China Mobile's 4G LTE Teaser Suggests iPhones Could Launch Nov. 9-11
by Joe White
October 28, 2013
China Mobile's long-rumored iPhone deal has been in the pipeline for some time, but according to a recent 4G LTE teaser poster published by the carrier (pictured above), this wait could almost be over. In fact, if the poster is as significant as some claim, Apple's iPhones could reach China's largest network as soon as Nov. 9.
The poster above, first spotted by Unwired View, alludes to China Mobile's TD-LTE network, which is set to go live in a couple of weeks between Nov. 9-11. Once it does, subscribers will be able to access super fast 4G LTE speeds with China Mobile, using the unique TD-LTE wireless band we've discussed previously.
Given that Apple's new iPhones already support China's TD-LTE wireless band, it could be that a China Mobile iPhone deal is set to be announced for Nov. 9. In addition to this, the above poster also appears to depict a couple of iPhone handsets at the base of the image. Talk about a tease!
Mounting evidence has suggested that a China Mobile iPhone deal is indeed in the cards. This has included China Mobile iPhone posters (which appeared online), news of a licensing agreement reached between Apple’s iPhone and China Mobile’s wireless standard, as mentioned above, and countless further speculative reports published by influential publications such as The Wall Street Journal, among others. Though rumors of the deal date as far back as 2009, of course.
Most recently, Apple published a job post online advertising for a Beijing-based wireless expert, with knowledge of China Mobile's TD-LTE wireless band, among others. As we explained in our original article:
In a move further indicative of its impending iPhone deal with China Mobile, Apple has posted a job advertisement seeking a Beijing-based engineer able to “support and drive the carrier approval of mobile phones,” and who possesses a sound knowledge of China Mobile’s wireless standard.The launch of Apple's iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in China coupled with a potential China Mobile deal could see Apple's share of the country's smartphone market double by 2014, one analyst argues. However, as of this writing, no news concerning the required approval from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has surfaced online. It could be that approval has been granted, or it may be that it will be granted in the forthcoming weeks. We'll keep you updated with further information as we receive it. See also: Shelf Control: Apple Patent Application Aims To Let Users Give The Gift Of iBooks, Apple Has Its Sights Set On Rio: Plans To Launch Its First Retail Store In Brazil Next Year, and 5by5 Radio Gets Updated For iOS 7, Goes Free For Halloween.
