Apple May Launch a Cellular Network

According to this article on Forbes.com, Apple is developing a hybrid iPod/cell phone with Motorola (read: instant best-seller), and there seems to be an increase in companies talking about starting their own virtual cell phone networks using existing carrier infrastructure. ESPN, Earthlink, and Disney are all launching virtual networks (the “virtual” indicates these companies are just the brand. Companies like Sprint, with their towers and call centers, are the backbone).

So although Apple hasn’t made an announcement, there is speculation.

Not a bad move from a business perspective, considering most of the cell phone carriers have balked at carrying iTunes-enabled mobile phones. If Apple plays its cards right they could really be making a move into the consumer electronics space, something I would never have suspected a few years ago. With Apple’s (read: Steve Jobs’) sense of design and customer-focus I’m anxious to see how they can improve what’s turned into an industry of cheap products and poor customer support.

Do you think this is a good move for Apple?

About Me: My name is Rob Walling and I'm a software developer living and working in Boston. I write about hiring, managing, and motivating software developers, in addition to random outbursts on improving development skills and software startups.

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