News
Vodafone likely European iPhone carrier?
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2007
News Category: iPhone
Vodafone appears to be a leading candidate to become the iPhone’s carrier in Europe, according to a recent Credit Suisse research note. The investment bank believes that the carrier would represent a good bet for Apple because of its presence in most European markets, reports ZDNet Asia. Mike Grant, consultant at research firm Analysys, agrees — but only if the European iPhone contains 3G technology. “If Apple waits until [the iPhone’s] a 3G phone, then yes, I would say Vodafone is absolutely the frontrunner. It would be a perfect match,” said Grant. Vodafone’s main competition for the phone is Deutsche Telekom, according to Credit Suisse, who expects around six million European iPhone units to be sold in the first three years.
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1
It’s “Vodafone”.
Posted by Jesper on June 27, 2007 at 11:21 AM (PDT)
2
I long suspected the lack of 3G would be a major barrier to the iPhone’s success in Europe. Carrier-locked is another.
Posted by Doctor Mantis on June 27, 2007 at 1:31 PM (PDT)
3
Only if Apple will release a 3G version of the iPhone at the end of the year in Europe. If not then Orange with the only network with European-wide EDGE coverage would make it a more obvious choice.
I’m hoping its Orange as their customer service is far superior to all the others and that counts for a lot!
Posted by scamster on June 27, 2007 at 1:34 PM (PDT)
4
I’m hoping for Vodafone b/c it would probably mean not only Europe but their other markets including Australia and New Zealand. Currently my Vodafone account works with any number of carriers in the US when I manage to make it home.
Posted by iDown Under on June 27, 2007 at 3:41 PM (PDT)
5
If i remember right Steve Jobs mentioned 3G in the key note demo
Posted by Oldchieft on June 28, 2007 at 12:20 AM (PDT)
6
The reports from the US comment that the EDGE data performance on AT&T is terrible. Unless they want to damage their brand they should wait for a 3G version for Europe. If it has to be the current device, then Orange is the only way to go. Not that we’ll be getting it anytime soon!
Posted by drevo_uk in UK on June 28, 2007 at 2:46 AM (PDT)
7
AT&T EDGE network performance is terrible, but I don’t think that would be a problem in the UK with the Orange EDGE network.
I use it and its pretty fast (I use a SonyEricsson p990i), near 3G speeds but 3G would be ideal as I imagine a large user base will be using the internet/email facilities on the iPhone.
What puzzles me is that Europe unlike the US is made up of individual countries - obviously! So why the one carrier! Each market is different with different laws and regulations governing the issue/use of mobile devices.
For instance in Belgium it is illegal to sell a mobile with a network contract, which is done separate from the sale of the mobile device.
I do understand that you could still have one Pan-European network carrier but why would Apple constrict itself.
Personally I’d sell it on all networks as long the carriers adhere to facilities and quality that Apple want.
But saying that is Apple restricting itself with its demands which is certainly a sticky point with tying a deal with a European carrier. AT&T is not the best carrier in the States!
Posted by scamster on June 28, 2007 at 12:49 PM (PDT)
8
Vodafone has neither the EDGE radio network nor the ability to quickly deploy the clever voicemail of the iPhone into its telecom network. Any future 3G model would admittedly have access to excellent HSDPA data rates, but at a heavy cost to battery life.
Posted by Insider on June 29, 2007 at 11:00 AM (PDT)