Apple could risk a European operator revolt if it proceeds with plans to embed its own brand SIM card in its new iPhones, according to a news report.
The Financial Times quoted an unnamed European telecoms executive as saying Apple risks a “war” over its reported plan to begin selling iPhones with embedded Sim cards, with operators potentially refusing to offer subsidies for the device.
The new technology could enable a customer to buy an iPhone, sign up for service on Apple’s website and begin using the device immediately.
The customer could then shift with relative ease from one operator to another or insist that the carrier provide a shorter-term contract, the FT said.
Apple risks a “war” with operators, which are privately saying they could refuse to subsidize the iPhone, the newspaper cited one senior executive at a European telecommunications group as saying.
The U.K.’s Vodafone, France Telecom and Spain’s Telefonica are known to have concerns about Apple’s interest in the Sim, the newspaper reported.
The trio, and US-based Apple, all declined to comment on the article.
Read the original report here.
