An American telecommunications analyst believes tech giant Apple is currently experimenting with different options as to how to launch the iPhone with different carriers, particularly Verizon.
Currently the iPhone is only available on AT&T networks in the US. In Australia, the phone is available on five different carriers.
Kaufman Bro.’s analyst Shaw Wu has reportedly said in a research note that Apple is seeking how to expand its reach through deals with other carriers.
“From our checks with industry and supply chain sources and a recent SEC 10-Q filing by AT&T mentioning that exclusivity with ‘a number of attractive handsets’ could end, we have conviction that the iPhone could likely finally be at another carrier besides AT&T here in the US in 2011 and potentially at Verizon in 2011 or 2012,” he said.
“From our understanding, the Verizon negotiations are not finalised with important details still being ironed out, including technology and economics. We think it is premature to rule out T-Mobile or Sprint (who also uses CDMA but WiMAX for 4G). In addition, there is the possibility of multiple U.S. carriers being signed.”
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
Comments