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Comment by whitepoplar | Hacker News Reader

If Apple really wanted to put its cash to use, it could build its own cellular network. Privacy focused, no surprise fees, integrated billing for desktop/laptop/iOS/watch devices.

There's enough bad will against the existing ISPs/mobile carriers that Apple could swoop in and gain a lot of market share very quickly. And customers could save money by combining their home internet with their mobile plans. The future is a singular wireless data subscription without any routers or modems.

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Really love this idea. $237BB in their piggy bank according to their most recent 10K. Since the era of carrier subsidies is more or less over in North America, this might accelerate their transition into services company in a major way.

A buildout of a nationwide cellular network is almost tailor-made for the amount of cash they have in the bank, and almost the entirety of their would-be competition is universally hated. Seems like a no-brainer to me, and unlike other things they could spend their money on, a cellular network could always be sold off if needed. Not true for investment in A.I./self-driving cars/marketing/failed products/etc.

They would never be able to replace existing providers unless they could quickly provide service to significant portions of the country (and eventually, world). However, they might be able to make some serious waves in the market if they focus on a small, highly populated part of California. It’s better than the Google Fi route except for the service coverage.

Unlikely, they would be blocked at the first step: they couldn't get any radio frequencies to build on. Not only are all frequencies assigned, but all attempts to get them would be blocked by anti-monopoly laws.

They could just buy a carrier, along with their frequencies. You may be right re: anti-monopoly laws.

TMUS is $57BB market cap. Say $100BB for the premium. Not sure why there would be antitrust considerations here. AAPL does not have a monopoly on phones, watches or pretty much anything else. That's a key advantage of them being a premium brand with relatively small share.

What makes you think that Apple has any interest in your privacy?

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