Report: Verizon Gets the iPhone

Verizon customers may rejoice: The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple's iPhone is headed their way.

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Ask, and ye shall receive. At least that appears to be the case.

Verizon Wireless is set to announce that it will begin to offer service on Apple's iPhone to its customers later this month, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.  An unnamed source told the paper the carrier plans to make the official announcement at an event at Lincoln Center in New York City on Tuesday, January 11.

Assuming the report is true, the deal comes after months, if not years, of speculation that the smartphone will fall into the hands of Verizon, the country's largest wireless company. The rumor mill has heated up over the past few days, when it was reported that Apple had asked employees not to take vacation time during a week-long stretch later this month.

The deal also signals a clear shift in Verizon's strategy. Up to this point, the carrier has bet on the popular Android platform to cement its position in the booming smartphone market. Rival carrier AT&T announced on Wednesday that it would cut the price of its iPhone 3G down to $49, perhaps in an effort to get any last-minute sign-ups into its service.

Tuesday's event is said to be headlined by Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. More to come then.

Eric Markowitz reports on start-ups, entrepreneurs, and issues that affect small businesses. Previously, he worked at Vanity Fair. He lives in New York City. @EricMarkowitz