the word rumor i loose all intrest

[jeffhuys]

Sigh... AT&T keeps it, quit whining.

[thetoothfairy]

I like rumors because everything Apple does starts out a rumor first!

[Blackrhino28]

i stopped reading after "random rumor"

I should have done the same. Lol

[mr1080p]

IT's funny how ppl think AT&T sucks vs Verizon. AT&T has a much faster data network and yes they do have more dropped calls than Verizon but, how much do ppl actually talk vs text? I prefer voice and data at the same time for business purposes and Verizon is trying to play catch up. Ha Ha!

[brianlg]

[iphone?3gs]

I'd love to see the iPhone go to Verizon. That way I can stay with AT&T and have lesser dropped calls and maybe cheaper bills due to the fight between both carriers!!!!

Exactly what i was thinking. Yall can go to Verizon so we can have no dropped calls and you guys will have more than technically possible.

[Oddphone]

Isn't there a way you could run both signals simultaneously... Like browse the web on EV-DO while making your phone call on 1X?

Current Verizon system I believe cannot utilize 2 channels at once.You use one or the other.I think that is why phone connections are dropped less often.1x is used when you are making a voice call(whether your phone signal says it or not).At least that is my understanding.

[Doran]

"News that the carrier is testing a way for iPhones to run simultaneous voice and data."

Now how are they testing the iPhone on their network if there is no CDMA iPhone to be testing it with????