Apple, Verizon, AT&T: New deals set to change mobile landscape

With the announcement that iPhone will be available to Verizon subscribers even as Apple ends its agreement with AT&T, the mobile landscape has taken a different look altogether. This development is expected to affect the entire mobile marketplace.

A report from comScore has given a clear picture about the scenario after the deal.

Verizon currently leads the U.S. mobile market as the carrier for 31 percent of mobile subscribers, with AT&T accounting for 27 percent share. However, exclusively at the smartphone market, AT&T holds a commanding lead with 38 percent marketshare, against Verizon's 27 percent.

On the other hand, last year, Verizon climbed 4 percent while penetrating the mobile market with the help of Android devices, while AT&T witnessed 7 percent decline in its smartphone share. Also, ComScore reported earlier that Android holds 26 percent penetration of the smartphone market, surging just past Apple's 25 percent.

According to comScore report, iPhone users heavily over index in some of the most attractive age segments – 25-34 year olds, 18-24 year olds and 35-44 year olds. On the other hand, 22 percent more likely than an average mobile subscriber is male. Furthermore, the report said that iPhone users often come from higher income background, with 81 percent of users having a household income of at least $50,000 while 47 percent with an income of at least $100,000.

The report also noted that iPhone users have been showing loyalty since long. Almost 56.6 percent of users are having subscription for more than three years while 28.1 percent of subscribers holding their subscription for 1-3 years.

However, comScore sees the deal as a potentially significant turning point in the smartphone market.

“If iPhone users decide to make the carrier leap and switch from AT&T to Verizon, it is likely that Verizon will gain subscribers that represent attractive brand consumers,” said the report.