One of the biggest knocks against the new Apple (AAPL) iPhone is that it works on AT&T (T) 2.5G network and not a newer 3G network. Consumers want that faster connection speed.
So, it is natural that Apple and AT&T shareholders and iPhone customers would want to know when 3G is coming.
Apparently, not soon. Business 2.0 writes that the iPhone does not have a 3G radio, which it would need to access the faster network. This might explain why industry experts believe that Apple will launch the iPhone on a 2.5G network in Europe.
There is no telling how much the iPhone’s sales will be held back by a delay in functioning on 3G. Certainly competitors like Nokia (NOK) and Motorola (MOT) will be waiting.
If the market is looking for an Achille’s heel on the iPhone, this may be it.
Douglas A. McIntyre can be reached at [email protected]