iPhone 4 Comes to Verizon Wireless in February

Years of smoke finally led to a fire with Verizon Wireless announcing on Tuesday that it would begin offering the iPhone 4 on Feb. 10.

The 16 GB and 32 GB versions will cost $199.99 and $299.99, respectively, with a two-year service plan. Current Verizon customers can pre-order the phones online at VerizonWireless.com starting Feb. 3. The iPhone 4 cannot be pre-ordered in-store.

In La Jolla, there is a Verizon store at 8867 Villa La Jolla Dr.

AT&T iPhone customers will need to buy a new iPhone in order to use the Verizon service, according to a list of frequently asked questions on the Verizon website.

AT&T spokesperson Courtney Pendleton, in an e-mail, said, "For iPhone users who want the fastest speeds, the ability to talk and use apps at the same time, and unsurpassed global coverage, the only choice is AT&T."

Dan Mead, chief executive of Verizon Wireless, said the Verizon iPhone, which uses the CDMA network, will not be able to access data and phone service at the same time, according to a live-blog of the announcement by The New York Times. AT&T, which uses a GSM network, does enable users to access both simultaneously.

Here is a sampling of some of the listed FAQs and Verizon's response:

• I currently have an iPhone with AT&T. Can I keep my existing version of iPhone?

No, in order to take advantage of the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network, you will need an iPhone 4 that works on the Verizon Wireless network.

• Should I cancel my existing service before porting?

No. Your number must remain active. Canceling your service prior to porting will prevent you from keeping your number. Please note: You may be responsible to your old service provider for any contractual requirements and applicable charges, including an early termination fee, on your old account.

• Are there minimum service and data pricing requirements?

Yes, iPhone customers will need to choose from any of the current Nationwide plans. Customers will also be required to activate a data package, pricing will be announced at a later date.