Above: Verizon Wireless stores across the nation prepare for a mad rush of customers who decide to eschew the Apple IPhone in favor of one of their cheaper, poorly designed and less-capable mobile devices.
New York, NY—Verizon today announced that in response to the much anticipated launch of the Apple iPhone, which is a breakthrough new type of mobile phone/computer hybrid, its retail stores would remain open until 9PM on Friday, attempting to draw customers away from the high-profile launch. Some of the carrier's phone features may lure customers away, the company claims. The company pays particular attention to cost and notes that many of its phones cost $100 or less, including some music-capable versions, whereas the iPhone costs $500-600. Verizon wireless feels that potential customers of the iPhone, which represents a shift in mobile communications sure to create a seachange in how we communicate, will abruptly "change their minds" and "flock to our stores to purchase the same $100 mobile phone they have been actively ignoring for years."
"Customers can select a mobile phone that fits their style, their mood and best of all, their wallet," Verizon says. "That is, unless they want a device that finally delivers on the promise of mobile communications and computing, along with a fair and flexible pricing plan with rollover minutes, in which case, they definitely don't want to visit our stores."
The company's campaign also highlights several of the company's media-friendly services in a further attempt to stem sales of the Apple device, including its V CAST direct-download music store, Internet streaming music and video, as well as the V CAST TV digital broadcast TV service for some areas. A deal is on tap that offers the LG VX9400 TV phone with a 2GB memory card and a stereo headset for $100 as part of a two-year contract, though the company declined to say whether the promotion was created specifically in response to the iPhone. This key initiative will allow customers to watch select broadcast television shows on a 1½ screen for up to 23 minutes, when they can simply recharge the device to catch part of the next show. And if the user wishes to make calls after watching part of a streamed broadcast, they can simply carry additional rechargeable batteries, for only $79 each.
The marketing effort reinforces earlier statements by Verizon Wireless, which claimed recently that there was no need for an ultra-desirable device such as the iPhone to counter AT&T's expected success. Existing features would be enough, the company said at the time. Contrary to that initial stance, Verizon Wireless is also considering releasing a special Dale Earnhardt #3 phone from LG, which features racing sound ringtones, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. telling your callers to "leave a goddam message, I'm busy tearing up the blacktop, bitch."