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Verizon's iPhone 4 Now On Sale

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Verizon's version of the Apple iPhone goes on sale at 7am Thursday, and people were standing in line in the early morning hours just to get one.

A Verizon store on Telegraph in Southfield saw about a half-dozen people in line Thursday morning before the store opened to snag the new phone. Stores were opening early to start selling the iPhone 4. Verizon spokesperson Michelle Gilbert says their doing everything they can to make customers comfortable, even giving out hand warmers to those braving the cold and standing in line.

So, how much can buyers expect to pay for the phone? Gilbert says, with a two-year service agreement, the 16GB phone is priced at $199 while the 32GB phone is $299.

Gilbert tells WWJ that one of the most pressing questions the company has received about this new venture is whether the Verizon network is ready to handle the demand of the iPhone. Her response, "Bring it on. We are absolutely ready for this."

She adds that the Verizon network is by far the most reliable. "Every year we spend millions and millions of dollars improving the network to ensure that our customers can use the network for how they want to whether it's browsing the Internet or making phone calls. Last year alone we spent $221 million just in Michigan boosting our network," says Gilbert.

Gilbert says the company does expect to sell out of the phone, but they are prepared to handle every customer that comes into a store. She says if they sell out, orders will still be processed and the phone sent to customers' homes, just to make things as convenient as possible for those buying the iPhone.

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