As Apple has announced plans to launch the iPhone 3G in 22 countries on July 11, iLounge has contacted these countries’ carriers to find out whether Visual Voicemail will be supported on their calling plans. This feature, which provides random list-style access to voicemail messages, has proved too complex for some carriers to implement, and is missing from some of Apple.com’s iPhone 3G international web pages. Here are answers from the carriers’ representatives, along with how Apple.com describes or omits the feature from its iPhone 3G features pages.
T-Mobile (Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands): “As far as I know, VVM will still be a unique feature for the iPhone.” Apple.com’s web pages for Austria and Germany both show and describe Visual Voicemail, but the Netherlands page neither includes text nor an image of the feature. Competing network Orange has not yet confirmed whether it will offer Visual Voicemail in Austria.
Telefónica (Spain): “Yes, We will offer Visual Voicemail.” Apple.com’s Spain page shows a picture and description of the feature.
Vodafone (Australia, Italy, New Zealand, & Portugal): “Vodafone will not support Visual Voicemail at the time of launch but is planning to roll out the service later this fiscal year.” Apple.com shows nothing for Visual Voicemail in Italy, which will also be serviced by TIM. The Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal pages include a Visual Voicemail photo, but text has been omitted—a sign that support in these countries is tentative. Competing network Orange has not yet confirmed whether it will offer Visual Voicemail in Portugal.
TeliaSonera (Denmark, Finland, Norway, & Sweden): “I have no further information to disclose than was in the press-release issued yesterday.” Apple.com shows no mention of Visual Voicemail for Denmark, Finland and Norway, and only a photo without text for Sweden.
Globe Telecom (Philippines): “We will announce at a later date the functionality and plan details.” Apple.com’s generic “Asia” web page is listed as its reference point for the Phillippines; no mention of Visual Voicemail is made in that text, but a photo is included.
Swisscom (Switzerland): “We currently don’t comment on the supported functions but around 11 July things will be clear.” Apple.com describes and shows Visual Voicemail on its Switzerland page.
Competing network Orange has not yet confirmed whether it will offer Visual Voicemail in Switzerland.
SingTel (Singapore): “Sorry but at this point, I’m not able to share any other information.” Apple’s Singapore page neither shows nor describes Visual Voicemail as a feature.
Softbank (Japan): “We are sorry but there is not any information about iPhone at this moment except sale date. When we [are] ready to inform, it will be released on our website.” Apple’s Japanese page shows and describes Visual Voicemail.
Optus (Australia): “Pricing and plans will be revealed a little closer to launch.” Apple’s Australian page includes an image of Visual Voicemail but no description.
Rogers Communications (Canada): “Details on features, price plans and retail availabilty will be made available at a later date.