Apple Determines Which Carriers Get To Use LTE On iOS Devices And Which Do Not

The last time we checked, Apple isn’t (yet) a wireless carrier. However, they still have a huge influence over the companies that are, according to TNW. Swiss operator Swisscom recently confirmed that Apple performs tests on each carriers’ LTE network. These are done to determine whether to enable 4G services on iOS devices for customers of that company. As a Swisscom spokesperson contends,the company “only enables 4G access after testing their device on an operator’s live network.” The end result is that without Apple’s approval, a company cannot offer 4G services on iPhones and iPads – even if they can or do on other devices. However, before one suggests that Apple “picks and chooses the countries and the carriers” they support, know:

This is true, to a point, but the components and chips that it uses are largely set up to support the most popular LTE frequencies, which are often used by world’s biggest carriers.

This brings us to T-Mobile, which is the only major carrier in the U.S. that doesn't carry the iPhone. As we reported earlier this week, it looks like the fourth-largest wireless carrier will finally get the handset as early as next week. The reason, if it does happen? T-Mobile has spent millions upgrading their network in recent months. As their reward, they get to say hello to the iPhone. While many may feel that this is an overstretch on Apple's part, I think the opposite. It is nice knowing that Apple is making sure that the network we use is up to their standards before we spend another dime. Source: TNW

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