O2 Bolsters EDGE Network in the UK - Indicates iPhone Launch

This Engadget Mobile article mentions some EDGE upgrades to be made on O2's UK network, which sort of seems like a backwards step, considering most of Europe is already enjoying 3G mobile broadband networks. O2's updating current towers with EDGE technology may be a precursor to an iPhone release on O2's network. That would be a major disappointment - Apple being unable to optimize their battery technology in order to include 3G chips in their product (especially in such a 3G laden environment).

The two may not have anything to do with one another, but the European release of the iPhone is fun to speculate about.

Apple Rides iPhone Carrier Announcement

According to a Wall Street Journal Article , Apple shares have climbed throughout today due to reported contracts with three European carriers. It must have to do with Apple's breakthrough deal - raking in a 10% cut of the revenue made from calls and data.


People might also have more faith in O2, Orange and T-Mobile's networks in England, France, and Germany than they do in AT&T's - with their 300 page phone bills and hidden charges.


In other iPhone news, a new website promises a software solution to unlock the phone. This seems like a promising alternative to AT&T's poor coverage (if it can be easily transferred to another carrier), but it still isn't 3G enabled.

iPhone to choose T-Mobile, O2 and Orange as European Carriers

The Financial Times is reporting that Apple has finally reached an agreement with three separate European wireless carriers to exclusively act as iPhone partners in the UK, France and Germany.

T-Mobile of Germany, Orange of France and O2 in the UK signed with Apple, agreeing to give them 10 per cent of the revenues made from calls and data transfers.

The Financial Times also commented that this marks the first time a handset manufacturer is being given a direct percentage of the revenues made from calls and data transfers. This could pave the way for handset manufacturers to cut themselves in on some of the carrier's profits.

Now that Apple has finally settled on a few European carriers, one has to wonder if these carriers will urge Apple to make their iPhones 3G enabled. With 3G networks far more prevalent in Europe than in the US, it might make sense for Apple to solve this battery issue and vastly improve their phones. Don't get me wrong, the EDGE network is awesome - but it's 2007. With LTE, WiMax/Xohm , and other 4G solutions around the corner, the 2.5G Edge network isn't quite cutting it anymore.

Point in case - combine the burgeoning WiBro network in South Korea with the innovative interface of the iPhone and you could download video and music at broadband speeds, possibly incorporate some VoIP solutions, and watch all of the stupid YouTube videos you could possibly watch.