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Europe to get 3G iPhone from Vodafone, T-Mobile and Carphone Warehouse
A new 3G (European) version of the iPhone will be launched Monday in the UK by Apple - in a joint promotion with Vodafone, T-Mobile of Germany, and Carphone Warehouse. It should answer the disappointment with the US version of the iPhone which has been widely slammed for its poor performance as a phone.
Hints of the European launch emerged yesterday when Bill Condie of the London Evening Standard tipped Vodafone to be the official carrier, which will be confirmed Monday. But Voda is just part of the picture, with Apple going for a three-pronged European strategy with carriers - again, responding to disappointment in America with the exclusive deal with AT&T/Cingular.
Shipment date is still unknown, but "on course" for the year-end date predicted last October by Apple CEO Steve Jobs.
Vodafone is currently in an ideal position to take on the iPhone, because its 3G network is hugely under-utilised. Pricing on mobile data is normally prohibitive, but Vodafone has recently revised its 3G data charges down, following "rip-off" complaints from users.
It may even be possible that European data prices will match, or be an improvement on the eye-watering charges announced by AT&T in North America.
The iPhone requires a high speed Internet connection to function properly, both because of its excellent Internet browsing capacity, and also because of its requirement for high quality video, which limits the appeal of the US version.
Writer Condie quoted sources inside Credit Suisse which suggested that France Telecom was in line for a franchise. That is unlikely to be fulfilled, possibly because of Orange's insistence on "strong branding" on any handset it carries. Orange has irritated several phone makers by insisting on disabling technical and user-oriented features which didn't sit with Orange commercial policy.
The appointment of Carphone Warehouse as a virtual network carrier will be a big surprise, however.
T-Mobile CEO Rene Oberman was reported to be "ecstatic" at getting a joint contract, according to insiders. He's expected to be present at the Apple party Monday when the new device is unveiled.
The American version, using only 2G phone technology, goes on sale today. Queues have been forming outside Apple (and other) retail outlets in New York since Tuesday this week.
source
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[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2007-06-29 12:34 ]
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Posted: 2007-06-29 13:05:51
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enjoy you British men! I'm jealous
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Posted: 2007-06-29 13:11:47
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T-mobile is perfect for this. The iPhone is crying out for hi-speed data with comprehensive plans. Its gonna make such a difference.
I wonder if they're gonna take up video calling.
Poor Americans, I feel sorry for them
Great news!
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The UK's Best Selling Phones
Esato around the World
P990i + BT30Q
[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2007-06-29 12:16 ]
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Posted: 2007-06-29 13:13:43
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Well....let's see whether CPW get Sim-Free handsets, or Voda locked/branded ones(of course, here in the UK, they HAVE to be unlockable, by law).......
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Posted: 2007-06-29 13:25:36
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they will be unlockable, but it doeant require apple to assure it works the same way
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Posted: 2007-06-29 13:28:45
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This is definitely gonna up the stakes a bit. Now that the 3G version is on its way there is plenty to think about for the European OEMs.
According to the article, Orange was denied involvement in the launch, citing overzealous branding of their handsets. Who says karma doesn't exist.
HSDPA version soon?
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The UK's Best Selling Phones
Esato around the World
P990i + BT30Q
[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2007-06-29 12:33 ]
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Posted: 2007-06-29 13:29:31
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wicked news if true. Will definitely get one.
I hope the service plans are similar to the at&t ones will unlimited data
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Posted: 2007-06-29 13:44:08
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actually poeple, im starting to seriously doubt the validity of this story!
how come they seem to mention the iPhone has been slated as a phone??
Where did they read that exactly?
When you think about it, why would t-mobile be involved at all when vodafone has just as much coverage in euroland as t-mobile does??
oh, and Tuesday is apple's product announcment day, not monday
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[ This Message was edited by: vincebio on 2007-06-29 13:16 ]
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Posted: 2007-06-29 14:14:33
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Sucks for the buyers of the iPhone in the USA. Even before it's released there, a successor is apparently out.
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Posted: 2007-06-29 14:16:22
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3G functionality is really what Apple needed to get network providers on board; it'll be interesting to see if Vodafone Live! gets preference over the iStore for music purchasing... has Apple backed down on this or reached a compromise?
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Posted: 2007-06-29 14:38:44
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