Wall Street Journal analyst Brian Marshall said today that he thinks a Verizon iPhone this year is very unlikely. And it may have something to do with the iPad. Remember those rates for iPad data plans? The 250MB for $14.99 a month and unlimited for $30. Yeah, those. Marshall thinks it's awful funny that AT&T really stepped up their game for iPad plans, since those are a 50% discount for their regular wireless data plans. On top of that, there's no contracts on the iPad. Something smells fishy...

It very well may just be that Apple has extended their exclusive contract with AT&T for at least another six months. It was expected to finally come to an end in 2010, this year, although Apple nor AT&T ever reveal the details. They only shun enthusiasts outright by saying "we have a good relationship". And no more.

"For that pricing, AT&T was able to negotiate a six-month extension on the iPhone exclusive," Marshall said. Sorry folks; I guess we'll be playing the world's smallest violin once more. If and when there's an iPhone on Verizon, according to this analyst, those dreams won't be happening until at least Q1 of 2011.