Verizon Sells Out of iPhone 4 Preorders

Updated Included reports from Verizon customers that their iPhone orders have been processed and are shipping.

Despite getting off to a slightly bumpy start, Verizon sold all the iPhone 4s the company made available for current Verizon customers in less than a day.

Verizon said demand for the iPhone 4 surpassed all of its previous smartphone debuts, including high-profile phone releases like the Motorola Droid and Droid X.

“In just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history,” said Dan Mead, the president and chief executive of Verizon Wireless, in a statement. “When you consider these initial orders were placed between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., it is an incredible success story.”

The company did not offer specific sales figures, but Mr. Mead said the speedy sell-out sets “the pace for next week when we open up sales to everyone.”

Some customers are already reporting that they have received notifications from Verizon that their iPhone orders have been processed and will be shipping soon.

Apple and Verizon’s online shops show that the version of the iPhone 4 tailored to run on Verizon’s network is no longer available for order. Both Web sites urge customers who want to buy a Verizon iPhone to return at 3 a.m. on Feb. 9 to place an order. Apple and Verizon will also sell the iPhone in their retail locations, as well as at Best Buy and some Wal-Mart stores.

The Verizon iPhone has received largely positive reviews from multiple technology and gadget reviewers. David Pogue of The New York Times said “the Verizon iPhone is nearly the same as AT&T’s iPhone 4 — but it doesn’t drop calls,” a problem that has long frustrated many AT&T customers. www.dominicanflash.com In addition, on Thursday Verizon released a new 30-second commercial that played up the company’s much-touted network strength. The commercial seems to take a swipe at AT&T’s beleaguered network, ending with a voiceover that says, “Yes, I can hear you now.