Fragmentation of 4G networks has forced Apple to create 3 different iPhone 5

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Apple officially published technical specifications yesterday presented the iPhone 5. The surprise was the news that due to differences in standards and frequencies used within fourth generation mobile networks in different countries, Apple was forced to release three different versions iPhone 5.

Each version of the smartphone is designed to work in networks 4G specific region and country. This approach differs from the traditional for Apple policy of a single device for all, however, the need to get to work smart in the greatest possible number of countries malic forced the corporation to revise their rules and go on the path of Samsung, Nokia and other manufacturers, creating a [different versions of devices for different regions and operators.

So, iPhone 5 is available in three versions: CDMA and the GSM version 2. The most universal at the moment seems to CDMA version, because it supports LTE frequency bands used in most countries, including Japan, Korea and some European countries. The same model will work in networks 4G operators Verizon and Sprint, as well as conventional GSM frequency bands and HSPA +.

The other two GSM models of the iPhone 5 are more narrowly specialized.

One of them is designed exclusively for AT & T operator, because these guys are using different from other frequencies in their LTE networks. The same model will work in some networks in Canada.

A second GSM model of the iPhone 5 is focused on Asian providers, as well as be able to work in the UK and several other European countries, where operators use GSM 1800 standard.

The most surprising was the fact that the most common in Europe, frequencies (2.6 GHz and 800 MHz) are not supported in any version of the iPhone 5. In essence, this means that either the European operators will have to wait and believe that Apple is washed down for them one more version iPhone, or generate does not work for their customer stories about why the most advanced smartphone in their most modern networks.

Below are detailed characteristics of the supported frequencies and standards each variation iPhone 5:

• GSM model A1428: UMTS / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (4 and 17)
• CDMA model A1429: CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz); UMTS / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (1, 3, 5, 13, 25)
• GSM model A1429: UMTS / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); LTE (1, 3, 5)

Previously, Apple has had to produce variations of your smartphone, in particular, they have made the CDMA version of iPhone 4 for the Verizon, however, later they combined both options in a single iPhone 4. In any case, if Apple will follow a new policy of different versions of smart phones for different regions, in the future it may result in a specialized iPhone for disadvantaged currently providers, including China Mobile, NTT DoCoMo and T-Mobile.

[via GigaOm]