Jobs schemed Apple WiFi carrier plot for original iPhone - SlashGear

Jobs schemed Apple WiFi carrier plot for original iPhone - SlashGear

Steve Jobs explored establishing Apple as a WiFi-based carrier rival, wireless expert John Stanton has confirmed, aiming “to replace carriers” in the run-up to the launch of the original iPhone in 2007.
... Rumored plans to use an embedded SIM in future iPhone models, that would allow Apple to directly activate the smartphone for consumers and then switch them between networks with little to no contact with the actual carriers themselves were supposedly junked after operators revolted. Apple execs “have been sent back to the drawing board with their tails between their legs” shttp://www2.blogger.com/img/blank.gifources close to negotiations claimed, with the threat of subsidies being removed forcing them to reconsider.
Nonetheless, Apple’s iPhone arguably led the way in pushing data-centric services, a pattern which has been continued by Android, Windows Phone and other platforms. Carriers have responded with 4G network investment and many offer bundled WiFi hotspot access to try to offload traffic from their spectrum, though it’s a far cry from Apple’s own plans of eschewing cellular in favor of WiFi altogether.

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