"Apple iPhone 5 4G to work ONLY on Everything Everywhere" - sounds a little nonsensical, however, when firms start giving themselves silly names, things like this can happen, only the issue at hand is quite real indeed.
When Apple's third-generation iPad was released, the firm claimed to offer 4G support, however, it was later revealed that in actuality, the device supported only 4G networks within the US and Canada, leading to a few legal rows.
Following the release of the iPhone 5, Apple made a similar claim, that the device would function on 4G networks worldwide. This time around, such a statement wouldn't be untrue as the iPhone 5 has support for the 1,800MHz band - which has been standardised across the EU for delivery of 4G services.
1,800MHz happily covers the firm, Everything Everywhere, who is just about to launch 4G services in the UK, however, it has now been confirmed that the iPhone 5 has support for neither of the UK's other two 4G bands, which are expected to be up and running with 4G services in the first-half of next year.
According to Apple, support for these bands was left off as they're less developed, a statement which isn't untrue, though can generally be interpreted as the firm saving a few pounds on a more flexible 4G radio solution - a trend we've previously witnessed throughout the industry.
Responding to consumer concerns, O2 has promised that purchasers of the iPhone 5 will have the option to upgrade early to one of many other 4G handsets that will be on offer when the firm eventually launches its 4G service. O2 also went on to confirm that it will begin selling 4G handsets compatible with all of the country's 4G frequencies at the end of this year, allowing those with contracts up for renewal to obtain a 4G handset at the right time. Vodafone is yet to issue a statement.
