iLounge

By Charles Starrett

Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2008
News Category: iPhone

Both Vodafone in India and SingTel in Singapore have announced their pricing for the iPhone 3G, which will launch in both countries on August 22. Vodafone will charge Rs 31,000 (~$709) for the 8GB iPhone 3G and Rs 36,100 (~$826) for 16GB models. Customers who pre-registered for the iPhone 3G with Vodafone will be able to visit a select Vodafone Store on August 20 or 21 and confirm their booking by paying Rs 10000 as a deposit. The customer will then be given an appointment date on the 22, at which they can pay the remaining balance, receive their phone, and get a full demonstration. iPhone-specific service rates and pricing have yet to be announced; however, initial reports suggest that the high hardware prices will likely keep most potential Indian users from being able to afford the device in the first place.

SingTel will offer the phone on a tiered pricing scale, with prices for the 8GB model ranging from free to S$348 (~$247), and the 16GB models priced between free and S$508 (~$361). Three iFlexi plans will be offered with the handset, priced between S$56 (~$40) and S$205 (~$145) per month and including between 1GB and 3GB of bundled data per month. For more information on SingTel’s pricing and service plans, visit the carrier’s iPhone page.

Update: Bharti Airtel has also announced its pricing for the iPhone 3G in India, and will offer the handest for the same prices as Vodafone: Rs 31,000 for the 8GB model and Rs 36,100 for 16GB models.