China Telecom Compatible iPhone Gets Approved By Regulatory Agency

An Apple iPhone that uses the same technology as China Telecom's network has been approved by the China Radio Management agency for use in the country, reports the WSJ.

While the website only identifies the phone by a model number, A1387, it says the phone is compatible with "CDMA-2000," the third-generation mobile technology used by China Telecom. An employee reached by phone at the agency on Monday confirmed that the device had been approved.

This approval doesn't mean China Telecom will immediately be able to offer the iPhone; however, its an important step in the process.


China Unicom, the country's only network to carry the iPhone, is offering a free iPhone 4S to customers who sign a multiyear contract with tariffs as low as 286 yuan ($45) per month starting on January 13th.

Read More