US Cellular Snubs Apple's iPhone

By Josh Long

Apparently, not all U.S. mobile operators are willing to carry the iPhone.

Chicago-based US Cellular had an opportunity to sell Apple’s smartphone, but turned down the chance because of financial reasons.

Mary Dillon, president and CEO of US Cellular, told analysts during an earnings conference call Friday "the terms were unacceptable from a risk and profitability standpoint," The Associated Press reported.

C Spire Wireless, another regional carrier formerly known as Cellular South, feels differently: The company will be the first U.S. regional carrier to sell the iPhone beginning Nov. 11.

Based on US Cellular’s third-quarter results, it appears the company could use a device like the iPhone to fuel demand for its services. The company lost 34,000 postpaid subscribers in the quarter, although it picked up 11,000 prepaid customers.

"We continue to increase postpaid ARPU and maintain a low churn rate and though our retail subscriber results remain disappointing they did improve slightly compared to recent quarters," Dillon said.