iPhone International Launch is almost here
We have published the partial list of the countries launching the popular iPhone 3G this August 22. Sounds good right? maybe not too good for the people in India. Why? Vodafone announced the hefty prices of the iPhones they are going to launch. The 8GB model will go for 31,000 Indian Rupees or US$715, The 16GB model will go for 36,100 Indian Rupees. Very pricey compared to AT&T’s US$199 price for the 8GB model bundled with a two-year contract. In the future, the company may offer a no-commitment option of $599 for 8GB and $699 for 16GB. Competitor Bharti Airtel announced that the phone would be available August 22 but has not yet disclosed the price.
Vodafoen has also mentioned site that customers for the iPhone 3G who are not Vodafone customers will have to first sign up for Vodafone mobile service. More details of the terms are available in Vodafone’s site.
Both Bharti Airtel and Vodafone have cautioned on their Web sites that the iPhone on launch in India will not be offered on 3G networks, and some of the features of the iPhone 3G will not be immediately available. The Indian government has announced plans for the auction of 3G spectrum this year, and the commercial roll out of 3G services is expected in the first half of next year.
