Ting Now Supports iPhone 4, iPhone 4s In Beta: iPhone 5 Support Incoming

Ting, the Sprint mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has added support for Apple's iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s, according to documents located on the carrier's website. Furthermore, support for the iPhone 5 is said to be in the pipeline, a recent report claims. As a reminder, Ting first launched last year, and offers users a contract-free usage-based wireless service. However, following the launch of Ting, it wasn't possible to activate unlocked iPhones with the carrier's plans; at the same time, Ting didn't sell the smartphone directly, meaning iPhone owners had no means of connecting to one of Ting's no-contract plans. Now, the situation has changed. In an article published by 9to5mac, it's explained that support for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s has been offered by Ting since Oct. 29, albeit in "beta." The publication explains:

The beta is still somewhat hidden and not being advertised on Ting’s website or anywhere else. Sources close to the company tell us that’s due to a deal with Sprint and Apple that puts Ting in iPhone beta mode until it can prove it’s capable of supporting iPhone customers, representing the brand, and properly screening for lost and stolen devices. The sources also say Ting is “scared to make Sprint nervous,” and that “Sprint is terrified to make Apple nervous,” since Ting doesn’t officially have a deal to offer the iPhone but Sprint does.

Sources have reportedly told 9to5mac that support for the iPhone 5 is coming "soon," too. However, whether iPhone support will help the MVNO grow remains to be seen. T-Mobile's "Uncarrier" campaign provides consumers with a more mainstream no-contract wireless service, and has so far proven to be a major thorn in Ting's side. Though of course, Ting's offering is different in that it provides a usage-based billing service for its customers. If you're interested in activating an unlocked iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s with Ting, the following method is outlined at the carrier's website. After the iPhone has been added to your account, customers should do the following:

1. Restart your phone
2. Within 2-3 minutes the phone should start a Hands Free Activation on its own
3. When the activation completes, your phone is ready for use

We'll keep you updated with further information as we receive it. In the meantime, see: Tim Cook Urges Congress To Approve Employment Nondiscrimination Act, To Bed Goes 2.0 With Support For Weekend Reminders And Other Improvements, and British Government Calls In Security To Remove iPads From Cabinet Meeting.

Related articles