Korean carriers SK, KT in talks with Apple over LTE

Korean carriers SK Telecom and KT are in talks to offer LTE service for Apple’s next-generation iPhone, according to a new report. Citing officials from the companies, the Korea Times reports that any such deal could require a change or addition to the handset’s supported LTE frequencies. While Verizon operates its LTE network on the 700 MHz frequency and AT&T uses both 700 MHz and 2100 MHz, SK is using the 800 MHz frequency, and KT is using the 1800 MHz frequency. “KT is in negotiation with Apple to persuade the latter to support KT’s 1.8-gigahertz frequency in Korea for the upcoming iPhone,” said an anonymous KT source. A high-ranking SK executive added, “If Apple’s upcoming iPhone again fails to support LTE bandwidths, then this would be a very disappointing scenario as LTE is everywhere in Korea.” Apple is expected to announce the next-generation iPhone at a special media event next month. [via MDN]