Rumor has always had it that Verizon Wireless had the opportunity to be the exclusive Apple iPhone carrier but for some reason – likely having to do with finances and content control issues – passed on the opportunity. And thus kicked off an AT&T renaissance fueled almost entirely by the iconic device. But a new interview with Verizon Wireless CEO Ivan Seidenberg features some revealing information regarding the Verizon and Apple relationship.

First of all, he says that Apple never really considered putting the iPhone on Verizon Wireless. Both Sprint and Verizon Wireless use technology called CDMA to connect to wireless services but AT&T and T-Mobile, along with the rest of the world, use a technology called GSM. So assuming that Verizon Wireless had the opportunity and simply turned down the iPhone is probably misleading.

Second of all, Verizon Wirless will soon have GSM technology that would make launching the iPhone on their network MUCH more attractive. The technology is called LTE and while right now we’re in the midst of 3G connectivity, LTE is 4G and supposedly MUCH faster. It is set to compete with Sprint and Clearwire’s 4G technology called Clear/WiMax. Sprint was first out of the gate with 4G technology and it is already available in some cities so you would THINK they have a huge advantage… but that does not seem to be the case. Some are already calling Clearwire/Clear/WiMax dead in the water and the fact that it uses CDMA while Verizon, traditionally a CDMA carrier, moving over to a GSM based network is a further blow.

Will a Verizon iPhone launch in 2010, 2011 or… ever? Nobody can say for sure. But just the fact that the VZW suggests it is a possibility gives us a great reason to hope. And if a Big Red Apple drops you can guarantee there will be a LOT of people rocking it. AT&T will be trying their darndest to lock down exclusivity for as long as possible but lets hope Ivan can work some magic.

[WSJ via EngadgetMobile]