Deal comes months after China Unicom iPhone launch

China Mobile on Thursday claimed it is still interested in selling the iPhone and upcoming iPad tablet, according to AFP. The carrier is said it expects to strike a deal with Apple sometime in the near future, although chairman and chief executive Wang Jianzhou declined to explain reasons for the delays.

"We're hoping we'll come to an agreement (with Apple) on the iPhone as soon as possible," Wang said in a news conference. "We will continue to express our interest in the iPhone. But not just the iPhone, also the iPad."

Earlier reports suggest the stalled negotiations involved China Mobile's opposition to Apple demands for a revenue-sharing agreement. The iPhone hardware would also have to be customized for the carrier's network, which does not support current 3G technology.

While China Mobile pushes to sell the iPhone, China Unicom is reportedly working to secure a Wi-Fi-enabled iPhone for the local market.

By Electronista Staff