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iPhone 5 won't support simultaneous voice and data on Verizon or Sprint

iPhone 5 won't support simultaneous voice and data on Verizon or Sprint

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The iPhone 5 won't support simultaneous voice and data on Verizon's LTE network.

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Gallery Photo: iPhone 5 hands-on pictures 2
Gallery Photo: iPhone 5 hands-on pictures 2

Apple's new iPhone 5 features support for LTE networks across the world, but it won't be able to offer simultaneous voice and data on all of them. The Verge has confirmed with Verizon Wireless that the iPhone 5 won't support the feature when it's on the carrier's cellular network, even if it is connected to LTE. This is in contrast to the rest of the LTE phones in Verizon's lineup, all of which support simultaneous voice and data when connected to LTE.

A Verizon spokesperson provided this comment on the matter:

"The iPhone 5 was designed to allow customers to place a voice call on the Verizon Wireless network, while letting customers access the Internet over the WiFi."

AT&T has confirmed to us that its version of the iPhone 5 does indeed support the feature, whether on HSPA+ or LTE (though the phone will not be able to use LTE speeds while on a call). Since Apple says that Sprint and Verizon will be offering the same version of the iPhone 5, it's safe to say that simultaneous voice and data will not be available on Sprint's network either. We have reached out to Sprint and will update this post if we receive a comment.

Given the various LTE bands in use on the different versions of the iPhone 5, it can be pretty difficult to make a decision as to which version to purchase. Now that we know Verizon's model won't support simultaneous voice and data over LTE, that decision just got a little bit harder for some customers that wish to use that feature.

UPDATE: Sprint has responded to our inquiries and has also confirmed that the iPhone 5 will not support simultaneous voice and data on its network.

Chris Ziegler contributed to this report.