The iPhone vs. Android debate is a never-ending debate and can be purely objective. However, Apple may have Sprint to thank for manipulating prospective customers or those on the fence to use the Apple iPhone on the NOW network as opposed to an Android device. All Things D reports Sprint CEO Dan Hesse argues that “iPhone users are expected to use less 3G than the typical user of a dual-mode 3G, 4G device. Even adjusting for more total new customers being added to the network, we believe they will put less load on our 3G network than they would have if we did not carry the iPhone“.
Hesse’s argument is a mixed bag. On one hand, although Hesse does not provide any clear statistics or proof for his argument, it is true that Apple is notoriously strict about regulating the network efficiency for products such as the iPhone for example. On the other hand, while Sprint is adding record subscribers at an enormous pace thanks in part to mostly new iPhone users, one would think that the number of new users may perhaps be adding additional strain on Sprint’s 3G network. Various markets around the country– especially the bigger ones, have a network infrastructure that may not be regulated as easily and thus is limited to a certain capacity. How can Hesse argue the iPhone is more data efficient than an Android device when the increased number of subscribers will likely decrease the already minimal 3G speeds on Sprint’s limited network infrastructure. Moreover, Hesse fails to account for the numerous applications Android uses to efficiently monitor data usage and consumption for apps as well as the built-in Data Tracker that will be featured in the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich. Something to consider…
Be sure to give us your thoughts (and perhaps outrage for some) in the comments below.
[via All Things D]