Sprint: We Can Handle the iPhone

With rumor after rumor claiming that Sprint will carry Apple’s iPhone next month, many are wondering if the carrier can handle the expected influx of iPhone customers.

Without blatantly stating that it will carry the iPhone, Sprint has reaffirmed that it can in fact handle the traffic associated with iPhone users.

Sprint Chief Financial Officer Joe Euteneuer made several comments regarding Apple’s smartphone during a conference with investors yesterday.

Fierce Wireless reports:

“In terms of the demand and network usage generated by selling the iPhone, Euteneuer said “we’re going to stay ahead of it.”

Sprint sees the iPhone has a huge potential factor for the network’s long term success:

“Euteneuer was also asked whether selling the iPhone would put pressure on Sprint’s margins.

“It does come with some short term pain on your operating margin,” he acknowledged. “But what it does for them [carriers selling the iPhone] is an increasing of their brand and a reduction of churn. The benefits of having such an iconic device are really huge.”

Sprint’s behavior over the last couple months has only helped fuel the rumor that the carrier will carry the iPhone this Fall, although it’s unclear if Apple will give Sprint access to the next flagship iPhone for initial launch.

One of the main draws to a Sprint iPhone would be the prospect of an unlimited data plan — a luxury that’s hard to come by these days. Sprint did acknowledge that if an unlimited data plan was initially offered for the iPhone, Sprint reserves the right to not make that a permanent plan option for buyers. Sprint will most likely offer unlimited data for the iPhone initially to differentiate itself from competition and draw in new customers.

Apple is expected to hold its next media event in the coming weeks, with rumors suggesting that two iPhone models will be announced at once.

(via CNET)

Alex Heath

Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.