We’re still waiting for the iPhone to make its big debut on China Mobile, but we’ve seen lots of evidence to suggest that the move is imminent. The latest indication comes from a job listing on Apple’s China website that seeks a new engineer with extensive knowledge of China Mobile’s TD-SCDMA network.
“As the manager for Greater China, this role will be responsible for the overall management of the technical interface to all carriers in the Greater China region,” reads the ad, which was first spotted by Bloomberg.
“This includes obtaining approvals for all Apple hardware and software, supporting carriers with new technology trials, managing carrier reported technical issues, tracking carrier roadmaps and supporting senior level engineering meetings.”
Candidates must have more than ten years of experience in the industry, plus an “in depth knowledge” of wireless communication systems in GSM/EDGE, WCDMA, CDMA, TD-SCDMA, and others.
Apple’s call for someone with knowledge of TD-SCDMA networks is particularly interesting, because China Mobile is the only network in the world that uses that technology. And as things stand, it is yet to reach a deal with Apple for the iPhone. But we know the deal is close.
“China Mobile and Apple have been in talks on cooperation,” a company spokesperson told Bloomberg today, before adding “there is no information that can be disclosed.” This isn’t the first time the carrier has confirmed talks with Apple, though.
Furthermore, the new iPhones are the first to support the TD-SCDMA technology, and they have already gotten regulatory approval for use on China Mobile’s network.
It seems like just a matter of time before the partnership becomes official, then, and it’s likely to be a big move for all involved. China Mobile is the world’s largest carrier, serving 63% of the nations 1.2 billion wireless subscribers. Even if just a small percentage of those make the iPhone their next handset, that’s still a lot of new customers for Apple and China Mobile.
Source: Bloomberg
