Sure, it's great and all that the next-generation iPhone will launch with the 3G bits to finally get jiggy with 3G networks the world over. But, even the 7.2Mbps HSPA data connection that's expected to be in the cards for the 3G iPhone would only make the faster, second-generation iPhone as fast as other high-end handset offerings on market - a bit of a joy-kill, but it's true.
So, with that in mind, it's interesting to hear that the 3G iPhone could possibly launch with support for 42Mbps HSPA data speeds - possible through a more advanced HSPA technology known as Evolved HSPA. That kind of blazing speed is usually reserved for experimental trials and proof of concept technology, so excuse us if we're just a tad bit skeptical.
A Telstra Wireless exec is purported to have told Australia's ChannelNews that the next-generation iPhone is expected to be capable of super-fast 3G speeds upwards of 42Mbps. "We know what is coming, we have seen the new device and it will be available on our network as soon as it is launched in the USA," said the telecom exec. "By Xmas this phone will be capable of 42mbs which will make it faster than a lot of broadband offerings and the fastest iPhone on any network in the world."
The executive goes on to say that Telstra already has 3G iPhones handy for network testing and that the carrier will go live with the iPhone successor "very soon after its June 9 unveiling."
But, let's consider a couple points. First, the fact that the Telstra big-wig basically confirms the announcement of the iPhone at Apple's WWDC on June 9 seems a bit fishy. Loose lips sink ships, but this kind of slip is almost unforgivable. Did the exec really out the next-generation iPhone before Apple?
Secondly, while the prospect of having 3G/HSPA speeds that would make our high-speed cable-broadband connection seem insignificant is almost enough to make us cry, it seems too good to be true. The US is about to see its very first HSPA network fully up and running, courtesy of AT&T's network upgrades. But, the HSPA network rollout only delivers 1.4Mbps on the downstream and 800Kbps on the upstream - a far cry from the 42Mbps that is rumored to be supported on the 3G iPhone.
So, is Telstra seriously expecting the next-generation iPhone to support Evolved HSPA? Or, was the exec simply mis-quoted?
The executive was quoted as saying that the 3G iPhone would be "faster than a lot of broadband offerings" and would be the "fastest iPhone" in the world. But, that seems like a bit of an understatement.
Not only would Evolved HSPA make the 3G iPhone the fastest iPhone in the world, it would be the fastest handset (in terms of data speeds) on the planet. And, considering that we'd be hard-pressed to find anyone out there rocking a broadband data connection faster than around 11Mbps for residential service, Evolved HSPA is faster than almost all broadband connections, not just "a lot" of them. Of course, bigger businesses use broadband connections with faster speeds than any residential hookup could ever deliver, so that could be what the exec was referencing.
Did the Telstra exec simply say that the 3G iPhone would be capable of "4 to 2 Mbps" and was mis-understood as saying "42?"
Like all other 3G iPhone rumors, this is all speculation at this moment, and a grain of salt would be a wise investment. Don't get me wrong, I'm the first person to cross my fingers for 42Mbps Evolved HSPA support in the 3G iPhone. But, its a good idea to keep yourself grounded when it comes to iPhone rumors.
[Via: Apple Insider]
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