Verizon Wireless is expected to lead US wireless carriers in terms of net subscriber additions in the fourth quarter, according to analysts' estimates. Verizon expects 2.1m net adds for Q4, which is above what any other carrier is expected to achieve for the period.

Morgan Stanley analysts wrote in a research note that all of those additions – especially of smartphone users – will come at a cost. They said Verizon’s wireless EBITDA margin will decline from a record 50 per cent in Q3 to 41.5 per cent. Of the 9.8m smartphones Verizon activated in the fourth quarter, the Morgan Stanley analysts expect iPhones to make up 6m. Verizon’s LTE network coverage, at 273.5m POPs, is far greater than any other US carrier.

FierceWireless: Analysts: Verizon expected to pull ahead of rivals in Q4; TelecomTV content partner.