Register continues: "Amazon is about to finalise a launch date, but has been having trouble finding a network operator prepared to host the Kindle's Whispernet connections which make the device so unique in the marketplace.
"Whispernet is basically a mobile phone connection, data only, via which the Kindle downloads electronic magazines and books - but the existing Kindle models are using Sprint's US network, which is CDMA-based. Kindle users know nothing about that, of course; Amazon pays Sprint and the user just pays for the books or periodicals to which they've subscribed.
"In Europe all our mobile phones use GSM technology. . .
"Getting GSM connectivity into the Kindle isn't trivial, but . . . Qualcomm is directly involved in the production of a UK model of the Kindle. Qualcomm already runs the back end for Whispernet in the US, including handling the billing between Amazon and Sprint, but the company also has its Gobi chipset - a single chipset that can support both CDMA and GSM technologies, including 3G, and could enable a cross-Atlantic Kindle to exist."
US readers can order the Kindle from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00154JDAI?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwkarldallas-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00154JDAI.
