[flyt]

The carriers don't operate their own cell towers, they're run by an outside company that just leases space to ATT/VZW. Apple could work with this company to add their new network to the towers.

This would prevent the MVNO situation where you're still dependent on one of the large carriers for the connection, and ultimately at their whims.

http://www.quora.com/Does-each-wireless-carrier-own-their-ow...

[smackfu]

The carriers do own the spectrum though, and that's the part Apple can't easily buy. What good are your own transmitters if you aren't allowed to transmit on any frequencies?

[esonderegger]

I could be wrong, but I think process for buying spectrum varies widely from country to country.

I don't see Apple doing something like this if they can't do it globally. In other words, I would file this under "highly unlikely".