The Verizon iPhone: Could It Be?

The iPhone may be coming to Verizon, if recent reports are to be believed. Apple has been “discussing” the idea of offering the iPhone on Verizon’s network, a story published in USA Today suggests, citing unnamed “people familiar with the situation.”

The Verizon iPhone?

The Verizon iPhone discussions have moved into “high-level” status, USA Today says, though the paper’s sources do indicate the talks began while Steve Jobs was still actively involved with the company’s day-to-day decisions.

According to the sources, a Verizon iPhone could become a reality as soon as 2010. That’s the same year Apple’s exclusive contract with AT&T is said to expire.

This is far from the first time rumors have come up about the iPhone heading to other networks. Just a couple of months ago, an Indian blog cited “deep throats” within Apple as saying a Verizon-iPhone announcement would be made “soon.”

Verizon, remember, passed on the iPhone when the device was first under development. At the time, reports suggested the company felt Apple was too “demanding” over marketing and pricing and control.

So could this one be the real deal? As we all know, iPhone rumors are a dime a dozen. The timing with the end of AT&T’s contract is close enough that this could be believable, but as with all Apple rumors, it still has to be taken with a grain of salt.

Do you buy it?