The fourth-generation Apple
A research note from Kaufman Bros. Analyst Shawn Wu says that T-Mobile looks like a more likely partner than Verizon -- mostly for technical reasons. Deutsche Telekom's
So far, I agree. If Apple wants to keep growing iPhone sales at the current clip, it's simply not good enough to stay with a single service provider per market. That's the way Google
"Looking at industry data, Android's wins have been where iPhone isn't available and that could change dramatically if the iPhone were available on more carriers," Wu says. Many geographies already have a choice of providers for their iPhones, with predictably positive sales results following. And that compatibility issue does make a difference, so T-Mobile could very well be next in line.
But then Wu spins off into left field when he notes that Sprint plus T-Mobile nearly equals Verizon's American reach, as if Sprint would be next in line after the Germans. Then you're back to redesigning the iPhone again, because Verizon's technical issues with the iPhone are also T-Mobile's. And if you're looking beyond 3G to the next-generation 4G standards, Sprint actually stands alone with WiMax support currently provided by ClearWire
Wu's dreamed-up pairing of T-Mobile and Sprint makes me question how credible his sources are, and how clear his thinking is elsewhere. T-Mobile would certainly make a fine iPhone partner when AT&T's exclusive contract runs out, but take the rest with a nice, big salt lick. The comments below are thirsting for your insights and opinions on the iPhone's non-AT&T future.