Against the backdrop of the new AT&T-Apple deal for the 3G iPad, analyst Brian Marshall, of New York equity researcher BroadPoint AmTech, has projected that the deal will likely delay the speculated launch of a Verizon version of the popular Apple handset. With the new deal in place, AT&T will probably continue its iPhone exclusivity till at least 2011.

As per Marshall’s reasoning, though Apple is apparently not too happy with the performance of the AT&T network, the carrier wants to retain the iPhone exclusivity, keeping the device away from rival Verizon Wireless for as long as possible. As such, AT&T has come up with a generous and recurring monthly data program for the newly-released 3G iPad.

The new bone that AT&T has strategically thrown for Apple has further increased the allure of the much-hyped iPad; as well as served as a new, refreshed association between the two companies.

Interestingly, another data which brings AT&T on par with Verizon – more so in the wake of the frequent customer complaints about the carrier’s poor performance – comes from Global Wireless Solutions (GWS), which has revealed in a this-week-released study that a comparison of all leading wireless providers in New York City shows that both Verizon and AT&T are almost 99 percent reliable; with throughput being up to 20 times their offering five years back.