Apple iPhone to Work on Super-Fast Broadband World Wide -- WSJ

The Wall Street Journal reports that the new Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone 5 will work on LTE networks around the world. One of the drawbacks of the current iPhone 4S is that it does not operate on super fast U.S. 4G systems run by carriers like AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ). That fact has helped 4G enabled smartphones from firms like Samsung to get substantial market share. Since most of these handsets  also operate on Google Inc.’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android system. So, the 4G capacity of handsets which compete with the iPhone has helped Android proliferate as well. Apple’s has gained back much of its momentum from Samsung due to legal victory over seven of its patents. There are rumors that Google may be sued as well.

WSJ:

Apple Inc next iPhone will work on the fastest wireless networks around the world—including in the U.S., Europe and Asia—though it is unlikely to be available on every carrier, people familiar with the matter said.

The technical compatibility with so-called LTE networks removes a big competitive danger for Apple and gives carriers a chance to sell their fastest data services to Apple’s huge base of iPhone customers.

Douglas A. McIntyre