News
Non-Orange contract-free iPhones appear in France
By Charles Starrett
Contributing Editor
Published: Monday, December 29, 2008
News Categories: iPhone
Following a ruling by the French Competition Council suspending the exclusivity agreement between Apple and France Telecom tying the iPhone to Orange in France, contract-free iPhone 3G units are now available from at least one other source. FNAC is now selling the black 8GB iPhone 3G for €799 (roughly $1,133) and the white 16GB model for €899 (~$1,275). It is unclear whether the handsets are unlocked, or simply sold without a contract but still tied to French carriers, and whether other French carriers plan to offer the handset as well.
Related Stories
- Apps: ABC Aquarium, Disney Jr. Appisodes, Pinterest 2.4 + Pocket Informant Pro 3.0
- Report: iOS 7 could see Flickr, Vimeo integration
- Google Play Music All Access to get iOS app support?
- AT&T: All video chat apps will work over cellular in 2013
- New Apple offers in India can reduce iPhone price
- Apps: Can Knockdown 3, eBay 3.0/2.3, Jungle Book + Sonic the Hedgehog 2.0
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- OtterBox acquires LifeProof
- LifeProof debuts Frē case for iPad mini
- Logitech debuts Wired Keyboard for iPad
- New Apple online store design alters focus, hides deals
- Apps: ABC Aquarium, Disney Jr. Appisodes, Pinterest 2.4 + Pocket Informant Pro 3.0
- Report: iOS 7 could see Flickr, Vimeo integration
- Apple CEO Cook testifies on taxes, faces Senate critics
- Google Play Music All Access to get iOS app support?
- Senate subcommittee accuses Apple of tax avoidance
- AT&T: All video chat apps will work over cellular in 2013
Recent Reviews
- HMDX Jam Plus Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Wristband
- Cambridge Audio Minx Air 100 + 200 Bluetooth + AirPlay Wireless Speakers
- Mophie Juice Pack Plus for iPhone 5
- Ultimate Ears UE Boom
- Trü Protection Trü-Fit Anti-Glare Film Set
- New Trent iCarrier IMP120D Dual USB Power Pack
- BlueFlame 2M Charge and Sync Cable with Lightning Connector
- HMDX Jam Party Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Speaker
- Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote Control
Recent Articles
- Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
- Can’t change iTunes Apple ID to iCloud e-mail address
1
I live in Monaco and Monaco Telecom have told me today that they will be rolling out iPhones tied into a contract which will still run on Orange Network, but there will be no roaming fees if u go over the boarder to France or Italy. This means that wherever one is with the iPhone in Italy, France or Monaco you pay the same for the different calls and services.
Posted by Phil on December 29, 2008 at 5:08 PM (PST)
2
Hi,
This exactly what the Council rules : the possibility for others tiers (telco operator or not, like FNAC or Phone House) to sold iPhone -without- Orange, and unlocked. Before these tiers can sold iPhone, only with Orange contracts. Now, they can sold contract-free iPhone. Before you can buy raw iPhone, only on paper, not in reality : that’s why the Council was requested. And have to go to Orange to unlock it with 100€ more. Before you can buy, -> only in Orange store <- , a nude one, and have to paid 100€ to unlock it.
SFR and Bouygues (the 2 others French telco mobile operator) just have a “waiting list”, before they have a complete offer : iPhone+contract. FNAC already have iPhone stock. Not SFR nor Bouygues.
The question about unlocked iPhone in FNAC remains. It’s not clear, but the price is just the old one nude + 100€ unlock, plus some more bucks.
Posted by Fyr on December 29, 2008 at 11:25 PM (PST)