The Wall Street Journal is reporting through anonymous sources (because Steve Jobs would otherwise obliterate them) that Verizon will "begin mass producing a new iPhone by the end of 2010 that would allow Verizon Wireless to sell the smartphone early next year."

Here's the short story.

I'm a little surprised by this news, since rumors of this happening have been struck down in the past. But maybe Apple is spooked by the growth of Google's Android platform. It's also odd since Verizon and AT&T are starting to work on their 4G LTE networks, in Baltimore, D.C. and elsewhere. From a Verizon press release that hit my inbox at 2:12 p.m. today:

Verizon announced today that it is bringing the world’s first large-scale 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to the DC and Baltimore metropolitan areas. The initial availability of a 4G LTE wireless network is part of the company’s major network launch in 38 major metropolitan areas by the end of the year. In addition, the company is launching 4G LTE in more than 60 commercial airports coast to coast – including the airports within the launch areas, plus airports in other key cities.