Crazy John's says Aussie iPhone 'not imminent'

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 10 January 2008 07:18

Your IT - Mobility

Rumours have suggested the iPhone, in its current 2.5G version, could arrive in March, or May.

But these are just rumours and as such have remained unconfirmed by Apple.

That said, an iPhone is expected to launch in Australia in 2008, but given the hoopla around the inevitable 3G iPhone, which AT&T say they are actually testing in the US, the big question for the iPhone in Australia is which version will be launched – the existing 2G version, or a 3G version.

Because AT&T uses the same 850Mhz HSDPA 3.5G network technology as Telstra uses in its Next G network in Australia, it would seem likely that if the 3G iPhone AT&T says they are testing at least has an 850Mhz 3.5G chip inside – if not a 2100Mhz 3.5G chip as well.

2100Mhz 3.5G is the ‘other’ major 3.5G frequency in use, certainly by Optus, Vodafone and 3 Mobile in Australia, simply to make international roaming work in as many countries as possible at 3.5G speeds, not the slower EDGE or GPRS speeds of the older 2G networks.

So, although Crazy John’s has spoken about their views on an Australian iPhone launch, the likely truth of the matter is that they have no idea whatsoever. It seems they have simply tested a 2G iPhone because they can, just like everyone else in the world that has purchased an iPhone and has unlocked it to work on the 2G network in their country.

About the only thing we can thank Crazy John’s for is another opportunity to write an iPhone story. Uh... thanks, Crazy John! :-)