According to a new report published by Bloomberg (via MacRumors), Sprint will launch the iPhone 5 with unlimited data service plans next month setting itself apart from AT&T and Verizon, the current U.S carriers for Apple’s iPhone. While the report confirms WSJ’s claim of Sprint getting the iPhone 5, it also details that Sprint has already postponed a 4G phone form a rival company in order to prepare for the fifth generation iPhone handset which Sprint is reported to offer in mid-October as part of a deal with Apple.
The report says:
Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) will offer Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s iPhone next month with unlimited data service plans to distinguish itself from rivals AT&T Inc. (T) and Verizon Wireless, according to people familiar with the matter.
Sprint, the third-largest U.S. wireless carrier, plans to begin selling the device in mid-October under a deal with Apple for the next model, the iPhone 5, said the people, who wouldn’t be identified because the plans aren’t public. Becoming the country’s only operator to offer the device with unlimited data service for a flat fee may help Sprint draw customers from AT&T and Verizon Wireless, which already carry the phone, they said.
Sprint is currently offering a package of unlimited voice and data for $99.99 per month on several smartphones. Offering the same unlimited data for iPhone 5 at launch could give it a significant edge over the competition since both AT&T and Verizon which initially offered unlimited data plans, no longer have the same offering.
