As previously noted, Italian cellular provider Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) has confirmed in a press release that it will offer the iPhone in Italy later this year—a significant announcement given that TIM will become the first non-exclusive iPhone country carrier, as Vodafone will also offer the iPhone in Italy by the end of the year. The press release reads simply, “Telecom Italia announced today it has signed a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Italy later this year.” Reports suggesting TIM as the iPhone’s carrier in Italy date back to the release of iPhone Software Version 1.1.2, in which a file named “TIM_Italy.plist” appeared.
It was followed by a similarly-named carrier bundle which appeared in software 1.1.3. The Apple, TIM, and Vodafone deals may pave the way for more multi-carrier deals in other foreign markets.
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