Apple looks to mobile networks for iSlate subsidy

Its existance hasn't been officially confirmed yet - its official unveiling is expected on 27 January - but Apple is now believed to be in talks with UK mobile broadband networks about the iSlate.

The most excitedly awaited example of what is predicted to be a new wave of consumer devices, the iSlate is a tablet PC, which means it's a miniature PC in flat screen format, with no mouse or keyboard but touch-screen capacity and of course mobile broadband connectivity. It's expected to see considerable uptake amongst consumers attracted to mobile multimedia devices.

Now Apple is believed to be looking to broker a deal with one of the UK mobile networks to subsidise the device; saving a few pennies off the price to consumers in exchange, most likely, for a period of exclusivity on one of the networks. Such a move is likely to prompt a feeding frenzy among mobile operators, just as it did in 2007 when Apple announced that exclusive rights to the iPhone were up for grabs.

The iSlate is not expected to reach UK shores until late spring, following its launch at an event in San Francisco later this month - but it remains to be seen whether O2 can get the jump on its competitors again, or whether the likes of Orange or Vodafone will get a look in this time.