Isn't CDMA like ancient technology?
Yeah, this doesn't need to be a CDMA vs. GSM or Verizon vs. AT&T thread, but...
CDMA is technically newer than GSM. It's not a "worse" technology, just different.
While it doesn't permit simultaneous voice and data in the current implementation (rev. A), it does have a few advantages - fewer cell towers are required to blanket an area with coverage as compared with a 3G GSM network and the CDMA frequencies used have much better structure penetration (buildings, homes, etc.) for better signal indoors. And because of these differences, CDMA networks tend to be more reliable in heavily congested areas than GSM networks - not always, but on average.
CDMA 3G rev. B does support simultaneous voice and data, but VZW chose to build out their LTE network instead of implementing Rev. B changes (the better choice IMHO).
In the end, I think VZW did the smart thing by pushing out their LTE network instead of upgrading to 3.5G HSPDA+ (aka, faux-G 4G) like T-Mobile and AT&T. LTE has the potential to be much, much faster than HSPDA+ and can be more easily upgraded to the LTE-Advanced technology that will be the basis of what will probably be called "5G" by the carriers.
Now we just need to wait for the LTE chipsets to become smaller and more battery-friendly. Q1-Q2 2012 is what I've read.