A lot has been written about the relationship between Apple and AT&T, but the general consensus has pointed to a 5-year exclusive agreement that would have had the two companies in bed together for another 2 years or so. That being said, it has been widely rumored that the contract was contingent to certain criteria (perhaps number of units delivered, standards of network quality (hello, dropped calls), or any of a number of possible scenarios). So, this 5 year contract may have been voided or renegotiated since its initial signing in 2007.

As we’ve reported previously, it appears that Verizon is preparing for the launch of a CDMA version of the iphone that would work on it’s network, maybe as soon as the end of this year. Obviously this theory is impacted by the possible existence of an exclusive agreement. Tie this in with the expected late June, early July launch of the iPhone 4G, and we have a probable scenario that gives AT&T exclusivity for 4-6 months, and then opens up to new carriers.

So, AT&T haters, rejoice. You may have an alternative before the new year.