Probably no iPhone for Verizon/Sprint/TmobileUSA

oh darn, i was hoping they would open it up.

 

Can't say I'm surprised by this outcome.

 

I'm thinking once LTE becomes more of a viable option, Apple may then partner with Verizon. It would require some work for Apple to reconfigure the iPhone for Verizon and Sprint. Apparently that's not high on their agenda right now. Even adding AWS capability for T-Mobile 3G is not worth it for them either. It isn't hurting them keeping it the way it is. If it ain't broke...

I also wonder if CDMA constraints kept the iPad off Verizon as well.

 

I think just making a CDMA version of the iPhone alone is more prohibitive for Apple right now. Even with the countries out there that support CDMA, IMO I don't see Apple putting any extra resource in accommodating CDMA carriers when the GSM versions are doing just fine.

It's amazing how many iPhones Apple sells just in this country. Yes they could sell more if every carrier had a version, but in truth, they're doing quite well where they are. Not that it couldn't happen, but just not likely. This is just a guestimation on my part, though. I don't think they feel the need to do so.

With this new iPad, they've got another possible cash cow to focus resources on. Whatever Apple's doing is working, even with some limitations.

 

Here is my 2 cents as always.

I don't particulary see a tie in between the fact that the iPad has AT&T 3G frequencies only and that the iPhone will remain an At&T exclusive. Infact, if anything It could be construed as *Apple is allowing At&T to keep one small bite and taking the rest away later this year*.


As for the Nexus, I don't see it as a flop necessarily, just some initial quality issues with HTC and the lack of a wide spread T-Mobile 3G. These issues happen in many startups some more severe than others, they do get recitified and the product eventually succeeds in the marketplace. Android in general has a lot of potential and I do hope the problems with Nexus get taken care of soon.

 

Also, the Nexus was looking to change a lot about how U.S. customers purchase smartphones. The fact that Google has no retail experience and limited support options caused a lot of confusion. I'm also not entirely sure what Google hoped to accomplish by slapping their name on a phone. They have no reputation in the hardware arena.

At least Apple had reputation for producing both solid hardware and software when they introduced the iPhone. They didn't look to change the way people purchase wireless services

I know Google wanted more control so they could showcase Android, but it seemed like odd timing (so soon after the Droid came out), they were trying to change too much, it wasn't that big of an upgrade from the Droid, and someone clearly dropped the ball when it came to testing.

 

Why is the iPad going to be sold unlocked, if its going to work exclusively with AT&T? And whay can't Verizon or Sprint create a new network like Bell And Telus did?

 

Why should they? They decided their future 4G path with Verizon pushing forward with LTE and Sprint going with WiMAX.

Verizon isn't going to use LTE for voice. Their desire for LTE is for data. They don't seem to want to let go of CDMA. I can't say I understand their rationale, but it's what they're doing. When they first announced their plans for LTE, everyone thought this would mean they would be on the same playing field with AT&T and use SIM cards. But Verizon stated they want to keep devices on their network on their network (with the use of embedded SIMs). They don't want to play with the other guys in the LTE pool. They wish to control their network as much as possible. Verizon CDMA won't be going away any time in the near or distant future. The information I'm mentioning came from an article back in February 2009, when a Verizon executive was asked about further info on their LTE plans.

As for Sprint, they chose WiMAX, LTE's 4G competitor. That's where they're putting their upgrade money.

Also, to compare Canada and the U.S.'s wireless universe is like comparing a peanut to a watermelon. The market size and population disparity between the two countries is a night and day difference. Bell Mobility and Telus have roughly 4 to 5 million customers each, compare that to Verizon's 91 million and AT&T's 85 million. It was much easier for Bell and Telus to go the HSPA route than Verizon or Sprint.

 

It will work with any GSM/UMTS carrier with service on 850/900/1800/1900/2100. You can use it on T-Mobile, but you'll only get EDGE.

VZW has been involved in the discussions concerning voice over LTE standards. I think they plan to run a form of VoIP just like everyone else. It's more bandwidth efficient and LTE may provide better battery life than CDMA after its been out a few years.

They're sticking with CDMA because its easier to support all the current customers and keep them happy. They have a great network that many people appreciate. It's been a PITA when they acquired TDMA/GSM customers and had to convert them over... could you imagine trying to push 90+ million users off CDMA? The effort would simply take too long to even start on now--they'll let the market natural shift to LTE and then make plans when its easy and cost effective.

 

CDMA has a much bigger worldwide presence than we give it credit for. It has over 500 million subscribers worlwide and still growing.

GSM ofcourse is more prevalent with 2 billion customers.

 

Wow....$729 bucks for 32GB...PLUS the data plan att charges?

-NO multi-tasking?
-AGAIN, NO removable battery?

NO THANKS!

I'm gonna go buy a real laptop for the same price, and be able to work with multiple applications and get a new battery when mine doesn't hold the charge anymore.

 

I'm sure someone will make an adapter to snap your modified SIM into so that you can easily put it back in your iPhone after using your iPad.

Before you blame Apple, I would guess this was a concession required by AT&T in order to offer the pay as you go/at will service for $30 rather than the $60 they charge for laptop data cards. Remember, the world still revolves around the US, so the rest of the world has to deal with it now.

 

Have you been holding out to buy a laptop waiting on Apple? It's pretty obvious this gadget isn't targeted at you.

 

Noooo sir. I am not holding out. I have a laptop...and while eventually I will need a new one, I don't think I will be getting one anytime soon.

It was just a figure of speech. But, if I DID need a laptop right now, I wouldn't be getting this one.

 

Yea, but if you look at the list almost half of the CDMA networks are Wireless Local Loop (WLL), which means it's not a "mobile cellular" network, but more of a fixed point-to-point system... so you couldn't use any theoretical CDMA iPhones on those networks...;-) ...and CDMA is dying not growing ;-)

...and actually, I've been to Ukraine several times the last few years, been in all the phone shops and I never even knew a CDMA network existed there