Verizon CEO thinks iPhone hype is a "conspiracy"

Alaska Miller — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Obviously tired of being pestered with questions about iPhone this and Steve Jobs that, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg put on a tinfoil hat and sat down for an interview with the Financial Times:

He scoffs at suggestions that the iPhone is about to become a mass-market handset because Apple has accepted mobile operators' pleas to subsidise it. "There goes the conspiracy again," he says of Apple. "You're declaring them a winner before they've earned it on the field."

The Verizon CEO is right. Until the second coming of JesusPhone starts working financial miracles, both here and abroad, the media should be a little more skeptical of the word of Jobs — we all know what happens to those who worship false idols. (Photo by AP/Dima Gavrysh)

Verizon's privacy reputation is due for an update

Nicholas Carlson — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:20:00 EDT

In a statement last updated in 2003, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg calls the company's "Privacy Principles" the best in the industry. One of Verizon's broadband customers doesn't buy it. He's forwarded us an email Verizon sent him updating its "Acceptable Use Policy." The policy now reads:

Verizon may, but is not required to monitor your compliance, or the compliance of other subscribers, with the terms, conditions or policies of this Agreement.

Verizon PR has long made much of its pro-privacy policies, and its lawyers have even fought the record industry in court to protect subscribers (or, more cynically, to minimize the cost of investigations). This latest change suggests Verizon's becoming friendlier to spying on its customers. Maybe it's time for a 2008 update, Ivan?

Gawker: valleywag, ivan seidenberg

Verizon CEO thinks iPhone hype is a "conspiracy"

Verizon's privacy reputation is due for an update