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China Mobile claims 15 million iPhone subscribers without selling Apple's handset
China Mobile may be the world's largest telco with 655 million subscribers, but it's missing one major ingredient that any top tier carrier needs -- the iPhone. Apple's exclusivity deal with China Unicom is about to come to an end and China Telecom is going to start selling the 4S next week. Yet, China Mobile, the state owned behemoth, won't be joining the iOS fray officially until it starts shipping with an LTE radio (which we assume will happen next year). Still, according to the company, it has managed to rack up 15 million subscribers using unlocked iPhones on its 2G network. Perhaps most amazing, is that it was only in October that China Mobile announced it had 10 million subscribers using Apple's pride and joy. We can only imagine the pandemonium that will break out when the world's most popular phone comes to the planet's largest cellular carrier.
Apple addresses issue with iPhone 4S on China Mobile
Here's a strange story for you: Apple has worked with China Mobile to resolve issues with the iPhone 4S on the Chinese carrier's network. What's strange about that? China Mobile doesn't officially carry the iPhone 4S... Electronista is reporting that some 4S users cannot activate SIM cards or make calls with a full signal. The issues appear to be due to the iPhone 4S only supporting the GSM P band (885 - 915 MHz) and not the E band (880 - 890 MHz), both of which are in use by China Mobile. The P band is primarily used for outdoor use, while E is designed for indoor areas -- train stations, conventions centers, and the like. When China Mobile users move into an area without P coverage, they still see full signal strength, but the connection is dropped. According to China Mobile, Apple has updated all iPhone 4S devices built after February 8th, 2012 to work properly with their network. China Mobile is also saying that Apple is planning to issue a firmware update for earlier 4S devices in the next few weeks. Penn-Olson reported that there are some 15 million unofficial iPhone users on the China Mobile network at this point -- people who love their carrier so much that they're willing to run the iPhones on a system that doesn't give them 3G service. China Mobile expects to become China's third iPhone carrier soon, and is hoping to build a 4G LTE network that may be useful with the next generation of iPhone.
China Mobile plans widespread rollout of TD-LTE network, 20,000 base stations to be operational this year
China Mobile announced a deal with Clearwire last fall to speed up the rollout of its TD-LTE network, and now China's largest wireless provider has revealed some additional details about when that rollout will take place and just how big it will be. Speaking at Mobile World Congress, China Mobile president Li Yu said that the company will have over 20,000 TD-LTE base stations in operation by the end of this year, and a full 200,000 up and running by the end of 2013. That initial deployment will occur in the six trial cities already announced, as well as three additional cities confirmed at MWC: Beijing, Tianjin and Qingdao. Two of those cities, Hangzhou and Shenzhen, are expected to have full TD-LTE coverage of their urban areas this year, while the others will have more isolated coverage until the next phase of the deployment begins.
HTC to launch "Dragon" series smartphone in mainland China, expand to international markets in the future
HTC may have just announced its highfalutin One family of smartphones in Barcelona, but it's still the year of the Dragon back home -- and the Taiwanese outfit has the slabs to prove it. Meet the "Dragon" series, a trio of 4-inch Android handsets, each sporting a 5 megapixel camera, a 1GHz single-core processor and Beats Audio, all wrapped up in an Ice Cream Sandwich slathered in Sense 4.0A. Although the Dragon series seems a bit like the HTC One V -- albeit with a larger screen -- the outfit says it won't be packing the HTC ImageChip that hopes to give the One series' cameras a wicked performance boost. Sadly, the "Dragon" moniker is a temporary handle, and the three phones are only coming to mainland China. HTC says there are plans to expand the family in the future for international distribution, but for now the handsets are only coming to China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile.
ZTE T98 ICS tablet hands-on (video)
We'll admit: in addition to playing with tons of cool gadgets, one of the elements that makes CES fun is the challenge of actually finding these gems in the first place. Such was the case with the ZTE T98, a 7-inch Tegra 3-powered tablet running stock Android 4.0 that was lurking in a booth without any marketing material to establish its identity. Branded as a China Mobile device, the T98 offers a 1,280 x 800 WXGA display, NVIDIA's quad-core CPU underclocked at 1.3GHz, 1GB of RAM, a 5MP rear camera with no LED flash and 1080p HD video capture, a 1.3MP front-facing cam and 4,000mAh battery. Ultimately it has the same fingerprint-loving chrome edges and rubberized back, and appears to have changed very little in overall looks. There's no word on availability or pricing yet. For some extra angles and a full video, head on down.
Chinese Motorola XT928 gets hands-on: less RAZR, more double-edged sword
China's own Motorola RAZRs have arrived, and have plenty to differentiate themselves from the Verizon-coated version available in the US. Thankfully, our colleagues over at Engadget Chinese have managed to get some intimate hands-on time with the dual-SIM capable XT928. Whether it's the upgraded 13 megapixel camera, or the 4.5-inch HD display crammed inside, this Motorola mobile arrives slightly chunkier than the RAZR we're used to. In fact, it looks more like a distant cousin than a simple variant. A not-particularly tapered backing is now removable, giving access to the two SIM card slots. Ports and buttons have also been rejigged, although the main difference is certainly the carrier's decision to opt for network flexibility over the wafer-thin styling and Kevlar credentials of its fellow Moto countryman, China Mobile's MT917. See how they both measure up against the Droid RAZR in an awkward family portrait after the break or check the full gallery (and some hands-on footage) at the link below.
iPhone 4S has reportedly received China's network access permit
Chinese website M.I.C. Gadget is reporting that the iPhone 4S has leaped an important hurdle in preparation for sale by cellular carrier China Unicom. The newest iPhone has apparently been tested by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and is about to be given the stamp of approval -- a network access permit. MIIT is a state agency in China that regulates the Internet and wireless communications. Local media in the country reported that the network access permit for the iPhone 4S will be issued in as soon as two weeks. No official word has come from either Apple or China Unicom, but if the rumor is true, the desirable 4S will be going on sale soon in the world's biggest market. China Unicom is dropping the 16 and 32 GB iPhone 4 models, presumably to prepare for the arrival of the 8 GB iPhone 4 and the three models of iPhone 4S. China is a large and growing market for Apple, and one that the company is focusing on for future revenues. China Unicom is the second-largest carrier in the country. China Mobile is actually the largest; although the company doesn't officially carry the iPhone (the phones can only make calls and send texts on the China Mobile TD-LTE network), they apparently have 10 million iPhone users on their network. Subscribers to China Telecom, the nation's third-largest carrier, will reportedly need to wait until February or March of 2012 to get their hands on the iPhone 4S.
MediaTek-powered ZTE MT73 packs TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM, dual SIM and magic dust
Here's a funny one we spotted at China Mobile's booth at Mobile Asia Congress: a ZTE Android phone powered by a MediaTek chipset that supports TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM and dual SIM! Of course, given that China Mobile is currently the exclusive carrier to the TD-SCDMA technology, we're not expecting this peculiar device to pop up anywhere beyond the Great Wall any time soon; but knowing that there's a dual-SIM LTE phone somewhere on this planet still makes our day. Spec-wise this MT73 prototype features Android 2.3.4, an 800MHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4.1-inch 854 x 480 LCD with capacitive touchscreen, a five megapixel main camera, a VGA front-facing camera and a 1,100mAh battery. As per usual ZTE build quality, there's an inevitable cheap feel upon laying our hands on this phone, but we'll give ZTE the benefit of the doubt and wait for the final version. As for a launch date, the folks at China Mobile said it'll depend on when will the government issue a commercial license for TD-LTE. To keep you occupied for the time being, we have a hands-on video right after the break.
SIM-based NFC gains global support from 45 mobile carriers, all huddled around GSMA's standard
You knew that NFC hardware can be embedded into SIM cards, right? Right? Regardless of whether you've been paying attention, the practice is about to become a whole lot more common, as 45 of the world's largest mobile operators have extended their support for the GSM Association's standard. Among the networks, you'll find heavy hitters such as China Mobile and China Unicom (which account for nearly 800 million subscribers between the two), along with familiar names such as America Movil, AT&T, Deutsche Telecom, KPN, Orange, Rogers, SFR, SK Telecom, Softbank, Telus, Verizon and Vodafone. Even Isis, the unholy mobile payment lovechild of AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, has pledged its support... in hopes of taking your money, that is. The new standard is expected to drive the proliferation of NFC across the globe, with Anne Bouverot, Director General of the GSMA commenting, "Mobile operators, working together, are ideally positioned to roll out services based on the requirements published by the GSMA, providing proven security and interoperability, global reach and customer care for consumers and businesses and a secure platform for service providers." Now, as you'd expect, we just wanna see it happen. For a complete list of the cooperating carriers, check out the PR after the break. [SIM card photo via Shutterstock]
Droid RAZR's CDMA2000 and TD-SCDMA variants teased in China, the latter with 720p display
Chinese mobile customers face a similar dilemma as their American counterparts: they have to choose either China Unicom's WCDMA network, China Telecom's CDMA2000 network or China Mobile's more obscure TD-SCDMA offering. Needless to say, this can be a real headache for phone fanatics stuck on a carrier that doesn't support their desired devices, unless they don't mind surfing the web on 2G radio (if compatible at all). Luckily, nowadays Motorola tends to take good care of all potential Chinese customers whenever it rolls out a new Android phone, including the Droid RAZR (aka XT910, pictured right) in this case. Read on to find out what these two new phones are about. %Gallery-139260%
China Mobile wants some of Apple's App Store revenue
China Mobile has been quick to talk about the iPhone to the media, but its internal talks with Apple are apparently not as fast and furious. According to a report from AllThingsD, China Mobile and Apple are "firmly engaged" in a discussion about the iPhone, but technology concerns and money squabbles are slowing things down. Unlike most wireless carriers which are falling over themselves to get the iPhone, China Mobile is doing the opposite and supposedly pushing Apple to give it a piece of the App Store revenue. Giving a carrier a cut of this lucrative business is something Apple has never done before and likely doesn't want to do, but China Mobile may believe it's in a good position to make this request. Everyone, including China Mobile, knows that Apple wants to expand further into the Asian market and China Mobile may be using its large subscriber base to squeeze this extra money out of Apple. China Mobile may also feel it doesn't need the iPhone right now. The wireless carrier confirmed it already has 10 million iPhones on its network and is apparently happy with that number. Apple may be likewise reluctant to ink a deal as it may need more time to develop the TD-LTE technology that's compatible with the carrier's network. Most likely, Apple and China Mobile will be ready to sign on the dotted line sometime next year when Apple introduces its LTE-based successor to the iPhone 4S.
Daily Update for October 25, 2011
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
China Mobile claims 10 million iPhone users
China Mobile Chairman Wang Jianzhou told Reuters that its wireless network is home to over ten million iPhones. This number is a very small part of China Mobile's 600 million subscribers, but it's surprisingly high for a carrier that does not currently sell any model of the iPhone. These iPhones on China Mobile are either purchased directly from China's five Apple stores, converts from China Unicom which does carry the iPhone 4 or are iPhones obtained on the black market. It's well known that many iPhones being sold in China are smuggled in from foreign countries and sold to customers in open air markets. This illicit market may face some competition as China Mobile hopes to carry the iPhone when Apple manufacturers a version compatible with the carrier's TD-LTE standard for 4G. According to Wang, China Mobile does not have a contract with Apple, but Apple has supposedly promised to support TD-LTE when it develops an LTE-enabled iPhone handset. Steve Jobs and Tim Cook have reportedly visited with China Mobile executives to discuss this technology and a possible carrier agreement. China Mobile is the world's largest wireless carrier and an official agreement would vastly increase the number of potential iPhone owners. Though China Mobile has publicly said several times that it wants the iPhone in an offical capacity, Wang isn't upset by the number of unauthorized iPhones on China Mobile's network. Wang said, "The total number of iPhones in China Mobile's network has reached 10 million -- and we didn't pay any subsidies." That's a nice hidden benefit.
HTC Sensation Z710t becomes first smartphone to offer ST-Ericsson's NovaThor SoC
There's a new Sensation on the block that'll be making its way to China Mobile, but rather than rehashing more of the same, this release marks the first smartphone to place ST-Ericsson's NovaThor SoC under the hood. Unlike offerings from Qualcomm, the chip inside the Sensation Z710t offers a dual-core A9 processor along with connectivity to the carrier's TD-SCDMA infrastructure. Other specs are expected to remain the same, which includes a 4.3-inch qHD display and 8 megapixel camera. Unfortunately, press photos weren't released, which suggests its design hasn't changed. You'll find the full PR after the break, heralding this latest Sensation among the top-tier of China Mobile's offerings. While pricing or a release date have yet to be announced, we're inclined to agree.
Clearwire announces deal with China Mobile to accelerate TD-LTE deployment
The world's largest mobile operator and the heretofore scrappy WiMAX provider have linked arms to accelerate the rollout and adoption of time-division LTE (TD-LTE) across China. While there's little chatter about an infrastructure build-up itself, China Mobile and Clearwire have established an agreement "to cultivate a robust device ecosystem that supports multi-mode, multi-band devices with minimum component complexity and cost," with particular emphasis on the common 2.5GHz spectrum. More specifically, the collaboration will work to build up a high volume of TD-LTE chipsets and devices for commercial availability in 2012. If Sprint were to purchase (or make a significant investment in) Clearwire, this deal could be especially important, but for the time being, the company is finding some independence from the uncomfortable love triangle that's brewing between itself, Sprint and LightSquared. While there's no telling what sort announcement will come on October 7th, it's nice to see Clearwire secure an international lover that's willing to commit to a shared LTE vision. You'll find the full PR after the break.
Apple reportedly gives China Mobile a "positive answer" regarding 4G LTE iPhone
China Mobile has been upfront about its plans for 4G LTE and its desire to have the iPhone on its wireless network. According to Bloomberg, China Mobile Chairman Wang Jianzhou confirmed the wireless carrier has been in talks with Apple about a 4G LTE handset and has received a positive answer. Apple has a compelling reason to get the iPhone on China Mobile - with over 600 million subscribers, it's the world's largest wireless carrier. Though he is sparse on details, Jianzhou's statement fits in with Apple's projected plans. There's little doubt Apple has an LTE handset in its product roadmap. The Cupertino company has expressed an interest in LTE, but the size of the current 4G radios require a re-design of the iconic handset. At this point, Apple is not willing to make these design changes and will wait until the second generation radios debut. Current rumors suggest Apple will release the 3G-enabled iPhone 5 this year and a 4G version in 2012. Hopefully, a launch next year would give Apple ample time to develop an LTE handset for both China and the US.
Daily Update for Sept. 6, 2011
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes, which is perfect for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
iPhone poised to take China by storm
It's that time of the year when wireless carriers are reporting their quarterly earnings and leaking tidbits of information about their future financial prospects. Though many carriers focus on ARPU and churn, both China Mobile and China Telecom have been forthcoming about their future iPhone plans. Besides financial estimates, executives from both Chinese carriers have hinted at the iPhone during or immediately after their earnings conference calls. Just last week, China Mobile, the largest wireless carrier in the world with over 650 million customers, revealed that its executives have met with Steve Jobs to discuss the possibility of carrying the iPhone. Not to be left out, China Telecom released its quarterly earnings on Tuesday and Chairman Wang Xiaochu said during a news conference that the carrier has "a confidential agreement with Apple and can't tell you anything as of now." China Telecom is the number three wireless carrier in China with over 110 million subscribers. If you believe these reports, it appears Apple may be preparing to take China by storm. The iPhone is currently sold by #2 wireless carrier China Unicom which boasts of over 157 million subscribers. If the iPhone lands at both China Mobile and China Telecom, the Cupertino company could make its popular smartphone available to over 760 million new subscribers.
Steve Jobs reportedly in talks with China Mobile
China Mobile announced its earnings for the first half of 2011 today and revealed that its executives have met with Steve Jobs to talk about bringing the iPhone to China's largest wireless carrier. The possibility of a China Mobile iPhone has kicked around since 2008, but these rumors recently picked up their pace. Over the past few months, several China Mobile representatives have hinted that the wireless carrier is close to bringing the iPhone, either as a TD-SCDMA or TD-LTE handset, to its almost 650 million customers. Even acting-CEO Tim Cook supposedly visited China Mobile's headquarters in June. The sole provider of the iPhone in China is #2 carrier China Unicom. China Mobile does not offer the iPhone because its wireless network runs on the TD-SCDMA standard which is not supported by current iPhone hardware. China Mobile's untapped reservoir of 650 million customers and Apple's explosive growth in the region may be enough incentive for the handset maker to broaden its iPhone portfolio to include a flavor of the iPhone compatible for China Mobile.
China Mobile hints at iPhones in September
Reuters is relaying a report from the Shanghai Daily newspaper that China Mobile will begin offering a 4G version of the iPhone come September. The paper quotes a microblog post by Liu Yang, China Mobile's marketing official, in which Yang wrote: A new iPhone with China Mobile's network will debut and the cooperation will be announced in September. It's not clear why the Shanghai Daily believes the iPhone will support 4G, though they could just be reporting on last month's rumors that Apple and China Mobile had reached a consensus on a 4G iPhone. Also lending credence to the report is the fact that Tim Cook was spotted at China Mobile's headquarters just two days ago. China Mobile is the largest mobile phone operator in the world, with over 600 million subscribers, so bringing any iPhone, whether its of the 3G or 4G variety, to the carrier is seen as an important step for Apple's growth in the Asian market
