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Sprint won't offer iPhone 4S with unlocked micro-SIM card slot

Contrary to initial reports, Sprint will not sell an unlocked micro-SIM version of Apple's iPhone 4S, forcing users to pay roaming fees when traveling abroad.

Earlier reports that Sprint users would be able to take advantage of an unlocked micro-SIM slot, allowing them to use international GSM chips to avoid roaming charges, were quashed by a Sprint representative, according to Ars Technica.

Confusion arose from early reports that both Sprint and Verizon's versions of the 4S would be unlocked.

In theory, an unlocked micro-SIM slot would allow customers to use pre-paid cards on networks outside the U.S., effectively bypassing Sprint's roaming charges. Service representatives have now denied that any such capability will be offered on the company's version of the new Apple handset.

Sprint said that iPhone 4S adopters will be able to roam internationally with the appropriate plan. Apple will launch an unlocked version of their popular device on November 5th, starting at $649, though it will only allow access to GSM networks within the U.S.

Verizon has yet to officially comment on their specific version of the device, however Michelle Mermelstein, a Sprint wireless device public relations representative, said that she believes the CDMA network's unit will work "in the same way."