T-Mobile is reportedly planning to implement a three-day vacation blackout between Sept. 20 and Sept. 22, fueling speculation that the carrier is preparing for the launch of the next-gen iPhone.
The latest information comes courtesy of TmoNews and the site reveals that "T-Mobile is beginning its preparation for the next iPhone iteration," which could potentially debut on Sept. 20. The Sept. 20 release date for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C was also leaked earlier this month by Japanese newspaper Nikkei.
Now TmoNews' David Beren claims that his sources have disclosed the blackout dates for T-Mobile employees, said to be from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22. During the blackout period, T-Mobile employees will not get any vacation, hinting that the carrier is gearing up for a major launch.
"I do love a good rumor and this one should make all you iPhone fans happy as I'm hearing whispers T-Mobile is planning blackout dates between September 20th and 22nd. Like all good rumors, we should take this with the standard "subject to change" warning but my sources suggest this could be iPhone related. Their confidence is supported by the rumor mill already highlighting September 20th as a potential launch day for the next-generation iPhone 5S/5C," notes David Beren.
The blackout period will ensure that T-Mobile has ample staff at hand to cope with the high demand expected for the next-gen iPhones. This, however, will not be the first time when T-Mobile will have a blackout. Earlier this year, the carrier had a blackout period (that lasted from the last two weeks of March to the first two weeks of April) to prepare for the launch of the iPhone 5.
T-Mobile, meanwhile, is choosing to stay mum on the alleged blackout days in September and a spokesperson had nothing to declare when contacted by CNET.
"A T-Mobile spokesman declined to comment on the report, calling it rumor and speculation," reports CNET.
Apple is rumored to introduce the next-gen iPhones - iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C - at a press event on Sept. 10, with the release following shortly. Historically, Apple releases its products on a Friday so that consumers have the weekend to tinker with the device. Sept. 20 is a Friday and just a week after Apple's rumored event.
With September round the corner, we'll have to wait and see if Apple indeed introduces the next-gen iPhones and T-Mobile gets the device immediately this time round, unlike with the iPhone 5.
