T-Mobile, Cult of Mac is reporting that the iPhone could make its big debut on T-Mobile as soon as this quarter, thereby ending the long-standing AT&T exclusivity over the iPhone. The source indicates that talks between Apple and T-Mobile are ongoing. However, he or she assures that it is 80% likely that the iPhone will be made available on T-Mobile during this quarter, which ends in September. Apparently, T-Mobile Parent Company Deutsche Telekom, which carries the iPhone in Germany, influenced negotiations.
Up until now, most analysts have suggested that the next carrier to be offered the iPhone in the U.S. will be Verizon Wireless. In addition, Erictric has reported countless of times different rumors stating that the iPhone is coming to Verizon Wireless. However, nothing has been concrete thus far.
With that said, some analysts believe it’d would be easier for Cupertino-based Apple to go with T-Mobile instead of Verizon Wireless, considering that T-Mobile is already a GSM carrier. That means that Apple wouldn’t have to make major adjustments to the iPhone hardware. As a matter of fact, many customers are able to use unlocked iPhones on the T-Mobile network.
At this point, things are not 100% certain. T-Mobile has declined to comment on the matter, stating that the company “does not comment on rumor or speculation.” Additionally, many believe that the new iPhone 4 is not compatible with the T-Mobile 3G network due to the difference in frequency bands.
We’ll definitely keep our eyes and ears open for this. We’ll update as soon as we learn new information.
via Erictric