Murmurs persist of iPhone for Sprint
updated 10:10 pm EDT, Sun May 23, 2010
CDMA iPhone may get two carriers
Low-key but persistent rumors have surfaced in recent days that suggest the CDMA iPhone may also reach Sprint. More than one source, usually working for Sprint, has pointed to the third-place carrier also getting the Apple device sometime in or near September. The few rumors surrounding production have usually corroborated this timeframe and imply the Sprint and Verizon versions would be ready at the same time.
While far from confirmed, a multi-carrier CDMA strategy would make fiscal sense for Apple to maximize its production. Verizon is the largest US cellular carrier at 92.8 million users and is an even larger target than AT&T, but Sprint even with ongoing defections still has 48.1 million customers and would help fill in coverage with cities and areas that Verizon may not serve. It would also prevent the range-topping Evo 4G from getting too much traction at Sprint and making Android the carrier's preferred platform.
Other carriers are also a possibility but would more likely include those abroad: China Telecom, KDDI in Japan and SK Telecom in Korea could all use a CDMA version of the iPhone.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2010
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Brust has already said that the was not aware of an iPhone contract. I doubt that these speculators know more than Sprint's CEO! A Verizon iPhone is more likely for 2010. Maybe in 2011-2012 the iPhone will launch on every major network.