Much speculation and buzz has been made on which carrier iPhone will be partnering up with next.

Verizon has been the front runner for some time, but with the release of the Droid, those rumors have ceased, at least for now. Verizon is teaming up with Google and marketing its new Android powered phones. The Droid by Motorola, which is on the Android system, is selling itself as a more powerful alternative to Apple’s iPhone. Needless to say, because of this iPhone bashing campaign, Verizon is not on the same page with Apples’ interests. Now it seems T-Mobile is looking like a better match.

Another major strike for Verizon is that its network, CDMA, is not compatible with AT&T’s GSM based network. That, in result, would necessitate Apple to make a customized iPhone exclusively for Verizon customers. T-Mobile has a compatible network with AT&T (less the screwy 1700Mhz, 3G network.)

Analysts are looking to T-Mobile in 2010, who’s been quietly waiting in the wings, when AT&T is expected to release its exclusive rights to Apple. Thomas Weisel analyst Doug Reid believes T-Mobile is ready to step up to the iPhone plate, leaving Verizon in the dust.

On the downside of this T-Mobile/iPhone marriage, T-Mobile’s subscriber base is only half that of Verizon, making this matrimony less lucrative. Reid expects Apple to cash in on a larger Verizon wireless network with a non iPhone device. The device, not specified, would be used on the 4G LTE network, launching in the not so near future. 2011, possibly?

With Apple’s next announcement, predicted for 2010 mid-year, customers may or may not see the iPhone in the Verizon store but may see an Apple device used with Verizon as a definite possiblity. T-mobile customers, keep your fingers crossed!