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US Cellular has decided to wait for Apple to release an LTE version of the iPhone before it carries the popular handset on its network, according to Ted Carlson, CEO of its parent company TDS.
Carlson, spoke about the iPhone at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, saying:
“We’re never going to say never about the iPhone.” He continued saying “The iPhone for us would need to be at the cutting edge of where we’re going, and then there might be an opportunity to consider it.”
This explanation solves the question as to why the company passed on selling the current version of the iPhone. It’s clear that US Cellular is betting big on its LTE network and it is more concerned with launching its LTE network and signing customers up for 4G than selling the iPhone, which I think is smart. There’s no secret that the iPhone is a data hogging beast, so a company must first make sure its network is up to par before it dives into iOS waters.
I really like the mindset of Ted Carlson, he says the iPhone is great, but getting “LTE devices and migrating customers to the service to give them a better experience and reduce network costs,” is top priority. Kudos to you sir. That said, U.S. Cellular expects to cover around 25 percent of its footprint with LTE by year-end and it will launch at least one LTE smartphone and tablet in the first quarter.
[via FierceWireless]
About The Author
Charles West
Charles West is a self-described music snob and sports fanatic who's a contributor to IntoMobile. In addition he also spends his time managing his own site The Trendaholic. You can catch him on Twitter @TheTrendaholic and Google+
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