China Telecom to launch iPhone 4S as early as February

China Telecom, mainland China’s third-largest carrier, is preparing to launch the iPhone 4S—perhaps as soon as February, according to a new report. Citing a news release from China Telecom subsidiary Beijing Telecom, China Daily reports that a version of the iPhone 4S compatible with the company’s CDMA network is likely to hit the market by the end of February or beginning of March. “China Telecom has already started preparatory work for the launch of the iPhone 4S,” said the release. Earlier this month, a version of the iPhone 4S compatible with China Telecom’s CDMA-2000 network received approval from the China Radio Management agency, clearing the way for its release. According to the report, no pricing details have yet to be disclosed; the iPhone 4S is currently available from China Unicom.