Unlocked iPhone 3G on sale in Hong Kong, China to get stripped down version?

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Unlocked iPhone 3G on sale in Hong Kong, China to get stripped down version?

Apple has unexpectedly begun selling unlocked iPhone 3G units in Hong Kong, amidst reports that mainland China may end up receiving a functionally handicapped model. Apple’s online store for Hong Kong is now offering both the 8GB and 16GB models of the handset unlocked, priced at HK$ 5,400 (~$695) and HK$ 6,200 (~$798), respectively. A description on the product page reads: “iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation.” It is believed that this is the first instance of Apple offering the iPhone 3G directly from its online store.

Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post is reporting that Hon Hai, the manufacturer of the iPhone, is waiting for verification from mainland China to ship versions of the iPhone 3G that lack both W-CDMA (3G) connectivity and Wi-Fi. According to the report, China Mobile (long reported to be Apple’s carrier of choice for the Chinese market) is expected to build out its 3G network using the TD-SCDMA format, which is incompatible with current iPhone 3G models. The report goes on to state that iPhone units offered by China Mobile would have the W-CDMA stripped out so they could not be unlocked and used on competitor China Telecom, which is expected to use W-CDMA technology for its 3G services.

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Comments

1

JUST ORDER MINE UNLOCKED IPHONE!!!!! 16G. BUT I DO LIVE IN HK SO ITS ALL GOOD….....!

Posted by Naked vision on September 25, 2008 at 9:12 PM (PDT)

2

Is the unlocked iPhone only for use inＨＫor does it mean unlocked as in anywhere?

Posted by eminemjamesuk on September 26, 2008 at 8:53 AM (PDT)

3

I asked today, you can use it in any country, with any carriers. Because I travel alot and switches to local carrier sim card. This phone needs to be mail to a HK address only. Im sure the phone now has huge resale value.

Posted by Naked vision on September 26, 2008 at 9:07 AM (PDT)

4

if its for hte above price 700/800 usd it has no resale value at all .. you can buy cheaper in europe elsewhere without contract

Posted by Vayu on September 28, 2008 at 3:02 PM (PDT)

5

This is because the iphones the 3 sell here in Hong Kong are unlocked already and have been since release. They just never publicized it.

This is a smart move by Apple because it will probably stem the tide of imported US unlocked iphones and 3 iphones that the numerous cell phone stores sell for anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 HK an iphone. I have seen even higher than $8,000 for the 16GB model. I heard of HK people getting an iphone and signing up with 3 for two years and paying the prepaid $5900 HK plus the $138 HK for the phone then selling it with or without a sim for $8,000. They can then put there iphone sim in another phone and have there cell service basically free for 2 years. Also, Apple is doing this because 3 is not the best carrier in HK with regard to coverage. My opinion is that went to 3/Hutchison Telecom because they or sister companies own most of Hong Kong retail. (Watson’s Wine, Pharmacies, Water, Fortress etc.) You can get an iphone in any three affiliated company,)

IMHO

Posted by Jay Sullivan on September 29, 2008 at 7:04 AM (PDT)

6

I have just bought an unlocked iPhone 3g 16G in Hong Kong. Apple states that it works with every provider, HOWEVER it does not seem to work with China Mobile?????

Every other SIM I insert works except China Mobile!

Does anyone know why???

Posted by Bobby1 on October 6, 2008 at 12:56 AM (PDT)

7

Hello ,
I don’t live in HongKong and I want to buy an Iphone 3g 16g but i don’t know anyone in HK to ship the Iphone to what can i do ?

Posted by James on October 8, 2008 at 1:39 PM (PDT)

8

Hi all,
I want to buy a IPHONE 3G 16 GB unlocked phone with a good and cheap price to work in India. Can anyone help to know how do I get it and work with any provider. In India it is available with a price of 36000.00 INR (US$720 APPROX)
I WOULD BE LOOKING AT A GOOD PRICE RANGE WHICH WILL BE SOMEWHAT GOOD BUYING PRICE LIKE IN USA (i.e. US$ 299 - 400) Please guide me how to get?

Posted by Sunil Kumar on November 9, 2008 at 11:59 PM (PDT)

9

Im selling an iphone 2G used unlocked world phone 8GB email me if interested .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) i will only ship here in the USA.

Posted by mzdarling on January 17, 2009 at 3:41 PM (PDT)

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