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Questions surround European iPhone launch
With the stateside launch of Apple’s iPhone just weeks away, questions have begun to emerge surrounding the device’s European launch. Despite the handset being months from hitting store shelves, almost half of European iPod owners would consider the iPhone as their next mobile, according to a survey conducted by Canalys, a Reading, England-based research firm. A key factor in which carrier will offer the iPhone in Europe is whether or not the European version of the handset includes 3G mobile network technology. Apple has already stated that the US version of the phone will not include 3G, instead opting for the more widespread GPRS/EDGE.
If the European version of the iPhone does include 3G, carriers likely to offer the device include 3, a network offering 3G service in Austria, Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Sweden, and T-Mobile, which offers 3G service in Austria, Britain, and Germany. “Both these operators are the most forward-thinking in how 3G telephones should be brought to consumers,” said Carolina Milanesi, a mobile phone analyst for Gartner in London. “They have the appropriate and futuristic business models necessary for the iPhone already in place.” Vodafone, previously rumored as an Apple suitor, is Europe’s largest service provider.
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1
WTF is a futuristic business model? The consumer-fooling of carrier-exclusive models is as pointless as it is annoying, and it is a shame that Apple will apparently go that road in Europe.
I say sell it unlocked!
Posted by Bad Beaver on May 21, 2007 at 9:24 AM (PDT)
2
Yeah, and no 3G support in the U.S. = no sale!
Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on May 21, 2007 at 9:36 AM (PDT)
3
3 are the crappiest network in th UK and one of the most expensive
Posted by ColinT in UK on May 21, 2007 at 9:44 AM (PDT)
4
Funny how Finland, the land of the mobile phone, was left out by Gartner. This basically says that Gartner is full of crap. The average Finn has more cell phone knowledge than Austrians, or Germans combined.
I do have to say that Apple may have made the right choice with the first version of the iPhone for US delivery. Once the market is more mature there a 3G offering would make more sense.
Posted by Don Trammell on May 21, 2007 at 12:04 PM (PDT)
5
I do have to say that Apple may have made the right choice with the first version of the iPhone for US delivery.
They only made that choice because Verizon--the one with the most developed 3G network along with lots of customers--ultimately refused to play in Apple’s sandbox.
Posted by flatline response on May 21, 2007 at 1:07 PM (PDT)
6
Could it also be that Europe is about 98% 3G while the US is still wondering what an SMS is? LOL. Seriously, why bother licensing 3G technology when the networks aren’t there?
Posted by Don Trammell on May 21, 2007 at 5:16 PM (PDT)