iPhone 5 Carriers: Verizon's 4G Network Could Give It The Edge

(Photo : Reuters)

The iPhone 5 is just around the corner, and if the sudden surge in iPhone and smartphone trade-ins is any indication, there will be a lot of people lining up for Apple's next-gen handset. Many iPhone 5 purchasers may be free to switch carriers along with the phone, and the same question will be on all of their minds: Which carrier should I go with?

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Jeffries & Co.'s telecom analyst Thomas Seitz thinks that Verizon will be best poised to take advantage of the iPhone 5's 4G LTE capabilities.

While no official details have been released by Apple about the next-gen iPhone, it is a safe bet that it will be the first iPhone to support 4G LTE. Apple has also already introduced 4G into the iOS operating system with their New iPad.

Verizon's 4G network is currently the largest in the United States, covering around 75 percent of the United States' 370 markets. AT&T, on the other hand, only covers 53 markets. Sprint is behind both carriers in terms of 4G coverage.

Seitz believes that Verizon's 4G edge could "change everything," put the carrier above the rest.

But consumers might not be as attracted to 4G as he thinks. 

A recently-conducted Piper Jaffrey poll showed that 47 percent of the 3,000 participants replied "I don't need 4G."

It looks like a lot of Americans don't seem to really care about 4G, but those lining up for the iPhone 5 will still want to optimize their experience, especially if they have the option of choosing a carrier.

The iPhone 5 will also come with a bigger 4-inch screen and run iOS 6, Apple's upcoming mobile operating system.