I’m sure if Sprint wants the New iPad (it didn’t seem to want the iPad 2 even though I’m sure it was available to it), then it will have no problem getting it, but I suspect it will only run on its CDMA EV-DO network. The CDMA version of the iPad announced last week doesn’t have LTE support at PCS, so it would require a new version of the device to work on Sprint’s new network. (If it launches such a device, I’ll eat my words, I promise).

I addressed that point in the post. Sprint’s investment may seem large from a U.S. perspective. But Apple thinks in global volumes. Who knows? Maybe a 30 million device commitment will be enough to convince Apple to make a custom version, but I don’t think it’s guaranteed. Apple has never done it before. Sure, there’s the CDMA iPhone 4, but that device had a much bigger potential audience than just Verizon.

Like I told JP, TD-LTE just means a phone that can work on China Mobile and Clearwire’s network, not one that works on Sprint’s unique configuration of bands and technologies.

Yep I agree Apple will definitely make a TD-LTE variant — the market is just too big — but that doesn’t mean the phone will work on Sprint’s network. It will have to support both TD-LTE as well as FD-LTE on Sprint’s PCS band. Sprint should have no trouble getting devices for its networks. Apple might be a harder sell though.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/exclusive-sprint-ipad-best-buy/

Sprint is paying a hefty ransom to Apple thanks to that multi billion dollar commitment. Apple “WILL” help Sprint.

When LTE networks are widely available, I can’t imagine apple selling phones without LTE. They’ll have to adjust the new reality whether they like it or not. They certainly make enough money in order to figure this out.