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May 25, 2009

John Killian, Verizon Communications CFO says that, for the most part, Verizon Wireless’ business has been pretty steady so far, even with the global economic recession that started last fall.

Killian added “we’ve continued to invest in the business. We haven’t slowed down investment at all in the middle of the downturn. In fact we even acquired another wireless provider, Alltel.”

Killian was asked about the booming netbook segment and cited data consumption as the main reason for going forward with the portable laptops. “It’s really part of our wireless data product line and it’s really another capability that we offer both to consumers and businesses,” he said.

He added “our top priority right now is the postpaid marketplace.” He also said that Verizon Wireless currently has about 300,000 new prepaid customers.

“But we don’t see the need to go to a $50 unlimited plan. Our network is too good and too well positioned to be in that space and that’s not our strategy either,” Killian said.

When asked as to whether or not Verizon would like to be selling the iPhone, Killian refused to comment on the device, stressing that Verizon is “very satisfied with where we’re at.”

“We have a wide array of PDA devices, we’ll have several new introductions as we go through the year. We don't feel we’re at any market disadvantage right now, and we’re very satisfied with the product line we have,” Killian asserted.

Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobility also spoke to us but refused to comment on the future of its partnership with Apple on the iPhone or the possibility of a Verizon-branded iPhone. He also refused to comment or provide any answers as to whether he thinks Apple will renew its exclusive distribution contract with AT&T next year.

But de la Vega did say that AT&T will continue with its current business model of subsidizing the iPhone as it has done since July 2008 when it started offering the smartphone to its customers.

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Source: Verizon Wireless.