Some clues to Apple’s future iPhone 4 network plans

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Synchronized with the launch of Apple’s iPhone 4 at WWDC 2010, an FCC filing has been publicised which makes some interesting reading if you want to try and figure out some of Apple’s plans for global smart phone domination.

It also makes Apple’s iPhone 4 the first device in the world to be released, and sport 5 frequency bands.

The new iPhone 4 not only has the 850MHz/1,900MHz North American frequencies, and the 900MHz/2,100MHz international frequencies. It also has an 800Mhz range. This is omitted on Apple’s website specs. page. But what does having that range mean?

800Mhz would allow the iPhone 4 to work on Japan’s NTT DoCoMo network. As an aside, DoCoMo roughly translated means “Here, there, everywhere!” Which is quite fitting for Apple’s iPhone these days.

Apple are currently tied to SoftBank in Japan. But this addition to the iPhone’s spec. hints that Apple may be looking at more networks in at least one location around the globe. There is hope for all of you on AT&T yet.

Unfortunately, absent in the FCC filing are details of the 1,700Mhz frequency. That range would be required for the iPhone 4 to provide a 3G service on T-Mobile in the US, and Wind Mobile in Canada.

Nokia have a similar 5 band device coming out later this year, but they have chosen to keep the 1,700 range, and drop the Japanese frequency.

One good piece of news on the device spec that Apple has chosen is that it also shows us that Apple is using a more flexible chipset than most, with more than just 5.8Mbps upload speeds.

Are you disappointed that T-Mobile won’t get the iPhone 4? Or perhaps excited to be getting one on DoCoMo in Japan?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments…

[engadget]

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  • John

    This is an old argument – and false. iPhones are very popular over here. The apps they have more than make up for the features they lack. And very few Japanese people actually use functions like FeliCa or other electronic payments. The TV function (1Seg) is a bit more popular, however most of the people that I talk to prefer the ability to watch youTube one the iPhone to watching TV on another type of keitai. Recentally it seems like everyone has an iPhone. Also, its popularity has spilled over to other Apple products – there were long lines of people waiting to pick up iPads last month.

  • Defgeoff

    Apple is just paving the way for 2012 when Japan carriers will be forced to sell unlocked phones, thus allowing customers the choice of which carrier rather than one that sells their phone of preference…

  • Aaaa

    waiting iphone 4 from docomo

  • Joe

    One if not the biggest hold back in Japan for the iPhone is the missing ecosystem functionality such as IC chip, digital TV receiver. The Japanese user is used to using mobile to pay for small purchases, rail access and watch/record digital TV programmes.

  • mag

    Excited about iPhone being able to work according to the DoCoMo frequencies – but the real question is:
    when will expire the contract between Apple and Softbank allowing DoCoMo to distribute iPhone as well?

  • Ravin

    Test comment