LTE not available on LTE enabled network in Belgium (Belgacom)

Yes they have, and if they don't allow it, they should at least be honest with their customers! The iPhone5 is sold as an 'unlocked' device, which basically means that Apple has no right to block any carrier. That is the law. But hey, I've been a loyal customer so far, but Apple's arrogance is growing bigger by the minute matter of speach... I don't like their attitude very much.

Dear Apple,

I'm an Apple evangelist in Belgium since the Mac SE30.

I convinced a lot of friends and firms to use Apple products, and supported them.

Today, I feel abandonned. Really.
Proximus, the main and best carrier in Belgium delivers LTE/4G.
But Proximus is not your partner. So you block 4G for the iPhone with Proximus. (but not for the iPad).
Why? Because Mobistar, your partner, is not yet ready wth 4G.

For the first time, I feel that business is far more important than user experience.

For the first time, I don't find reason's anymore to push Apple among my friends.

For the first time, I'm looking for more open solutions.

You are not speaking to Apple. Use the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page if you want to communicate with Apple.

Well it's taking our friends in Cupertino a long time to open up their iPhone 5 for 'non-partner' networks and enable 4G. I thought this was absolutely legal, not maybe the smartest business practice in the long run, but a possible way of doing business...

Apparently some of you guys are right though and this practice does not seem to be legal within the EU and is now under investigation of the European Commission.

This last paragraph in the link says: 'There are signs that certain technical functions are disabled on certain Apple products in certain EU-member states. If this is confirmed, it probably shows a breach of EU antitrust laws.' according to The Financial Times.

http://webwereld.nl/overheid/77876--ec-onderzoekt-afspraken-apple-met-telco-s-

Well we'll see what happens, my guess is before anything comes from it, the competitive market will probably make our favourite brand act sooner anyway...

More information about what's really happening between Proximus - Apple and Mobistar and enabeling 4G for the iPhone and why Proximus 4G is availeble on the iPad mini:

http://www.a-n-v.be/nws/hoe-apple-4g-belgie-tegenhoudt/

If I believe what's written on this website, the Exclusivity contract should be over now, should'nt be ?

Since it was 5 years and that the iPhone 3G was launch in Belgium on July 2008..

So if Proximus sign a contract with Apple, they could launch Visual Voicemail AND 4G for iPhone without problems with Mobistar now..

Hi Auka, I tried to find your email address but didn't succeed, I have same problem of setting up 4G on my iphone5, or even worse, after installing IPCC file I don't even have 3G connection anymore, entire mobile network doesn't work anymore.. I still have singnal but no connection anymore, WIFI still works

Thanks

I've been following this story and many others with great interest as I am totally frustrated that I cannot use my iPhone 5 on LTE.

I am outraged that Apple manage to dictate which operator I am allowed to use for LTE. And with such irony: You can only use LTE in Belgium if you are a Mobistar subscriber but get this, Mobistar havn't even launched LTE commercially yet. So that means no LTE at all for iPhone owners in Belgium.

It's such a frustration because I love my Apple devices. But I also want LTE. So if Apple continue to deny my phone access to Proximus or Base (I have accounts on both networks), I'll take the big brave jump to one of those very attractive-looking Samsungs. Who knows, I may even learn to like these Samsungs.

And that could just be the beginning of the end of my love for Apple's devices.

Do you really think other users are in the least bit interested in your buying habits

Apple has two supported carriers in Belgium .

Use them or buy another phone

Apple has one supported carrier in Belgium.
And the one that has no 4G commercial network at this moment.

Tough

A friend just confirmed that he has 4G with his iPhone 5 on Mobistar. Does this mean Proximus (Belgacom) customers will FINALLY be able to use this on their iPhone 5? I don't see any reason why Apple would continue to block this as their exclusive partner Mobistar has finally launched LTE...

Don't think so, now Mobistar has something 'exclusive' and they will use it to gain more customers ..... Watch and see ...

I'm wondering wich carrier version is on youre friend's Iphone. Could it be possible that Mobistar supplies different iPhone's to their customers?

My friend has Mobistar. Thinks it all depends on two elements: your mobile subscription and your simcard. That's the case with Belgacom anyway... He sent me a screenshot and for sure, he has 4G on his iPhone.