Apple seems to be softening up on its one-provider-fits-all policy for the iPhone in other parts of the world.
Recent announcements reveal that yes, it is now possible to have different providers sell the iPhone in the same markets, particularly in Europe. For example, Deutsche Telecom has had the exclusive right to distribute the iPhone in Austria, but now Orange is getting in on the action there as well. In Italy, Vodafone and Telecom Italia are now both distributing the iPhone, while in Egypt and Portugal, Vodafone and Orange both have their fingers in the Apple pie.
In the US, the five-year exclusivity contract between Apple and AT&T apparently still stands, but T-Mobile USA has recently started providing wifi service in Starbucks cafes alongside AT&T. Hmm.
In the Doodler’s home country, it was recently announced that Globe, one of the two dominant telecom providers along with Smart, will be releasing the iPhone in the Philippines this year through its partnership with Singapore Telecommunications, which has acquired the rights from Apple for the region.
So it isn’t impossible to see a Smart iPhone in the future as well, after all.
Well, as we say here in my country, the more, the many-er.
June 2nd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Since legit iPhones, whether from Globe or Smart, will have to be activated through the iTunes Store, does that mean that Apple will open the iTunes Store to Philippine residents, with the option to purchase music and videos for our iPods, just like the rest of the world? That would be even more interesting than just having an iPhone.
May 30th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Vodafone is mostly going to distributing iPhone in many country, Here in india too Vodafone is going to distribute iphone.
3rd party distribution can help alot to get the early entry of product in any country.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:08 pm
huh? cheaper ata sa US kesa dito sa pinas…
May 17th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Naks! Pwede ba maka bili para madala dito sa US?