T-Mobile makes appeal for iPhone, blames 3G tech
updated 05:00 am EDT, Sat October 22, 2011
T-Mobile reiterates interest in Apple's iPhone
T-Mobile has issued a statement directly addressing the lack of on iPhone model on its network. Following news that a regional carrier, C Spire, was picking up the new iPhone 4S, questions were immediately asked as to why T-Mobile had not also picked up the device. T-Mobile reiterated its recent position that they would like to have the iPhone in its line-up, but blamed the iPhone’s incompatibility with its 3G and 4G networks.
Andrew Sherrard the Senior Vice President of Marketing for T-Mobile made the the following observations:
“T-Mobile thinks the iPhone is a good device and we’ve expressed our interest to Apple to offer it to our customers. Ultimately, it is Apple’s decision. The issue remains that Apple has not developed a version of the iPhone with technology that works on our fast 3G and 4G networks. We believe a capable version of the iPhone for our 3G and 4G networks would offer an additional compelling option for our customers on a fast 4G network. However, the iPhone is not the only option to experience the benefit that smartphones offer.”
It is well-known that although the iPhone is now a world phone supporting a wide range of GSM and CDMA networks, the radio in the iPhone 4S does not currently support T-Mobile’s 1,700MHz frequency.
Apple has increasingly shown an interest in expanding the reach of its iPhone range. It has retained the 3GS in its current line-up as an entry-level device alongside the 4 and the 4S. Further, it has also been adding numerous additional carriers globally each year, although T-Mobile is perhaps the most notable US carrier yet to carry the device.
While Apple has not commented on the issue, it is likely that a move to a true 4G LTE chipset may see T-Mobile finally join the ranks of carriers who sell the iPhone as well as Android devices.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2010
Sorry
I feel sorry for T-Mobile, but I don't expect Apple to manufacture a phone that works on their, and ONLY their network because of the strange combination of frequencies that they employ. Not to mention that they are either about to be acquired or simply be sold and go out of business. It just makes no sense. I don't think any other cellphone company in the U.S. uses their combination of frequencies either, or it might make a little more sense to make a version of the iPhone for that.