T-Mobile to Sell iPhone in Germany: November 1st?

[BlakTornado]

Are you sure about games consoles? Most of those start off in Japan.

Start in Japan, go to America about half a year later, go to Europe half a year on from when America gets them.

Vodafone is also famouse for making a really ugly branding on the phones. I guess that Apple will say No to this, if they make the deal :D

Quite a few providers brand the phones. T-Mobile doesn't, as far as I am aware (When I bought my T-Mobile Nokia 3410 5 years ago, it had no branding on it at all... However, my Dad's old 3410 had a Vodafone logo on it... T-Mobile seems to be the way for Apple to go... Plus, I'm with T-Mobile so I should be able to use my current sim, but I swear that's not the reason I'm siding with T-Mobile, umm... umm... umm....)

[gifford]

Uh oh... I dont see much of Europe getting the iPhone for some time with this news. With the exception of 1 or 2 countries with Edge coverage.
When US gets 3G, Europe will get 3G. Which wont be any time soon.

It's inevitable, what with unlocking laws in parts of EU. A two tiered 3G in EU with Edge in USA situation just didnt seem the Apple way. Apple want one worldwide product, and product launch. And without unlocked 3G iPhones being shipped back to the US spoiling the surprise.

That said I'm guessing that's why ATT's contract is 5 year (much longer than I expected. They have probably had their arm twisted into upgrading the 3G network ASAP, which is an expensive business without long term rewards/contract.

I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of EU don't get the iPhone for a year.

[raykhrud]

You know, it does not make much sence for Apple to produce multiple phones if the iPhone is already a world phone. I would imagine that the currently iphone already supports 3g, by one of the many unknown, apple branded chips and is turned off, or Apple is sticking with EDGE on both sides of the world.

It is already known that iPhone has GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS chip.
I still wonder what will happen with iPhone in Russia. Will I ever be able to see something like this in real life?

[min_t]

um what about canada????

iphone in canada!!


From what I've been hearing, Rogers is your only option. And since they make so much money charging for data right now, I don't see them jumping on board. You will be able to download HD movies in iTunes Ca before you will get the iPhone.

[Frazzle]

And why would they even announce it's going to be 3G?

They'll probably announce the European partners in a press statement and do all the bla-bla that they're very happy with the partnership and all that...

Why would they say anything about any change in specs for the Euro phone? They can keep us guessing (and therefore keep feeding the hype) for another six months and all the bashers and the fanboys will discuss the merits of 3G on all the Euro blogs.

Then, just a few days before the launch, they'll show an updated 3G version that will sell in the US and the EU at the same time. For the US they can create all kinds of arrangements to handle any backlash. If they even bother.

With a software update mid-October to coincide with Leopard and all the hoo-hah around Leopard in general, June will be long forgotten by then. Introduce some new hardware updates for Macs and displays in November and then they can more or less relaunch the iPhone in its updated form around x-mas. The update will make for strong x-mas sales in both the US and the EU: 'iPhone home for the holidays'. Large close-up of the new home button with built-in camera - boom.

[Compile 'em all]

It is already known that iPhone has GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS chip.


The iPhone doesn't have a UMTS chip.

[SeaFox]

It does depend on how the lock is initiated. I would imagine Apple would incorporate a different lock so that they don't brake their agreement with AT&T in America. The lock is software based, reading the SIM. It would be very easy to make it country dependent.

If someone unlocks the iPhone and uses it on another network, Apple wouldn't be responsible unless it was proven they used a grossly inadequate control to prevent it, so they wouldn't be braking any agreement with AT&T.

[csimmons]

I don't know but i can tell you that I know a lot of people who really dislike Vodafone. Vodafone is also famouse for making a really ugly branding on the phones. I guess that Apple will say No to this, if they make the deal :D

Uhh...T-Mobile brands their phones too. Both companies are notorious for changing the internal software of their subventioned phones such that the phone include company-specific versions of the software, which is usually butt-ugly and feature deficient. I'm quite sure that Apple will NOT allow any European cell company to brand the iPhone.

[GregA]

But if the iPhone becomes 3G for its European release, what does that mean for battery life?
3G draws more battery. 3G phones are bigger.
wasn't Apple's reason for not making it 3g because no devices work on AT&T's 3G network yet, that or there isn't enough coverage?I don't think so. I think that Apple preferred making a thinner phone (for now).
I don't believe that Apple will upgrade the iPhone hardware before sometime next year (It takes time for design, testing, and approval. The current 3G chips will not fit in the iPhone packaging so it's not a trivial update).
Not just the 3G chips either. When the iPhone goes 3G, expect to see a front and rear camera (needs more space!), the 3G chips and receivers (bigger!), and handling of video calls & simple video(needs a h264 compression chip???). Plus bigger batteries to handle the extra power (so bigger phone again).

Of course... by waiting 1 year, all those pieces get smaller and more power efficient. Apple may have been very smart - it realised that for now the iPhone package hit a sweetspot. Europe MAY not have the same sweetspot, I don't know - but T-mobile's wifi hotspots plus edge coverage and 3G (for future iPhones) would seem to be a good place to start.

[Teddy's]

From what I've been hearing, Rogers is your only option. And since they make so much money charging for data right now, I don't see them jumping on board. You will be able to download HD movies in iTunes Ca before you will get the iPhone.

I second that. I really hate Canadian carriers with all my heart!!!
They charge for every little move you make with your Fphone! GRRRR yeah, no iPhone for me, thanks. Screw those companies!

note: I really like the iPhone. *crying out loud* See you in 2012 maybe. sigh

[GregA]

predictions of a big Apple announcement to confirm Vodafone, T-Mobile and Carphone Warehouse as the joint three vendors of the iPhone in Europe,
So how much of Europe does that cover? Does it miss major countries?

[Plutonius]

I agree with those that say this points to the European iPhone not having 3G.

For the UK that would suggest Orange will get it, as they are the only ones to have an EDGE compatible network here:

http://www.orangepartner.com/site/enuk/news/press/p_edge_launch.jsp

I believe the initial release in Europe will be EDGE but that Apple will start selling 3G iPhones sometime next year. In any case even with 3G, I don't think Apple will sell many iPhones in Europe. Most Europeans posting here have stated that the phone needs to be free, or subsidized, have no long term contract, and be unlocked or it will not sell. I believe that Apple should concentrate on the Asian markets first and then maybe consider Europe. Apple will never unlock the phone until the AT&T contract expires in 5 years.

[Plutonius]

If someone unlocks the iPhone and uses it on another network, Apple wouldn't be responsible unless it was proven they used a grossly inadequate control to prevent it, so they wouldn't be braking any agreement with AT&T.

Apple gets a percentage of the AT&T monthly fees. Apple absolutely does not want an unlocked iPhone loose in the AT&T market. You will not see an unlocked iPhone for 5 years until the AT&T agreement is over.

[cr0nite]

German Newspaper Handelsblatt claims that the rumors are wrong and no decisions about who sells the iPhone in Europe have been made.


german link (http://www.handelsblatt.com/news/Unternehmen/IT-Medien/_pv/_p/201197/_t/ft/_b/1289241/default.aspx/gerangel-um-deutschen-iphone-vertrieb-geht-weiter.html)

[sjo]

I believe the initial release in Europe will be EDGE but that Apple will start selling 3G iPhones sometime next year. In any case even with 3G, I don't think Apple will sell many iPhones in Europe. Most Europeans posting here have stated that the phone needs to be free, or subsidized, have no long term contract, and be unlocked or it will not sell. I believe that Apple should concentrate on the Asian markets first and then maybe consider Europe. Apple will never unlock the phone until the AT&T contract expires in 5 years.

There's no going to S-Korea and Japan with a GSM/EDGE phone. Rest of the Asian market would still huge but 1) vast majority of the phones sold there cost less than 1/10 of iphone and 2) the markets are just as competitive as in Europe, i.e. the requirements you listed apply there as well 3) I'm not sure if there is large EDGE coverage.

IMHO, if Apple enters the European markets with the current iphone lacking 3g, front facing camera, video shooting, gps etc etc, all gains image of selling 5 year old technology at premium. That sort of image would be very hard to get rid of later on. A lot of ppl still think that Apple computers are much more expensive than competitors, even though in fact there is little or no difference in price between similarly spec'ed apple and non-apple computers.

[princigalli]

This is bad news. T-Mobile is to Germany what ATT is to the US. Not the same lame sales practices but they exist because they used to be a monopoly. That's the company that could lobby the German government in blocking competition laws for a long time. It's partly their fault if German cell phones market is probably the worst and most expensive in Europe, somewhere among the lines of UK.

And as for branding goes, they have a horrible pink logo what could spoil all the IPhone design efforts completely. Why does Apple do business with such people I don't know. If Enron was still in business Apple would probably pick them as partners :)

[csimmons]

I believe the initial release in Europe will be EDGE but that Apple will start selling 3G iPhones sometime next year. In any case even with 3G, I don't think Apple will sell many iPhones in Europe. Most Europeans posting here have stated that the phone needs to be free, or subsidized, have no long term contract, and be unlocked or it will not sell. I believe that Apple should concentrate on the Asian markets first and then maybe consider Europe. Apple will never unlock the phone until the AT&T contract expires in 5 years.

You realize that 40% of Apple's yearly revenue comes from Europe? There's no way that Asia will get the iPhone before Europe does.

As to the size of current 3G chips: Nokia and Samsung have phones out in Europe now (not "smartphones", but with multimedia features) that are thinner than the iPhone and have 3G capabilities, so the size isn't the problem, it's power consumption.

[Marvy]

Tagesschau.de, Germany's premier online news source, has picked up the story. They also point out some interesting (slightly disturbing) notes on how successful it just might be (link (http://www.tagesschau.de/aktuell/meldungen/0,1185,OID7047450_TYP6_THE_NAV_REF1_BAB,00.html)):

"In Deutschland wollen nach einer Umfrage zufolge jedoch nur wenige Handynutzer das iPhone erwerben. Lediglich 0,4 Prozent der Befragten sagten, sie wollten sich eines der Geräte zulegen."

Translation: "According to a recent survey, only few people are interested in purchasing an iPhone. Just 0.4 percent said they would like to buy such a device."

[Tsurisuto]

But the Sony Ericsson W880 phone is extremely thin, but it still has 3G:

http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_w880-1838.php

So, apart from battery, I don't see why Apple doesn't release a 3G phone in Europe.

[ABM]

But the Sony Ericsson W880 phone is extremely thin, but it still has 3G:

http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_w880-1838.php

So, apart from battery, I don't see why Apple doesn't release a 3G phone in Europe.

But it is ugly as hell!

[killerrobot]

Translation: "According to a recent survey, only few people are interested in purchasing an iPhone. Just 0.4 percent said they would like to buy such a device."

That doesn't surprise me. Especially if it's going to be sold locked (still not sure about the EU laws on that for sure) and with a two year contract.
I think Europeans will laugh at that idea, and pay nothing for the latest 3g phone and get a 1 year contract if they're in the market for a new phone.

[quiqueck]

I would definetly prefere Vodafone over T-Mobile.

Edit:
I think 3G is somewhat mandatory in Europe. EDGE isn't really promited here. So maybe Apple took that into consideration.

[c-Row]

Translation: "According to a recent survey, only few people are interested in purchasing an iPhone. Just 0.4 percent said they would like to buy such a device."

Always depends on who you're asking... ;)

[ABM]

That doesn't surprise me. Especially if it's going to be sold locked (still not sure about the EU laws on that for sure) and with a two year contract.
I think Europeans will laugh at that idea, and pay nothing for the latest 3g phone and get a 1 year contract if they're in the market for a new phone.

2-year-contracts are standard in germany, especially for subsidized phones.

[killerrobot]

2-year-contracts are standard in germany, especially for subsidized phones.

They aren't in Spain, so sorry I assumed that for all of Europe.

[jmmo20]

They aren't in Spain, so sorry I assumed that for all of Europe.

I disagree.. 12-18 months are pretty Standard in any mobile network in Spain, except for the recent newcomer Yoigo.

24 months will probably be an exception in Spain but surely people will give in as long as the operator subsidises it. If not, there's now way they'll sell the iPhone.

[rob@robburns.co]

There is still empty space in the iPhone!

http://mitglied.lycos.de/px80/iphone_emptyspace.jpg

Yeah, I think I could park my SUV in there. :-) Empty space? Thats probably meant for cooling not for storing your stash or adding more hot chipsets.

[Galex]

Roaming has got to be the biggest rip-off anyone could imagine. I am also concerned that Apple has not figured on the difference across Europe in terms of markets. We might be 'one economic family' but we are a little bit dysfunctional.

Interestingly enough, the roaming fees for across-border calls in Europe are now being regulated, making them standardised and substantially reduced. The changes will come into effect this summer:

http://www.europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/870&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Perhaps, this will also mean that it will not really be a problem if Apple ends up using different carriers for different European countries.

/Galex

[koobcamuk]

I think Vodafone might get it in the UK

No. It may just mean T-Mobile offered more then Voda.

it looks like multiple euro partners though so the next week should be interesting.

This is going to be interesting. T-mobile is everywhere here in Germany, but back home in the UK it's a close race.

[Apple Architect]

not, not the same language but quite close. dutch sounds like a weired mixture between german and english. i was once sitting in a train next to a dutch couple and constantly wondering whether they were german or british. it took me literally half an hour to figure out that they were dutch.....


and t-mobile is more german than mercedes....it was a state owned company not so long ago!

what interest me most is: will i be able to use a att iphone with a german t-mobile card or vice versa? i want to buy an iphone but i cannot afford two (one for each country, are they NUTS?).

Mercedes....owned by (until 14th may 2007)........a US company (ok, it was a merger - but guess where the finance came from)

Makes me laugh the whole chat around companies. T Mobile may well have been a German company but like all the mobile carriers through acquisition it has become federated organisation. Each T Mobile country unit is pretty independent. The only thing common will be the brand.

The same is true of O2 (Spanish but the o2 name came from BT in the UK (prev Cellnet) and Vodafone (British ownership but very different country level companies). The only exception was Orange, which was build from the ground up from a corp level. This was then bought by France Telecom

[DonSqueak]

Does anybody read before posting? It's already posted several times within the last 1 1/2 hours.

He's read all of the thread (when it was like ten posts long), he just needed some time for his perfect translation ;)

[DonSqueak]

[Consoles] start in Japan, go to America about half a year later, go to Europe half a year on from when America gets them.


Not true anymore. All the current consoles started in the US about the same time as Japan (Wii even earlier), Europe got the PS3 half a year later (fortunately neglectable though), Wii just took several weeks to arrive here. Dunno about the 360, but definitely US before Japan (and has not really arrived, cuz nobody buys it over there anyway).

[rob@robburns.co]

Makes me laugh the whole chat around companies. T Mobile may well have been a German company but like all the mobile carriers through acquisition it has become federated organisation.

Also saying a company is a dutch company in Europie is a lot like saying a company is Delaware based company in the US. Companies base themselves in The Netherlands and in Delaware because corporate laws are so favorable there.

What company could be more Swedish than IKEA? But its based in the Netherlands.

[DonSqueak]

Mercedes....owned by (until 14th may 2007)........a US company (ok, it was a merger - but guess where the finance came from)

You're kidding, right? You do know that Daimler recently sold Chrysler cuz they couldn't get it profitable as it sucks on every level imaginable? [sorry for OT]

[DonSqueak]

German Newspaper Handelsblatt claims that the rumors are wrong and no decisions about who sells the iPhone in Europe have been made.


german link (http://www.handelsblatt.com/news/Unternehmen/IT-Medien/_pv/_p/201197/_t/ft/_b/1289241/default.aspx/gerangel-um-deutschen-iphone-vertrieb-geht-weiter.html)

Wow, that's like.... NEWS! Why oh why hasn't anybody posted that EARLIER I wonder?!

[ABM]

Wow, that's like.... NEWS! Why oh why hasn't anybody posted that EARLIER I wonder?!

It was posted several times that night... Just read!


Edit: First time it was postet 10.40 pm last night --> page 6

[daneoni]

Hmmm...i think Voda will mostly get first dibs on the iPhone here (UK). They have a superior network supposedly and are probably the only ones offering EDGE.

Also as much i hate to admit it, i dont think a 3G version of the iPhone is coming to Europe. Apple is unlikely to release two versions of the same product especially after Steve said the reason for no 3G in Rev A is space and power consumption. He then turns around and releases 3G iPhone in less than 4/5 months?. We might get the first 3G iPhone (iPhone 2) in Europe in 18 months time, as US contracts would also be almost timing out allowing them to upgrade a few months later

But an EDGE iPhone in the US and a 3G iPhone in Europe......as much as i'd love that seems unlikely. 3G and other goodies will be a feature of iPhone 2.....universaly probably in 18 months.

For now look for heavy software patching in iPhone 1.

Its brilliant strategy, with all the Qualcomm legal problems going on with 3G chips. Steve wouldn't have wanted anything to stain his revolutionary product launch.

This way, he has time for the Qualcomm issue to pan out, 3G chips would also probably be cheaper by then, HSDPA (Supported in both Europe/US) would be mature and the Engineering team would have come up with an efficient power management system for the chip so battery life isnt really affected. Then make 3G a HUGE feature for iPhone 2

Dunno...just my thoughts

[DonSqueak]

Here's the German article (http://www.verivox.de/News/ArticleDetails.asp?aid=19789) (dpa) explaining the results of a survey they made regarding who wants to buy the iPhone:

"Wiesbaden - Während in den USA das Interesse an Apples erstem Handy iPhone zur Markteinführung überkocht, finden es die Deutschen einer Umfrage zufolge zu teuer. Nur 0,4 Prozent wollten es hier zu Lande "ganz sicher" kaufen, weitere 2,9 Prozent es sich vielleicht zulegen, ergab eine am Donnerstag vorgestellte Umfrage der Unternehmensberatung Marketing Partner. 72,5 Prozent gaben dagegen an, für sie käme das neuartige Telefon mit Touchscreen statt Tastatur und vielen Multimedia-Fähigkeiten ganz sicher nicht in Frage, für 16 Prozent "eher nicht". Als Grund dafür nannten 44 Prozent einen zu hohen Preis und 15,5 Prozent meinten, das Gerät habe zu viele Funktionen, die man nicht brauche.

Allerdings wurden die iPhone-Preise und entsprechende Mobilfunk- Tarife für die bis Jahresende angekündigte Markteinführung in Europa noch nicht bekanntgegeben. In den USA kostet das Handy je nach Ausstattung 500 bzw. 600 Dollar bei einem Zweijahresvertrag. Die monatlichen Kosten belaufen sich je nach Tarifplan nochmals auf 60 bis 100 Dollar. Apple will im Jahr 2008 zehn Millionen iPhone-Geräte verkaufen und peilt damit einen Anteil von etwa einem Prozent am weltweiten Handy-Markt an. In den USA wird für die ersten Tage nach dem Marktstart an diesem Freitag mit einigen hunderttausend verkauften iPhones gerechnet.

Aus der Umfrage zog Marketing Plan Schlussfolgerungen für die Wettbewerber: Eine Strategie, "die im Kern auf ein multimediales Wettrüsten abzielt", könne sich als unwirksam erweisen. Führende Handy-Hersteller haben bereits neue Modelle als Konkurrenzprodukte zum iPhone angekündigt oder bereits auf den Markt gebracht.

Für die Erhebung von Marketing Plan wurden im Juni 1000 Personen im Alter über 14 Jahren befragt."

In short:

0.4 are sure they want the thing
2.9 maybe
16 rather not
72.5 surely not

Reason: Price (44%), sure competitors will have something similar cheaper, too many functions that you don't need (15.5%). The article does state that it is based on the US prices (the monthly plans are quite expensive for German standards, as is the base price for the phone). Also, according to sueddeutsche.de (http://www.sueddeutsche.de/finanzen/artikel/856/121696/), only 16.4% of the surveyed even knew the iPhone.

My opinion: Germans generally don't tend to look for really innovative nice software concepts and will rather content themselves with cheap ugly solutions that no Apple fan could deem appropriate for usage. I'm a German myself, and I strongly detest and don't understand about everything anybody buys over here. The something similar that I underlined is important, because most people here will say that an ugly plastic lump of cheap Windows based sh|te is just the SAME as the iPhone. They don't see why you should pay a bit more for something that is comfortable in usage, when you can have something that appears to be premium for much less money, albeit not less hassle.

[DonSqueak]

It was posted several times that night... Just read!


Edit: First time it was postet 10.40 pm last night --> page 6

Sarcasm is a concept you DO know, right? ;)

[hdasmith]

You shouldn't look at 3G from your own perspective. Look at what the networks in Europe paid to get 3G. Their whole strategy is now based on making 3G work for them (they each paid several billion Euros to the governments to get their 3G licenses - it makes the profit on the iPhone seem like small potatoes) but they have been terribly let down by handset manufacturers that have not produced user-friendly devices to take advantage of it. Joe Public has no need for 3G because using it is way too difficult.

Difficult? Where did you get that idea. My phone uses 3G if it's in a 3G area, whether I like it or not when using video calls or internet. I just choose not to use those functions in a 3G area because of the price! It's phenomenally expensive. That's why it hasn't taken off here. They all paid too much for the licenses, they all know that, but the price is being sent to the customers who are not willing to pay it.

[biturbomunkie]

...if they update that iPhone to 3G without first doing it in the US I think a lot of people will be pissed...

it's inevitable for apple to release an updated iphone within two years. so no matter what, people will be pissed anyways since they are locked into their two-yr contracts.

A definite NO for you, sorry.
They're basically 2 different companies under the same "roof".


i've read a couple of posts saying that the german iphone would not work in the U.S. and i don't exactly understand why. if the german iphone is quad-band (like the U.S. version), then it should work fine in the U.S. (on a GSM network) provided the phone is unlocked. 3G; however, will not work since the frequency bands are different.

I remember reading somewhere (here most likely) that network coverage, battery life and size concerns were the biggest factors in not going 3G.

imho those comments are rather apple-apologetic. for one, 3G can be switched off on most phones automatically or manually. also, i've seen thinner 3G phones out there.

but wouldn't this be the same case in the US :confused:?. I mean, EDGE is significantly slower than UMTS but Apple still went ahead and launched their phone with no 3G. Why do you think Apple won't do the same in the UK?

i think the markets are very different. for example, i think americans are generally less aware of cell phone technologies - from phone features to network. besides, EU carriers have been pushing 3G for quite a while, and 3.5G phones are already available.

Mercedes....owned by (until 14th may 2007)........a US company (ok, it was a merger - but guess where the finance came from)


sadly, the germans had made it quite clear that who the bosses were. it pains me to look at chrysler after the whole "merger of equal" BS.

[DonSqueak]

Sadly, the germans had made it quite clear that who the bosses were. it pains me to look at chrysler after the whole "merger of equal" BS.

True, Daimler's always been an arrogant bunch. Still, the merger did not help them either, as bad management over years on Chrysler's side had already turned them into a money-losing company long before the merger.

[biturbomunkie]

True, Daimler's always been an arrogant bunch. Still, the merger did not help them either, as bad management over years on Chrysler's side had already turned them into a money-losing company long before the merger.

actually, the merger helped mercedes quite a lot (the $$$ as Apple Architect has pointed out) cos MB was in big financial trouble. chrysler was also doing remarkably well, especially for an american car company, before the merger. however, everything went downhill after the merger - i.e. chrysler was forced to buy mercedes' old technology. not to mention the deutsche management screwed up chrysler at the end quite royally - remember those ridiculous Dr. Z commercials?

sometimes i feel bad for being a deutsche telekom (t-mo USA) customer b/c of this whole DCX thing. but the alternative (att) doesn't look too appealing at all.

[H.isidorius]

I am quite curious what they are going to do in The Netherlands. The only provider of EDGE is closing downs its network (Telfort/KPN) in favor for UMTS.

All other providers T-Mobile, Vodafona and KPN are offering more than 80 and even up to 90% coverage with UMTS. *T-Mobile: http://dekkingskaart.t-mobile.nl/coverage/webform1.aspx?service=UMTS ; KPN: http://145.7.218.175/covcheck/)

Also pricing is rather competitive over here. The longer the contract, up to 24months, you get the phones for lower prices or for free.

[firsttube]

Steve wouldn't have wanted anything to stain his revolutionary product launch.

My, ahem, sources say that at&t is going to be the exclusive US carrier for iPhone for the next 5 years. That sounds like a stain to me.

[DonSqueak]

actually, the merger helped mercedes quite a lot (the $$$ as Apple Architect has pointed out) cos MB was in big financial trouble. chrysler was also doing remarkably well, especially for an american car company, before the merger. however, everything went downhill after the merger - i.e. chrysler was forced to buy mercedes' old technology. not to mention the deutsche management screwed up chrysler at the end quite royally - remember those ridiculous Dr. Z commercials?

sometimes i feel bad for being a deutsche telekom (t-mo USA) customer b/c of this whole DCX thing. but the alternative (att) doesn't look too appealing at all.

True but for the financial aspect: Actually Daimler bought Chrysler for around 36 Billion $ in stocks and hoped to milk the company thereafter, but Chrysler soon dropped into financial difficulties. The whole merger actually hurt both companies a lot. Pity for Chrysler, though, cuz I think they really believed the "equals"-BS. [Sorry for being and staying OT]

[fireplace]

an iphone without 3G in the UK is going to be a bit pointless as there will be much higher-specced, cheaper and faster phones out there as competition (on 3G). They may not have the touchscreen tech, cudos of ownership or slightly slicker-looking OS but Apple are seriously in danger of offering style over substance.

We are used to style AND substance with apple products.

for comaprison, the SE W960i. just depends if you need mac compatible or not.

EDIT: oh yeah, back to the thread - the carrier in the UK? i dont really care. there is very little in the way of real benefit for customer loyalty as a private consumer when it comes to new upgrades these days. that has sadly changed a lot in the last 5 years. last time i asked for an upgrade afer 2 years in a contract i was told that i'd be better off changing networks!!!! so i did :)

[Manic Mouse]

I don't understand why Apple have to go exclusive with one carrier. It's just going to hurt sales by locking it down to one carrier. I've been with O2 for years and am very happy with my contract and their customer service. I really want an iPhone and am willing to pay for one, but I am NOT willing to change my service carrier.

Why can't Apple simply sell the phone unlocked? Since all phones in the EU use SIMs this wouldn't be a problem.

[orkle]

But it is ugly as hell!

My girlfriend has one of those and I think it's beautiful. It has to be seen to be believed!

[Much Ado]

Why can't Apple simply sell the phone unlocked? Since all phones in the EU use SIMs this wouldn't be a problem.

Then they'd have to re-negotiate contract cuts with each and every telco.

And they wouldn't have as much control.

[Manic Mouse]

Then they'd have to re-negotiate contract cuts with each and every telco.

And they wouldn't have as much control.

What, Apple wants a cut of my contract because I bought their hardware? They don't need a cut of my contract, in fact they don't deserve a cut of it. I'll pay them for what I buy from them, the hardware.

Sell the iPhone unlocked for £300-400. Sold.

[matthewHUB]

Bushmills - I'll pick up some 16yr on the way home tonight.



the younger the better... ;)

[mr_flibble]

Budweiser is beer ????

I'm not any kind of beer expert but Budweiser is pretty good Czech beer brewed in Ceske Bud-ejovice for several hundred years (vivat Wikipedia)! American version has nothing in common with the original brewery except the name. American Budweiser can't sell "Budweiser" in Europe because Czech brewery is selling their beer there and they are protected by EU. We can buy Czech Budweiser in USA but the name is different because of American Budweiser - they are selling it as Czechwar. Another Czech beer we can buy here is Pilsner and we have even Penn Pilsner brewery in Pittsburgh brewing beer with taste similar to original Pilsner (not alcalic tho..).

[pianojoe]

T-Mobile is the mobile branch of Deutsche T-com which used to be the only phone company in Germany before they allowed private companies into the market in 1998. Many Germans still bear a grudge against the former monopolist, and would rather not do business with them.

When the iPhone comes to Germany, it will have to have UMTS. EDGE as a fallback might be possible. T-com operate a fairly large WiFi network over here.

Pricing and network will be individual for each European country.

Only recently, the big four German mobile phone networks are evolving from "heavily subsidizing" to "bring your own phone" plans. This way, people get used to the real-world price of a cell phone device. The iPhone would fit that concept nicely.

You will not be able to use your U.S. SIM card in a German T-Mobile branded iPhone, that's sure. BTW, iPhone voicemail requires dedicated software on the server side of the network.

[pianojoe]

I don't understand why Apple have to go exclusive with one carrier. It's just going to hurt sales by locking it down to one carrier.
Because the market is saturated. The carriers will not gain marketshare by finding new customers, because everybody already has a cell phone. They want to make you switch, that's all.

BTW, as I mentioned before, iPhone voicemail needs server side support.

[Manic Mouse]

Because the market is saturated. The carriers will not gain marketshare by finding new customers, because everybody already has a cell phone. They want to make you switch, that's all.

Apple are a hardware maker, not a service provider. This has nothing to do with them. They're making about 50% profit per iPhone sold, which is a very good margin. Sell it unlocked, open up your market and sell far more phones.

Unlocked they can sell to 100% of the market. What does carrier marketshare have to do with this, or the iPhone? Not a thing.

BTW, as I mentioned before, iPhone voicemail needs server side support.

Big deal. The most overrated and least used iPhone feature. I know most people would easily give it up for an unlocked phone. I certainly couldn't care less about this feature. Is it worth locking out at least 80% of the market from buying your product for this feature?

[Marvy]

...

My opinion: Germans generally don't tend to look for really innovative nice software concepts and will rather content themselves with cheap ugly solutions that no Apple fan could deem appropriate for usage. I'm a German myself, and I strongly detest and don't understand about everything anybody buys over here. The something similar that I underlined is important, because most people here will say that an ugly plastic lump of cheap Windows based sh|te is just the SAME as the iPhone. They don't see why you should pay a bit more for something that is comfortable in usage, when you can have something that appears to be premium for much less money, albeit not less hassle.

I agree. I remember the time when it seemed everybody in the USA had an iPod, and Germans were still going i-What? It seems Germans usually put off anything new, that they don't know, especially when it's pricey. It took ages until iPods became common here as well.

On the other hand, critical customers might improve the product. In countries with even more electronic gizmos, like Japan or Korea, the iPhone might not surprise people as much as in the States. I hope Apple can show innovation in these countries too, by updating the iPhone appropriately.

[bbcxx]

Quite Frankly, I have gone through many mobile phones in my life and I was frustrated at every single one of them. As a software developer, there were/are many tiny things in each one that pissed the hell out of me that I just wanted to smash my head up the nearest wall. I would switch to any operator if you give me a decent phone that makes sense.


I never had a phone i was happy with. Nobody pays that much attention to design and UI as Apple. Still I don't choose my network becouse of the phone...



I second that. I really hate Canadian carriers with all my heart!!!
They charge for every little move you make with your Fphone! GRRRR yeah, no iPhone for me, thanks. Screw those companies!

note: I really like the iPhone. *crying out loud* See you in 2012 maybe. sigh


Finally someone who thinks the same. I do fancy the iPhone, but I'm pretty sure that the phone will stay an EDGE-only thing in Europe. EDGE--->not really hot, still the carriers will use the iPhone to charge more, becouse people are willing to pay.

[bbcxx]

Interestingly enough, the roaming fees for across-border calls in Europe are now being regulated, making them standardised and substantially reduced. The changes will come into effect this summer:

http://www.europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/870&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Perhaps, this will also mean that it will not really be a problem if Apple ends up using different carriers for different European countries.

/Galex

Being on i.e. Vodafone in the UK, and travelling to Germany using also Vodafone is still roaming. Only 3 acts as one network, but they are in 4 or 5 countries.

[Project]

Apple are a hardware maker, not a service provider. This has nothing to do with them. They're making about 50% profit per iPhone sold, which is a very good margin. Sell it unlocked, open up your market and sell far more phones.

Unlocked they can sell to 100% of the market. What does carrier marketshare have to do with this, or the iPhone? Not a thing.



Big deal. The most overrated and least used iPhone feature. I know most people would easily give it up for an unlocked phone. I certainly couldn't care less about this feature. Is it worth locking out at least 80% of the market from buying your product for this feature?


Visual Voicemail looks dope, but yeah, id take the phone without it for being unlocked.

[MikeDTyke]

Well, of course. I enjoy Talisker often. Nearly as often as Lagavulin 12yr.

The request was for Irish whisky recommendations.

John Powers is the stuff yer after.
Or if your feeling flush, a bottle of Middleton is pure amber goodness.

Bush, is for the tourists or mixing, unless your referring to Black or one of the nicer limited editions.

M. :D

[jhande]

Being on i.e. Vodafone in the UK, and travelling to Germany using also Vodafone is still roaming. Only 3 acts as one network, but they are in 4 or 5 countries.

From a 3g point of view Apple's timing is actually excellent. Apart from the business crowd, where 3g modems with laptops really rock, 3 hasn't taken off quite as fast as the operators hoped. In Denmark the ad campaigns have only lessened slightly since its inception.

The mobile market doesn't need a killer app. It needs a killer platform. It needs a reason for me to use the damn thing, and the sucky phones out there don't do it for me. In Denmark they're running a test where 6 (I believe) TV stations are running an experiment delivering TV directly to mobile phones, but which phone would we use to watch it on?

Apple is in an incredibly strong bargaining position vis a vis the 3g networks, and I really hope that they leverage it as soon as possible.

I haven't bought a 3 phone yet, precisely because there is no compelling user hardware/interface, but now there is. C'mon Apple. 3g phones announced at MacWorld.

My .02

[Tsurisuto]

But it is ugly as hell!

I didn't say "Wow, look how good looking this phone is". i said, it's got 3G and it's only 9mm thick!

[macmax77]

just read Apple is making "too much" profit on the iPhone because they are priced too high and don't cost that much producing them, making them, channeling them, etc.

They should be in the 350 dollars range.

[pianojoe]

Apple are a hardware maker, not a service provider. This has nothing to do with them. They're making about 50% profit per iPhone sold, which is a very good margin. Sell it unlocked, open up your market and sell far more phones. Unlocked they can sell to 100% of the market. What does carrier marketshare have to do with this.

Apple gets a share of the monthly fee the end user pays to AT&T.

The most overrated and least used iPhone feature.

Have you really seen usage statistics of the first four days, broken down to voicemail use, and customer satisfaction with the new system?
I guess not.

[Much Ado]

What, Apple wants a cut of my contract because I bought their hardware? They don't need a cut of my contract, in fact they don't deserve a cut of it. I'll pay them for what I buy from them, the hardware.

Sell the iPhone unlocked for £300-400. Sold.

With all due respect, it's not about what you want, it's about what Apple wants and if they want a contract cut then they are going to find a way to get one, and that means having exclusivity deals with the telco(s).

That is the answer to your original question.

Sure, I'd love an unlocked iPhone, but the reasons why there aren't one are quite obvious.

[Marzipanguy]

They compare the Edge net availability of Vodafone against TMOB. Edgewise TMOB seems to be the frontrunner. So if Apple is producing an UMTS iPhone version for Europe, there is still a chance to avoid German Telekoms greymagenta empire.

http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/mobil/0,1518,492391,00.html

[thfcpoole]

hiya, long time reader, no time poster

I don't know why people think that apple WOULDN'T release a 3g phone in europe. Think about sony Ericsson. The k800i was out 6 months before the k790 yet the k790 had edge instead of 3g and was released in europe. They actually did the reverse of what apple almost inevitably will do. America won't be pissed off, EDGE is really the ideal solution for them. 3G for us. Look at the k790/k800

[bbcxx]

From a 3g point of view Apple's timing is actually excellent. Apart from the business crowd, where 3g modems with laptops really rock, 3 hasn't taken off quite as fast as the operators hoped. In Denmark the ad campaigns have only lessened slightly since its inception.

The mobile market doesn't need a killer app. It needs a killer platform. It needs a reason for me to use the damn thing, and the sucky phones out there don't do it for me. In Denmark they're running a test where 6 (I believe) TV stations are running an experiment delivering TV directly to mobile phones, but which phone would we use to watch it on?

Apple is in an incredibly strong bargaining position vis a vis the 3g networks, and I really hope that they leverage it as soon as possible.

I haven't bought a 3 phone yet, precisely because there is no compelling user hardware/interface, but now there is. C'mon Apple. 3g phones announced at MacWorld.

My .02


Sure, 3G iPhone would be great. But they went for EDGE and they are a bit blind for other markets, other then the US. I'd love the phone on 3, but they won't get the deal.

I love Denmark!!! You guys rock!!! So, when can I come visit...I can use my phone there as if at home...;)

[psendeavor]

American Budweiser can't sell "Budweiser" in Europe because ...It IS available here, but, hey, guess what I pick up at my supermarket, where Bud sits right in between Duvel and Stella on the shelf....

[ABM]

just read Apple is making "too much" profit on the iPhone because they are priced too high and don't cost that much producing them, making them, channeling them, etc.
&
Apple gets a share of the monthly fee the end user pays to AT&T.
... on top! It looks like a cash cow!

[Cloudsurfer]

I hate both Vodafone and T-Mobile. Vodafone is arrogant and T-Mobile has the worst customer service and signal coverage ever. I guess I'll just stick with my Nokia N73 and Telfort, then.

[ogee]

According to N-TV (a German news channel) T-Mobile has denied that they have the contract. Negotiations are still on going they said.

Here is the article in German ( from another report)

http://www.n-tv.de/822861.html

[ABM]

According to N-TV (a German news channel) T-Mobile has denied that they have the contract. Negotiations are still on going they said.

Here is the article in German ( from another report)

http://www.n-tv.de/822861.html

No News! They only quote Handelsblatt.

[dangleheart]

Given the 3G situation discussed here, the next rev of iPhone may have tri-mode for data: EDGE/3G/WI-FI. Just a speculation.

Also, let us not underestimate EDGE being the main reason for Apple talking to T-mobile for Europe. Jobs said that current 3G chips are not feasible for his engineering guidelines in terms of battery drain and size ( packaging ). He is not going to reverse that statement in a few months.

[Manic Mouse]

Apple gets a share of the monthly fee the end user pays to AT&T.

Why? I'm sorry but this seems pretty damn greedy to me. They're already making 50% profit on the hardware itself (fair enough, they make it), but they also want a cut of your contract fee because... what?

Are they going to ask for a cut of your internet service provider's fee next if you use a Mac on the internet?

No wonder other carriers turned them down, no other hardware manufacturer would have the balls to ask for that. More fool to AT&T for agreeing to such ridiculous terms.

Have you really seen usage statistics of the first four days, broken down to voicemail use, and customer satisfaction with the new system?
I guess not.

Like I said, it's hardly worth locking out 80% of your market for this feature. It's a minimal impact convenience feature at best. People can still use voicemail without it, you know.

They've cut out the vast majority of their potential market by locking the iPhone down to one carrier.

[Mada]

What I think we have to remember is that Apple demanded a percentage of the revenue because it's money. if you see a way to make money you go after it and with the iPhone apple had one hell of a bargaining chip

Also Engadget are saying iPhone files point to T-Mobile and Vodafone - Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/files-in-iphone-reveal-overseas-plans-for-t-mobile-vodafone/)

[ik@]

I agree. I remember the time when it seemed everybody in the USA had an iPod, and Germans were still going i-What? It seems Germans usually put off anything new, that they don't know, especially when it's pricey. It took ages until iPods became common here as well.

On the other hand, critical customers might improve the product. In countries with even more electronic gizmos, like Japan or Korea, the iPhone might not surprise people as much as in the States. I hope Apple can show innovation in these countries too, by updating the iPhone appropriately.

********.
Germans have invented the computer.

[kallisti]

Why? I'm sorry but this seems pretty damn greedy to me. They're already making 50% profit on the hardware itself (fair enough, they make it), but they also want a cut of your contract fee because... what?

Are they going to ask for a cut of your internet service provider's fee next if you use a Mac on the internet?

No wonder other carriers turned them down, no other hardware manufacturer would have the balls to ask for that. More fool to AT&T for agreeing to such ridiculous terms.

Like I said, it's hardly worth locking out 80% of your market for this feature. It's a minimal impact convenience feature at best. People can still use voicemail without it, you know.

They've cut out the vast majority of their potential market by locking the iPhone down to one carrier.

(1) I personally find the voicemail feature to be fantastic. Absolutely amazing. Would I have still bought the iPhone without it? Yes. Don't knock it til you've tried it though.

(2) AT&T clearly doesn't share your view that giving some of their monthly revenues to Apple is foolish. Or rather, they feel it will be offset by increased total revenues. We will have to wait to see final sales figures. But if the 600k activations over the weekend is accurate and if a significant number of those are customers new to AT&T, then AT&T may have just gained roughly 300k customers over a 3 day period. I doubt any heads will be rolling at AT&T over proceeding with this "foolish" deal.

[cheekyspanky]

"No one want's to watch video on a tiny screen" or words to that effect shortly before a iPod that plays video was announced.

Jobs says what suits the market at the time. The carriers in Europe will insist on a 3G iPhone because currently they struggle to find something to use the bandwidth available over 3G. The iPhone is the perfect product to get people to realise the power of 3G.

If the iPhone is due in Q4 then the killer feature would be HSDPA, or Turbo 3G as I've heard it called - it would suit the timescales as the various networks are all in the process of rolling it out.

[ik@]

Here's the German
My opinion: Germans generally don't tend to look for really innovative nice software concepts and will rather content themselves with cheap ugly solutions that no Apple fan could deem appropriate for usage. I'm a German myself, and I strongly detest and don't understand about everything anybody buys over here. The something similar that I underlined is important, because most people here will say that an ugly plastic lump of cheap Windows based sh|te is just the SAME as the iPhone. They don't see why you should pay a bit more for something that is comfortable in usage, when you can have something that appears to be premium for much less money, albeit not less hassle.

Kacke man,

your absolutely wrong.

[Digitaljim]

It IS available here, but, hey, guess what I pick up at my supermarket, where Bud sits right in between Duvel and Stella on the shelf....

Duvel is a nice beer. A little strong & sickly for more than 1/2 pint at a time, but still good.

Not a fan of Stella; however i'd pick it every time over Bud.

[Ugg]

If the iPhone is due in Q4 then the killer feature would be HSDPA, or Turbo 3G as I've heard it called - it would suit the timescales as the various networks are all in the process of rolling it out.

What does HSPDA run on? Does it suck power like 3G?

[lwongveros]

whew, just finished reading the 14 pages!

Some comments:

- 3G is technically feasible inside a small package as has been mentioned by others already, here in Europe we have many phones SMALLER than the iPhone with decent battery life so that wouldn't be a problem...however it's difficult to believe that Apple has already got a 3G capable version ready for Q4...

- it's not unrealistic to think that Apple would release a non-3G iPhone (ie. the same version as the U.S.) here in Europe as there are other non-3G phones on sale doing quite well due to their "sexiness" factor... the Samsung U600 comes to mind. That said, a non-3G phone would definitely not be as appealing to the European market - after all, it's very handy to use my 3G phone as a bluetooth modem for my laptop when I'm waiting around in airports!

- Apple has no option but to negotiate with several mobile operators as there does not exist a single operator to cover most of Europe, as already mentioned, even going with Vodafone, T-Mobile and others would still leave big "coverage" holes for Apple's distribution goals

- as already mentioned, the current lack of MMS and video recording could definitely be taken care of via firmware upgrades... however it bothers me somewhat that there is no removable memory slot, would have been nice to have the option of storing video on an external 4GB stick - but I understand Apple, they want to make it as simple and sleek as possible.

- the activation process in Europe could very well be different than in the U.S. It's one thing to have a single operator like AT&T in the USA integrated between the iTunes application and the operator's backoffice - but integrate several European operators by the same means I would be no small undertaking. Then again... Apple could publish the integration requirements/guidelines to the operators and simply tell them to certify that it works before they can even think of selling the iPhone...

Sorry, thinking out-loud... amazing how a "mobile phone" has had such a significant impact around the world! :)

[cheekyspanky]

What does HSPDA run on? Does it suck power like 3G?

Basically an upgraded version of 3G.. the phones I've used have had battery life comparable with any other 3G handset really.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSDPA

Most phones coming out are hitting the 3.6 Mbit point at the moment, so a lot quicker than EDGE!

[Compile 'em all]

whew, just finished reading the 14 pages!

Some comments:

- 3G is technically feasible inside a small package as has been mentioned by others already, here in Europe we have many phones SMALLER than the iPhone with decent battery life so that wouldn't be a problem...however it's difficult to believe that Apple has already got a 3G capable version ready for Q4...


Why do you think so?. May be Apple already had a 3G revision ready at the same time as the current one but didn't release it in the US because of the lack of UMTS coverage.

[DonSqueak]

********.
Germans have invented the computer.

Oh! Well then, that definitely proves.... errrrr...... IT! Er, like...

Kacke man,

your absolutely wrong.

Your argument being...? That Germans invented the computer? Or... what?

[Jim Campbell]

They're already making 50% profit on the hardware itself.

No, they're not. Someone has pulled an iPhone apart and taken an educated guess at a ballpark figure for the total cost of the components, which works out to about half the retail price of the iPhone.

This rather disingenuously assumes that there are no R&D budgets to recoup, no packaging or shipping costs, no factory labour costs, and that retail outlets are staffed by volunteers in premises that have no overheads.

Cheers!

Jim

[DonSqueak]

No, they're not. Someone has pulled an iPhone apart and taken an educated guess at a ballpark figure for the total cost of the components, which works out to about half the retail price of the iPhone.

This rather disingenuously assumes that there are no R&D budgets to recoup, no packaging or shipping costs, no factory labour costs, and that retail outlets are staffed by volunteers in premises that have no overheads.

Cheers!

Jim

Finally someone says it.

[ik@]

Oh! Well then, that definitely proves.... errrrr...... IT! Er, like...



Your argument being...? That Germans invented the computer? Or... what?

Prove first your arguments, please.

[Mitch1984]

We are you all so fussed about 3G?? I really don't understand. I have a Vodagroan 3G mobile (SonyEricsson V600i), and don't use 3G AT ALL! I don't do video calls, I don't use MMS. The iPhone is right up my street as is! I don't know anyone that does use the 3G functionality of their phone, even though they might have it.


Because 3G is faster and I use MMS.

[DonSqueak]

Prove first your arguments, please.

That's funny, cuz I forgot to mention how Germans usually seem to behave like kindergarten kids in Internet forums. Anyway, I just stated my opinion after living here in Germany for the last 20 odd years after posting and summarizing an article from a German newspaper. You just came in, said "sh|te" in German and after writing a rather useless sentence claiming Germans invented the first computer you just state "not true". Would it hurt you to elaborate a little further upon your opinion, or are you just trolling around? [sorry for OT to everyone else, but the thread seems pretty much done anyway]

[ik@]

That's funny, cuz I forgot to mention how Germans usually seem to behave like kindergarten kids in Internet forums. Anyway, I just stated my opinion after living here in Germany for the last 20 odd years after posting and summarizing an article from a German newspaper. You just came in, said "sh|te" in German and after writing a rather useless sentence claiming Germans invented the first computer you just state "not true". Would it hurt you to elaborate a little further upon your opinion, or are you just trolling around? [sorry for OT to everyone else, but the thread seems pretty much done anyway]

Sounds a little bit like racism.

[DonSqueak]

Sounds a little bit like racism.

Whatever. Troll (don't feed btw).

[ik@]

Whatever. Troll (don't feed btw).

You are the shepard.

[cliffjumper68]

No, they're not. Someone has pulled an iPhone apart and taken an educated guess at a ballpark figure for the total cost of the components, which works out to about half the retail price of the iPhone.

This rather disingenuously assumes that there are no R&D budgets to recoup, no packaging or shipping costs, no factory labour costs, and that retail outlets are staffed by volunteers in premises that have no overheads.

Cheers!

Jim
Still a great margin, hopefully this will expedite future dev

[ABM]

There are new rumors about partnership between german T-Mobile and Apple!

Focus Online found out that there was a special site/category on the T-Mobile Homepage for iPhone. After their request at T-Mobile it was deleted within no time. Although the search-option shows Apple like orthography when it is telling you that there are no results for "iPhone".

http://p3.focus.de/img/gen/Y/i/HBYiJCk2_Pxgen_r_467xA.jpg

source: http://macnews.de/news/101308.html

[Compile 'em all]

There are new rumors about partnership between german T-Mobile and Apple!

Focus Online found out that there was a special site/category on the T-Mobile Homepage for iPhone. After their request at T-Mobile it was deleted within no time. Although the search-option shows Apple like orthography when it is telling you that there are no results for "iPhone".

source: http://macnews.de/news/101308.html

That is pretty interesting. It looks like T-Mobile getting the iPhone is becoming a reality. Which sucks cause I am currently with o2 :(

[ABM]

That is pretty interesting. It looks like T-Mobile getting the iPhone is becoming a reality. Which sucks cause I am currently with o2 :(

Yeah... I know! I am with E-Plus Business at the moment.

[davidmyers]

This is really good news.

I would imagine that if this relationship solidifies, T-Mo will be be
one of the first companies in the US to get the iphone when it
inevitably expands past ATT.

T-Mobile Gets Exclusive Rights For iPhone In Germany -Report

Jul 3, 2007 13:19:00 (ET)

BERLIN (Dow Jones)--T-Mobile International AG has obtained the exclusive rights to distribute the iPhone in Germany, beating out rival Vodafone Group PLC's (VOD) German unit D2, according to an advance report of Wednesday's edition of daily Rheinische Post.

T-Mobile is the wireless telephone operator of German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom AG (DT). The iPhone cellphone was recently launched in the U.S. from Apple Inc. (AAPL), which will later this year also be introduced in Europe.

The phone will go on sale in November, and will retail for EUR450 a piece, according to the newspaper, citing sources within the company. T-Mobile declined to comment.

Newspaper Web site: http://www.rp-online.de

-Berlin Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; 49-30-2888-410

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 03, 2007 13:19 ET (17:19 GMT)

==================================================

Anybody know if T-Mobile is a 3G network in Germany?

[davidmyers]

Does anyone know if Tmo in Germany is going to also start offering their
wireless calling deal there too? The plan in the US is for TMo to start
offering an add-on service where if you are in a wifi spot, your call
switches seamlessly in mid-call to being voip'd. Apparently they won't
deduct airtime minutes for such calls.

In many ways the iphone would be rockin' if you could be off ATT's
net, so it would be a marriage made in heaven for iphone+tmo-by-wifi.
If the German deal can show a synergy for these services, I would be
unsurprised by some sweet intro offers for apple+tmo-with-wifi.

Tmo's wifi thing is 10$/mo for the rollout period, and after that
I think it's going to be 20. I can see a fair number of people
dropping their home phone, and also leaving their cable-company voip
if this were available.

So excited about Tmo!

[ABM]

Anybody else seen this:

http://mitglied.lycos.de/px80/iphone_mediamarkt.jpg

Looks like the iphone would not be for sale only at apple stores or shops of the network provider.

[Compile 'em all]

Anybody else seen this:

http://mitglied.lycos.de/px80/iphone_mediamarkt.jpg

Looks like the iphone would not be for sale only at apple stores or shops of the network provider.

Is this ad on mediamarkt website?

[Shotglass]

Anybody else seen this:

http://mitglied.lycos.de/px80/iphone_mediamarkt.jpg

Looks like the iphone would not be for sale only at apple stores or shops of the network provider.NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Please say this is a fake.
I was already pissed that T-Mobile would be 'in charge' of German iPhones, but MediaMarkt? Are they insane? That store sucks!

I hate my country. :(

[Compile 'em all]

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Please say this is a fake.
I was already pissed that T-Mobile would be 'in charge' of German iPhones, but MediaMarkt? Are they insane? That store sucks!


It is not fake. The promotion can be seen in mediamarkt's website here (http://www.mediamarkt.de/handy-buero/ps/apple_iphone/). They don't mention anything in regards to pricing or date of availability though.

[ABM]

They don't mention anything in regards to pricing or date of availability though.

That's right but all of those little crappy pieces of information make it more reasonable to think of the big announcement taking place in a few days.

[Ugg]

MediaMarkt may not be the best place but it's in Apple's best interest to have as many sales outlets as possible.

[CmdrLaForge]

Media Markt and Saturn (owned by the same company) are currently partnering with Apple. Apple has Store in Stores at Saturn.

[ABM]

Media Markt and Saturn (owned by the same company) are currently partnering with Apple. Apple has Store in Stores at Saturn.

BUT: Media Markt and Saturn are strictly separated! Only Saturn has Apple "Shops" with full range sortiment, yet. Media Markt ist just selling iPods and nothing else... up to date.

[CmdrLaForge]

BUT: Media Markt and Saturn are strictly separated! Only Saturn has Apple "Shops" with full range sortiment, yet. Media Markt ist just selling iPods and nothing else... up to date.

That is just not true. In my next Media Markt they sell iMacs, Macbooks and Macbook Pros + Cinema Displays. They are just not featured in any special way. But e.g. the Macbook and Macbook Pro just sits in line with all the crap.

[ABM]

That is just not true. In my next Media Markt they sell iMacs, Macbooks and Macbook Pros + Cinema Displays. They are just not featured in any special way. But e.g. the Macbook and Macbook Pro just sits in line with all the crap.

Really? In Saturn markets i know there are special apple corners - like shop in shop. I can't remember any Media Markt selling Apple computers.

[Shotglass]

There's a shop in shop at the local MediaMarkt. Saturn....I don't know, I don't do Saturn.
Anyway, this blows.

[BogusTrumper]

Really? In Saturn markets i know there are special apple corners - like shop in shop. I can't remember any Media Markt selling Apple computers.

Media Markt has started to establish some shop-in-shops: http://www.mediamarkt.de/maerkte/marktgalerie.php?galleryid=327&marktid=16796151
Although I'd never buy my Apple-related stuff at Media Markt.

[ABM]

Gravis and Karstadt told Wirtschaftswoche that they will offer the iPhone too.

source: http://macgadget.de/node/1036