I’ll probably never switch from AT&T over to Verizon for the simple fact that GSM provides SIM cards, whereas CDMA does not.  I like having the option available to me to swap my SIM into a different device, like when I go camping, so that I don’t risk damaging the $400+ device when I don’t need to.  Of course, the iPhone 4′s micro-SIM provides its own unique challenges, but a simple physical adapter allows it to be used in an older traditional SIM card holder.

CDMA phones, at least in the USA, require the phone provider to activate each device and you cannot swap on a whim.  Most people could care less.  I on the other hand like being able to switch around equipment when needed, and not having to pay the provider to do it.

I do suspect, however, that next year will bring drastic change to the iPhone.  Apple is still getting to where they really wanted the 1st generation iPhone to be.  They realized that its easy to make their own hardware and software, but its hard when dealing with so many third parties.  Cell phone carriers like AT&T stand in the way of real progress.  Why doesn’t Apple follow suit with Virgin and create their own private label cell phone company?  I suspect that would give them a lot more flexibility in pricing and give them the ability to put whatever carrier they want behind the name.

Overall, I am happy with AT&T at the moment.  I am pissed to hear MMS and tethering won’t be available this coming week for the iPhone 3.0 launch.  I refuse to pay any more money for something that I can get for free by putting my SIM card into an OLDER phone.  Silly AT&T, you’re the death of the iPhone in the US.