We reported Monday that Apple was testing a new cellular network through Apple employees. However, the Cupertino tech giant recently released a statement denying this process.
"We have not discussed nor do we have any plans to launch an MVNO," said an Apple spokeswoman in a statement on Tuesday.
Launching an MVNO, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator, would make it so that the service and the product are both supplied by Apple and could make the world's most profitable smart phone maker even more profitable.
If Apple were to launch an MVNO, they would do so by using existing cellular towers. They would have spots on existing towers auctioned off by existing cellular networks, such as Verizon and AT&T, and provide service directly to the customer.
Competitors such as Google have already launched MVNOs. Other companies such as Disney and ESPN have tried to do the same and failed.
Although Apple denies plans to launch an MVNO, they've expressed interest in it since before the launch of the iPhone. The iPhone launched in 2007, and they filed for a patent in 2006. They just recently filed to extend the patent. They also showed interest in becoming involved in the cellular network connection when they launched the Apple SIM in 2014 with the iPad mini 3 and iPad Air 2.
When the iPhone first came out, it supported only AT&T as a carrier. They opened up to other carriers, such as Verizon, MetroPCS, Sprint, and T-Mobile shortly after, and then opened to all American carriers. This move made a large positive impact on sales.
It will be interesting to see if they restrict carrier options again and if that will negativelty affect sales of cellular-enabled devices.
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Jack Griffin is a writer for the VAVEL USA Technology section. Follow him on Twitter at @jacksonlgriffin.
