This move will mean the ending of the sweetheart deal of Apple with AT&T, which approximately pays $450 for each iPhone it sells to Apple Inc. But Brian Marshall, of Broadpoint AmTech has said in a research note to its clients that the Cupertino, Calif. company will be making up the shortfall in volume.

Marshall has said in a note that the carrier subsidy of AT&T's 'sweetheart' (~$450) for iPhone will not be attainable at Verizon but the diverse support of carrier is the key element in driving the global penetration of iPhone. He said that they believe that the chances are really high for the iPhone to find its way onto the network of Verizon during the second half of the year 2010.

If the Apple Inc. drops the exclusive arrangements with AT&T, then it would not be the first time when iPhone has been marketed and supported by more than a single carrier in the market. During the quarterly earnings call of Apple's in the last week, Tim Cook who is the COO of the company has confirmed that Apple would be soon expanding its distribution deals in U.K. and in Canada which will be beyond the exclusive arrangements which it has with the O2 and Rogers, respectively.