A lot of ideas, both realistic and far-fetched, have been floated as to what Apple should do with its $76 billion cash stockpile. The latest suggestion making the tech blog rounds is that Apple should consider buying its own wireless carrier — T-Mobile perhaps — to better dominate the mobile market. It already controls smartphone hardware and software, why not service too? But would such a purchase really make sense?
It could be so beautiful: This is all just wishful thinking — an impractical conjecture that wouldn't get likely FCC approval — but it is a pretty "beguiling idea," says Jean-Louis Gassée in The Guardian. Apple would offer superior service and more straightforward pricing that your typical carrier, perhaps inspiring others (ahem, Verizon and AT&T) to up their games. And, in a couple of years, an Apple carrier could easily generate more money than iTunes.
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