Of course, speed isn't the only metric for measuring network quality.  For example, Verizon has persistently scored better than AT&T in all regions of the country in of wireless call quality.  And since Verizon does offer its 3G services in more areas of the country than AT&T does, Verizon iPhone users might find that they get more consistent data service on the whole even if it doesn't match the AT&T iPhone's peak speeds.

And finally, there's the question of whether Verizon will be prepared to handle the additional data traffic on its network generated by the iPhone.  AT&T experienced some growing pains when it first took on the iPhone and users have in surveys about AT&T's voice services and pricing plans.  To rectify this, AT&T invested in HSPA+ technology that boosted speeds on its G network and also deployed its network over the 850MHz band to solve capacity and propagation problems.  Hays says that AT&T's long experience with the iPhone will be a benefit since the carrier has learned a lot about "how the device is used, how it interacts with their wireless network, and what the usage dynamics are."

But Solis says that Verizon has put far too much time and capital into ensuring its network quality to get caught flat-footed by the iPhone.  After all, he notes, Verizon's aggressive promotion of its network will likely backfire if it experiences the same problems with the iPhone as AT&T.

"Verizon is really going to sell its network quality with the iPhone," he says.  "AT&T is hoping that Verizon is going to run into the same problems because of unexpected amounts of usage.  But because of how Verizon plans ahead, I'd be surprised to see that happen."

in Network World's Anti-malware section.