Apple's iPhone gets approved for China Mobile's 700 million subscribers

Justin Kahn

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apple china mobile iphone

At yesterday's Apple event, many expected the company to announce the first details regarding a partnership with China Mobile, the world's largest mobile provider. Reports are now saying that Apple is indeed in talks with the Chinese mobile provider regarding selling the company's devices to the carrier's 700 million untapped customers.

A report from the Wall Street Journal says that China’s Telecom Equipment Certification Center has signed off on an iPhone that will be allowed to run on China Mobile's network. The carrier's TD-LTE bands (38,39 and 40) that are being implemented in its new 4th gen network, are supposedly supported by certain models of Apple's new iPhones. While none of the details have been officially confirmed, it appears the long expected play on the carrier is moving forward.

Another interesting point here is that China Mobile will require new devices to support TD-LTE band 41 by 2014. Currently Apple does not have a device that supports this, so some are expecting a third new iPhone designed specifically for the region.

On the other hand, keep in mind that Sprint already makes use of band 41, a company that just last year entered a long term, $15.5 billion deal with Apple, showing its dedication to the ongoing success of the iPhone. 

While Apple has been able to strike up deals with smaller Chinese carriers in the past like China Unicom and China Telecom, China Mobile has always denied Apple's specific contract requirements. Just last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook was reportedly in negotiations with China Mobile execs in Beijing.

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Another interesting point here is that China Mobile will require new devices to support TD-LTE band 41 by 2014. Currently Apple does not have a device that supports this, so some are expecting a third new iPhone designed specifically for the region.

And they will be $100.00 where us phones will be $700.00
 
...And they will be $100.00 where us phones will be $700.00

I thought that if Apple made a $700 phone for $99, that it must be doing it at a loss to their business just to compete in the area. But I've read elsewhere, that Apple will still have a gross profit margin of 40%. So if Apple sells this cheaper iPhone 5c, don't worry about Apple, because they're still making a lot of money on each phone.
 
Wow. Over 70% of the Chinese population is under one carrier? Communism at its best.

If you think about it, nearly 60% of Americans are under one carrier also, cloaked with different company names but same outrageous pricing. Capitalism (Corporate greed) at its best.
 
Guest said:
lawfer said:
Wow. Over 70% of the Chinese population is under one carrier? Communism at its best.
If you think about it, nearly 60% of Americans are under one carrier also, cloaked with different company names but same outrageous pricing. Capitalism (Corporate greed) at its best.

That may be so. However, given the choice between the two, I would take capitalism over communism any day of the week.
 
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