“Sources say the two former phone monopolies are set to roll out a joint $1 billion upgrade of their wireless networks as early as this fall, months ahead of schedule, that will allow them to support a range of GSM-based devices including Apple Inc.’s iconic iPhone, which so far is only available in Canada through rival Rogers Communications Inc.,” Sorensen reports.
“Details are scarce, but the buzz among industry insiders is that both Bell and Telus have negotiated deals with Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple, although one source suggested the price being paid ‘is going to hurt,'” Sorensen reports. “Unlike other handset vendors, Apple has played hardball with wireless providers by dictating everything from the way new iPhone subscriber accounts can be activated to the device’s $199 price tag (16 gigabyte 3G S model) when purchased with a contract.”
MacDailyNews Take: “To the victor belongs the spoils.” – William Learned Marcy
Sorensen continues, “But analysts say Bell and Telus, like other carriers, have little choice, given the popularity of iPhone among consumers. Officials at Bell and Telus declined to comment but noted that their proposal to jointly ‘overlay’ an HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) network on their existing CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks would give them the technical capability to support the device.”
More details in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Michael K.” for the heads up.]
