The new iPhone 5 is here and AT&T's version of the hardware will be worse than Verizon's or Europe's version. Read the above blog post for more about it.

Let's talk about all the other reasons that AT&T sucks. Or why you think I'm wrong.

I see that Verizon's LTE is a GSM signal. What about their CDMA usage? Will that restrict international usage in non-LTE areas?

Joel – Nope. The CDMA band will only be used in the places where LTE isn't available. It also comes equipped with a standard GSM radio so that if you're in Europe and don't have access to an LTE network it will still work.

Good to know. Thank you! Did Apple in the keynote (or Verizon separately) reveal that multi-task-data-ing is now available?

Joel – No need to. That's a standard feature of LTE and something that Verizon's marketed for some time, regardless of the new iPhone.

I've been in AT&T's jail of bullshit since 2007. I had originally switched from Verizon because, well, like many of us, I had to if I wanted an iPhone.

Over the years, they've been promising us "unlimited data" and then slapping our wrists at 3GB. Tethering? Give us money. FaceTime over 3G? Surprise, you're screwed… unless you give us money.

Currently AT&T has me pegged at an update for retail pricing. I'm happy to report that paying my ETF (contract end date is 10/07/2013) and buying a new 64GB on Verizon… it'll end up being cheaper than on AT&T.

Matt - Awesome!! Thank you for a very informative post.

Verizon sounds good from the article. How does Sprint compare in coverage and speed? Is Verizon significantly better than Sprint?

Enric – Sprint's been really slow to roll out their new LTE network. They had originally bet on WiMAX as their 4G band, but it's been proven to be significantly worse than the GSM LTE stuff. I'd say you'd be much better off with Verizon if speed and LTE coverage is your thing.

Thanks, Matt!

Super good to know.

I'm 17 months into my 24 month AT&T contract though... What's termination like? Is it worth hopping over to Verizon and eating the contract termination cost?

@Pasquale - I believe the early termination fee for AT&T starts at $325. Every month into your contract, it lowers by 10 dollars.

Check this out: myrateplan.com

Thanks Jonathan. It says it'll cost "$130 or $275"

seems to be not so bad a hit to get out of an AT&T contract right?

I totally agree, Pasquale - yours will most likely be 275. the $130 is for non-smart phone users I believe. Mine says $106 or $215… so, 215 for me (got the 4S day of release).

I'm 16 months into my ATT contract. The one thing I haven't tried with regards to contract termination is the clause they have that if they change contract terms - like eliminating grandfathered unlimited plans - you have the right to cancel without paying a termination fee.

Normally Verizon (same for Sprint in this regards) will SIM unlock your phone after 60 days service in good standing for using international provider's SIM. Hope this will hold true for nano-SIM format.