Belgacom customers cannot use their iPhone on the lte network of the provider because the provider Apple refuses to pay for certain tests, says a spokesperson of Belgacom. The iPad works in combination with the 4g network.
According to Apple, in Belgium, only the 4g-network of Mobistar suitable for use with the iPhone 5, although the network only at the end of this year in the air. Belgacom already offers 4g subscriptions and makes use of the network of daughter Proximus, but that provider is not in the list that Apple released. Users of an iPad that Belgacom customers can use the tablet or just the Proximus network, gives Apple.
The reason that iPhone customers are not on 4g, is that Apple has extensive testing to perform. Belgacom would therefore have to pay, but the provider refuses, says a spokesperson of Belgacom against Datanews: “From our side there is nothing held back.” The iPhone 5 would indeed have been tested on Proximus’ network, but Apple would want more testing and want to see for the more extensive cooperation.
Mobistar has all the right tests completed for official approval, according to a spokeswoman: “We have tests done and approval received.” According to iPhoneclub, there are sounds that Apple had a contract that the provider will have the right, as the first new iPhones on its 4g network. Apple has not yet responded to that claim.