The Korea Times is reporting that Apple is working with SK Telecom to featured the enhanced data speeds of LTE Advanced in future iPhone models. Specifically, the iPhone 5S could feature a Qualcomm modem chip capable of simultaneous downloads on multiple radio channels, boosting download speeds to as high as twice that of standard LTE.
The reports states that it was SK Telecom, the Korean mobile operator that recently launched an LTE-A version of the Samsung Galaxy S4, that approached Apple about deploying the new technology. Interestingly enough, the two parties are said to be in negotiations on the matter, despite a limited rollout of LTE-A in other regions.
Launching LTE-Advanced in the iPhone 5S, which is rumored to launch this fall, would be a bit of a different move for Apple. The company has been known to allow technologies mature before including them in their flagship smartphone. This was the case with LTE.
US carriers have plans to deploy LTE-A beginning toward the end of this year. If the iPhone 5S launches with support for the new network technology, it could be ready and waiting to ride the high speed data waves immediately.
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TAGS: LTE-Advanced, SK Telecom
