China Mobile has reportedly signed a deal with Apple after winning 4G licenses from the Chinese government, which will give way to 4G-compatible iPhones to debut in China under the world's largest mobile carrier's network.
The most-awaited deal between Apple and China Mobile might finally be nearing its confirmation. The world's largest mobile carrier has received 4G licenses from China's Ministry of Industry Wednesday. Apple's 4G-compatible iPhones are likely to get China Mobile's network plans. The carrier will reportedly give its official word on December 18 during the 4G Global Partners Conference in Guangzhou.
According to the Wall Street Journal, which cites sources close to the matter, the deal between Apple and China Mobile has been signed to offer the popular iPhone lineup to over 720 million subscribers. The partnership will give a significant boost to Apple's iPhone sales with 1.5 million potential buyers each month, research firm Trefis told WSJ.
Besides the sources confirming the deal, there have been ample signs of the partnership. Posters of China Mobile-compatible iPhone 5S appeared in China at a point, although their authenticity is questionable. But the discovery of a website by Fortune backs the reports of Apple-China Mobile deal. The website run by a China Mobile subsidiary was taking pre-orders for iPhone 5C and 5S. But the possible technical glitch was corrected and the website was updated to take appointments to buy 4G-supported devices.
Similar rumors have been circulating for a long while, but the latest reports confirm that a deal is imminent on December 18.
