Apple may activate 3G service in the U.S. for the iPhone in time for Christmas, according to Robert X. Cringely, writing for PBS.org. The question is, whether the iPhone already has the required hardware built in.

Based on the theory that Apple wanted to work the bugs out of the initial release of the iPhone, then have a spectacular Christmas sales season, Mr. Cringely suggests that Apple may trigger 3G service in the iPhone for the holidays.

The reasoning is that there are better ways, [as Motorola found out with the RAZR] to fuel growing sales than lowering the price, devaluing the iPhone, and cannibalizing profits. To be sure, continued sales are essential for such a product to make sure that it’s not just a flash in the pan technology that dies off when the early adopters are sated.

"It is my understanding that Apple and AT&T are planning a fall rollout for full 3G iPhone service, with technical trials already underway in certain AT&T markets," the noted author suggested. "AT&T’s ... 3G uses a technology called HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access), which is a combination of GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution). It provides average mobile data download connections between 400 kilobits per second (kbps) and 700 kbps. Not as fast as any of us would like, of course, but the new service will be 3-5 times faster than the current EDGE network alone..."

Mr. Cringely sees the enhancement as a firmware update. "I can’t believe that even Steve would make us buy new phones. It is very likely that a firmware upgrade will awaken the 3G within all you iPhone owners."

Indeed, that would be quite a Christmas present from Apple.