It's no secret that Sprint uses its unlimited data plans as a selling point for its devices and network, and so far the carrier seems pretty intent on keeping such plans around for as long as possible. Earlier this month Sprint confirmed that its 4G LTE-capable devices will have access to its unlimited data offerings, and now Sprint CEO Dan Hesse has said that, yes, the next iPhone will also be eligible for unlimited data, even if it features LTE connectivity like has been rumored. "I'm not anticipating the unlimited plan would change by that point," Hesse told CNET. "That's our distinctive differentiator." The exec also said that he doesn't know when the next iPhone might hit or if it actually will include LTE support. However, he does anticipate all of the carriers that offer the iPhone "will all get the same device at the same time."

As I mentioned before, Sprint seems set on offering unlimited data for as long as it can, and considering that Sprint's already given the nod to 4G LTE-capable products and unlimited data, it makes sense that the next iPhone would receive the same treatment. Still, it's good to get confirmation straight from Dan Hesse himself if you're a Sprint customer that's looking forward to Apple's new handset. As for the device itself, the rumor mill is currently pointing toward a fall debut with a feature set that's said to include LTE and a screen that comes in at 3.5 inches or something close to it. So now that Sprint expects to keep unlimited data plans around for the next iPhone's debut, how long do you expect the carrier will continue to offer bottomless data to its users?

Via CNET