Following on from the launch of the third generation iPad, which was compatible with 4G LTE carrier networks with the cellular model option, a new rumor today is suggesting that the next generation iPhone 5 will also employ 4G LTE compatibility (Korea Times via TNW). The news stems from the fact that SK Telecom and KT, two network carriers in Korea, are apparently in negotiations with Apple for the iPhone 5 to be offered on each of their carrier frequencies when it eventually launches.
The companies are trying to get Apple to ensure that the iPhone 5 is capable of supporting he 1.8GHz frequencies required for LTE compatibility. Given that they are currently partnered with Apple for the iPhone 4S, they are in a favorable position in terms of negotiation. However, it’s unclear what sort of negotiations are taking place, since frequency support is a hardware issue and Apple will have likely determined the frequencies at which the iPhone 5 will operate long before now.
It may simply be possible that the carriers are in talks with Apple to ensure that they are able to launch the iPhone 5 on their networks, and that they are trying to find out whether or not the iPhone 5 will support the frequencies at which their networks operate. However, given that the new iPad only supports LTE at 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz, this may be of concern to the Korean operators, who are looking to get a clearer picture of what the iPhone 5 will support when it launches.
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