When the will the iPhone be available on other networks?
June 21, 2011 3:57 PM Subscribe
When will the iPhone be available on other US networks?
We want a pair of new iPhones, but we also want to use them with Credo Mobile (in the US). We are not interested in jailbreaking.
I realize that AT&T and Verizon will still have exclusivity for a while, but does anyone know when that is expected to run out? A year? Two years?
We want a pair of new iPhones, but we also want to use them with Credo Mobile (in the US). We are not interested in jailbreaking.
I realize that AT&T and Verizon will still have exclusivity for a while, but does anyone know when that is expected to run out? A year? Two years?
Credo uses Sprint's network, which is CDMA. There are rumors that the next iPhone will work on Sprint's network but that doesn't necessarily mean that it would work with Credo. Don't hold you breath.
posted by The Lamplighter at 4:06 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by The Lamplighter at 4:06 PM on June 21, 2011
Apple just released an "unlocked" version of the iPhone, but it requires a GSM network, which I don't believe Credo has. Even jailbroken, I don't think you could get Credo to work on an iPhone.
posted by dayintoday at 4:07 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by dayintoday at 4:07 PM on June 21, 2011
In theory the iPhone sold by Bell Canada works on Sprint's network. In practice I expect it's impossible to get the phone & your account set up to make it work.
posted by GuyZero at 4:09 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by GuyZero at 4:09 PM on June 21, 2011
From what I remember, it's damn near impossible to get a non-Sprint branded phone on the Sprint network. My sister tells me US Cellular is the same way. CDMA carriers really enjoy the control they have over the devices allowed.
posted by sbutler at 4:11 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by sbutler at 4:11 PM on June 21, 2011
Oh, wait the Bell iPhone is HSPA and I don't think Sprint does that. Regular Sprint phones roam on Bell in Canada but not the iPhone. my bad.
posted by GuyZero at 4:11 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by GuyZero at 4:11 PM on June 21, 2011
The current Verizon iPhone would work on Sprint's network, in theory, but I don't think Sprint will let it it on. Some CDMA carriers (like Cricket) are often less choosy and will allow non-Cricket CDMA phones on their network.
posted by The Lamplighter at 4:12 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by The Lamplighter at 4:12 PM on June 21, 2011
Apple's agreement with Verizon is non-exclusive. Tim Cook emphasized this when announcing the Verizon iPhone. So, any other CDMA provider is free to sell the CDMA iPhone if they also enter into an agreement with Apple. So if enough people bug Sprint and Credo, they might actually do it. There are rumors that Sprint may get the iPhone in September, but I'm not holding my breath.
posted by zsazsa at 4:28 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by zsazsa at 4:28 PM on June 21, 2011
If I were you I'd assume the answer is effectively "never" and look for another phone/carrier you like. People put off buying a usable phone for YEARS assuming the Verizon iPhone was just around the corner, when it really took like 5 years. Admittedly, though, those who got worse phones just before that announcement probably felt stupid.
posted by Patbon at 7:57 PM on June 21, 2011
posted by Patbon at 7:57 PM on June 21, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for the advice so far. I'm really not interested in any sort of workaround, so (unfortunately) Patbon is probably right.
Any other speculation out there?
posted by rossination at 9:36 PM on June 21, 2011
Any other speculation out there?
posted by rossination at 9:36 PM on June 21, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by brainmouse at 4:06 PM on June 21, 2011