Verizon Wireless' customers are today able to pre-order iPhone 4 online through the Apple Store (www.apple.com) and at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone.

The news break AT&T's grip as its exclusive U.S. distributor of Apple's populat smartphone. It's the same phone as AT&T sells, with a few small tweaks. The price is the same: $200 or $300, depending on the memory configuration. Verizon;s customers will have to sign on a two-year contract, just like AT&T. The difference is likely to be network performance, which varies according to the users' territory.

Verizon's iPhone is the first to work on CDMA networks. AT&T uses GSM, a technology that's more widely used around the world. This means the Verizon iPhone has limited international roaming abilities.

Verizon's iPhone also includes Personal Hotspot, a Wi-Fi sharing feature that lets users connect as many as five gadgets to the Internet through the iPhone. However, verizon would charge its customers $20 per month on top of what they already pay for voice and data services.

For an extra $20 per month, AT&T also lets users use the iPhone to surf on the Web on a single computer by connecting the two with a USB cable or through Bluetooth.

Verizon's iPhone data plan also allows for unlimited use. AT&T got rid of unlimited-data plans for new customers last year.

Verizon's iPhone also won't let users use data services while making a phone call.

Apple said that due to high demand, customer orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis.

Beginning on Wednesday, February 9, all qualified customers will be able to order an iPhone 4 on Verizon through the Apple Store for delivery or reserve for in-store pick up beginning February 10.

Beginning at 7 a.m. local time on Thursday, February 10, iPhone 4 on Verizon will be available to all qualified customers at Apple?s retail stores. iPhone 4 will also be available at Verizon Wireless Communication Stores.

iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will be available for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model with a new two year agreement.