USA Today: Apple and Verizon working on CDMA iPhone

Yet another source is saying that AT&T and Verizon are working on an iPhone.  USA Today, adds their fuel to the fire:

It would mark the first time Apple has produced a version of the iPhone for a CDMA wireless network, which is different from AT&T’s GSM technology. Vodafone, co-owner of Verizon Wireless, already sells the iPhone in Europe.

The New York-based telecom entered into "high-level" discussions with Apple management a few months ago, when CEO Steve Jobs was overseeing day-to-day business, these sources say. They declined to be named because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly.

Sounds sorta legit to us.  Although, many sources have stated different lengths of time in the AT&T-Apple exclusivity deal (Including two different timeframes by USA Today alone which BOTH run counter to this story).

This one does corroborate our report from way back when, plus it would push AT&T to be more competitive, which is sorely needed.

USA Today continues:

Regardless, Entner says, Apple would likely maintain ties with AT&T. The biggest winners, by far, would be consumers, he says.

"They could pick the network they wanted to use: AT&T’s or Verizon’s," he says. "It would finally give consumers choice, and choice is a good thing."

Entner says Verizon would fare well in that fight. While AT&T’s 3G network is "somewhat faster," he says, Verizon’s network "is generally perceived to be better in terms of reliability."

The biggest loser? "AT&T," Entner says. "It would be a reversal of fortune, because a lot of people who have been disappointed in AT&T’s network but love the iPhone would probably" jump to Verizon.

Apple would also benefit, he adds, "because that means they’d have to buy a new iPhone."