A Wall Street analyst claimed that according to various sources, Apple's tablet product will use Verizon's wireless network to connect to the Internet when users are no longer near a Wi-Fi hotspot.

"The tablet will be supported by multiple [mobile] carriers," said Brian Marshall of BroadPoint AmTech, who cited unnamed sources who stated they were close to the situation.  "Verizon and others," he continued.  "Definitely Verizon.  I've been told that's a certainty."

On the flip side, Richard Doherty, director of technology at the consulting firm Envisioneering Group told the Wall Street Journal that he feels the tablet won't connect to 3G due in part to AT&T's struggles.  "We don't think the networks are up to it," he said.  

Marshall disputed that.  "The tablet will connect to 3G," he said, "not just wireless [hotspots]."

A Verizon spokeswoman declined to respond to Marshall's claim, citing that it was company policy to comment "on rumors or speculation.  And we won't do that here."

via ComputerWorld