Has Apple found a way to deter iPhone 3G unlocking in the U.S?

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Has Apple found a way to deter iPhone 3G unlocking in the U.S?

Jun
12

By: switchtoamac at: 1:40 PM on June 12, 2008 | Comments (0)

Apple may have found a way to prevent unlocking of the upcoming 3G iPhone in the United States. A detailed look at the iPhone 3G specifications:

I'm no expert on the cellular industry or 3G for that matter but my initial interpretation is that in the United States, Apple has found a way (via specifications) to tie the iPhone 3G to the AT&T 3G network.

Won't work on the U.S. T-Mobile network?
When compared to the technical specifications of other U.S. competitors, those 3G networks are not compatible thus a clear attempt to get people to think twice about unlocking their iPhone. The only other viable competitor that uses UMTS/HSDPA in the United States is T-Mobile but their network works on the 1700/2100 MHz spectrum bands. The following is from a May 2008 article from MaketWatch:

"Commercially launched today in New York City, this is the first major urban deployment of 3G UMTS in the 1700/2100 MHz bands, and T-Mobile USA plans to continue its 3G network rollout across major U.S. metropolitan markets throughout 2008."

Another article detailing the U.S. T-Mobile spectrum bands. It states:

"T-Mobile USA was the first operator to launch UMTS/HSDPA in the 1700/2100 MHz spectrum bands in a major urban market with its recent deployment in New York City."

It is very likely that the 3G iPhone will not work on the U.S. 3G T-Mobile network. Thus, Apple may have found a clear deterrent to unlocking efforts in the United States.

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Has Apple found a way to deter iPhone 3G unlocking in the U.S?

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