iPhone 5 Release Date: Verizon and Sprint Will Not Power Unlocked iPhone 4S
Verizon and Sprint are not doing much to help the popularity of the recently unveiled iPhone 4S, as the phone, powered by the CDMA-supported carriers reportedly does not have the 4G-like speeds that have been advertised.
At its unveiling during Apple's "Let's Talk iPhone" media event on October 4, the iPhone 4S was hailed for having 4G-like speeds due to dual-antennae that allows for compatibility with both GSM and CDMA networks.
The iPhone 4S has been called a "world phone," due to its GSM and CDMA compatibility.
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However, commentators state that only AT&T can maintain the claim of 4G-like speeds.
AT&T supports a GSM network that incorporates HSPA+ or 4G, which theoretically downloads at speeds of up to 14.4Mbps while Verizon and Sprint's CDMA network downloads at speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, the same as the iPhone 4.
"If you want the download speed boost, it seems that the only option is AT&T," Gizmodo stated.
The AT&T iPhone 4S can also operate voice and data simultaneously due to its HSPA+ accented GSM network.
The popularity of the iPhone 4S is currently in question as many who were anticipating the iPhone 5 are considering the 4S simply an upgrade of the iPhone 4.
Recent reports have indicated neither the Verizon nor Sprint networks will power the unlocked, no-contract, iPhone 4S because their CDMA capability does not allow for it.
AT&T should still be able to power the unlocked iPhone 4S with its GSM capability, as should the T-Mobile network, which is known for powering over one million unlocked iPhones despite not being an official vendor or carrier of Apple devices.
