OT: Speculation. Apple as a mobile network?

[sandyjmacdonald]

Does anyone else think Apple might eventually ditch their partnerships with AT&T and other mobile networks, and go it alone?

After the initial outlay, running a network is relatively cheap, and would allow Apple to subsidise handsets and have a constant revenue stream from contracts.

 

[tersono]

uh. no.

Next question?

 

[mgamber]

LOL! Apple doesn't have anywhere near the resources to do anything like that. They'd have to buy a telecom system....a REAL telecom system, not this halfassed AT&T garbage...they'd have to set up a huge monitoring system to ensure no questionable content was being spoken, texted or otherwise sent across their system, they'd have to set up enforcement to kick in your door and drag you off to re-education camps if you did send anything questionable. There's just no way. Right?

 

[iFrankie]

There were rumors/news of Apple buying cell towers a few years ago. It was at least considered that Apple may become a cellular provider when the iPhone was launched.

However, I don't think they will get in the cellular service business. They can just tap into AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc and instantly have access to millions of potential customers without all the other headaches. If it's true Apple is also getting a cut of the monthly payments then they are doing pretty well without having to run their own network.

 

[smithrh]

After the initial outlay, running a network is relatively cheap

Ummm... I'm in wireless, I'm not sure where you got this idea.

It's not true in the slightest.

 

[poloponies]

After the initial outlay, running a network is relatively cheap, and would allow Apple to subsidise handsets and have a constant revenue stream from contracts.

Because technology and usage stagnates?

Apple will start their own network right after they start mining their own bauxite.