[NewsPoster]

In a rare refusal, Apple has shot down rumors that it is developing its own mobile service. In a terse statement, the company said in response to a Business Insider report yesterday that "We have not discussed nor do we have any plans to launch a (mobile virtual network operator)."

A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a wireless communications services provider that does not own the wireless network hardware that the data is transmitted over. An MVNO partners with mobile network operator to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesale rates, then sets retail prices on its own, at its discretion.

The refusal from Cupertino is unusual. Apple's normal response to rumors is a refusal to comment on upcoming products or services. The report (which MacNN didn't report because we evaluated it as extremely unlikely) claimed that Apple was going to distribute the Apple SIM with a future iPhone -- which is likely. However, the publication claimed that the move heralded an Apple-driven mobile network.

[jameshays]

Which probably means they are trying to remain friends and not competitors with the networks which give them lots of free advertisements and customers.

[Charles Martin]

Well, it means that somebody fed some of the more gullible Mac and tech news sites a line of nonsense, possibly in an attempt to manipulate the stock price, and sadly they took it without question. Luckily, our staff is very well versed in sorting through the chaff and thus we didn't lend the story any credence.

[iBricking.com]

Cupertino-led.