Let it be known that at this point in the news cycle all information is based on speculation as to whether Apple will extend the exclusive iPhone agreement with At&t beyond June 2010.  However, yesterday iSuppli completed an thorough analysis of wireless technology deployment (basically compared the number of GSM and CDMA subscribers worldwide) and they believe Apple will extend the exclusive iPhone service deal with At&t.

“Speculation is rife that Apple will end its exclusive U.S. iPhone service deal with AT&T when the current contract expires in June 2010 and begin to offer phones that work with the Verizon network,” said Francis Sideco, principal analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli.

“However, iSuppli doesn’t believe this will be the case. The main reason Apple is likely to stick with AT&T beyond 2010 is the relatively wide usage and growth expected for the HSPA air standard used by the carrier for 3G data. Cumulative global subscribers of HSPA wireless services, consisting of High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), are set to rise to 1.4 billion in 2012, up from 269.1 million in 2009. In contrast, cumulative subscribers for the EVDO standard used by Verizon will amount to 304.6 million in 2013, up from 145.2 million in 2009.

Only time will tell if Apple decides to open the iPhone to Verizon, T-mobile or Sprint here in the US, but keep the above information in mind as details emerge.  I’d also like to remind everyone that initially many people were put off by the cost of service for the iPhone on At&t, but most were paying more for unlimited data and texting on their Windows Mobile based smartphones for Verizon at that same time.  If Verizon is able to launch the iPhone don’t be surprised if you see even higher price points for monthly service despite the superior reception across the US.