“It’s rare that Apple denies a rumor, regardless of where it was published. But when stories were posted that the company was going to become a cell phone provider, specifically an MVNO, which stands for mobile virtual network operator, something had to giv,” Gene Steinberg writes for The Tech Night Owl.
“Such a rumor is dangerous, since Apple has carefully crafted distribution deals with hundreds of wireless carriers around the world,” Steinberg writes. “If Apple were to start its own service, even though it would be buying capacity from existing carriers, that would still put the company in competition with partners with which it has no such deals.”
“Now the original rumor about Apple becoming a wireless carrier appeared in Business Insider, which has a poor track record accurately covering the company,” Steinberg writes. “But that didn’t stop the story from spreading far and wide. At least Apple realized the rumor was important enough, with the added consequences to Apple’s existing partnerships, to nip it in the bud.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Consider the source.
SEE ALSO:
Why it doesn’t make sense for Apple to offer their own cellular service right now – August 4, 2015
Apple: No, we’re not planning to become a MVNO – August 4, 2015
Apple MVNO coming soon? – August 3, 2015
MVNO: Should Apple become its own cellular carrier? – May 7, 2015
Expert: Apple plans to crush carriers and offer direct mobile service – May 1, 2012
The crazy master plan that could complete Apple’s mobile domination – November 29, 2011
Does Apple want to be its own carrier? MVNO patent application extended – June 2, 2011
Apple granted ‘Dynamic Carrier Selection’ patent where carriers bid to provide service to iPhones – February 9, 2011
Apple to soon become MVNO? – December 05, 2008
Apple’s unprecedented, almost unbelievable iPhone business model: hassle-free MVNO – October 01, 2007
UBS analyst: Apple may launch MVNO, serve as own carrier for ‘iPhone’ – December 13, 2006
Cingular music deal suggests possible Apple MVNO for ‘iPhone’ – November 01, 2006
Many expect Apple to launch its own cellular service (MVNO) before year’s end – April 22, 2006
Apple to become mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)? – April 19, 2006
Analysts tackle Apple’s ‘Mobile Me’ patent, iPhone rumors, MVNO possibilities – January 19, 2006
Apple may eventually introduce its own ‘iPhone’ cell phone-iPod combo and create Apple MVNO – September 12, 2005