China Telecom plans to offer the iPhone by the end of 2011, according to a new report. Citing a source close to the company, Reuters reports that the move would help China Telecom, China’s smallest carrier with 106 million subscribers, gain more high-end 3G users. “It’s expected to happen this year. China Telecom already has the required technology and it all hinges on the content of the agreement. As we all know, it’s not easy to negotiate with Apple,” said the source. A separate source indicated that the launch is expected to occur in November. In May, China Telecom Chairman Wang Xiaochu said that the company was involved in talks with Apple over carrying the iPhone, but declined to provide any further details. Apple currently offers the iPhone in China through China Unicom.
Charles Starrett
Charles Starrett was a senior editor at iLounge. He's been covering the iPod, iPhone, and iPad since their inception. He has written numerous articles and reviews, and his work has been featured in multiple publications.