iPhone International Unlocked

[ParishYoung]

I have a "contact" in Italy, where I understand they sell unlocked iPhone 3G's.

I was wondering if I sent them the cash, would they be able to buy one for me then bring it back to the Uk for use on Orange UK??

What would it entail?
Would they need to sign up to a contract, or can they be purchased without contract?

Can someone help me with this please?

Thanks

 

[ParishYoung]

I mean, if they are unlocked I would have thought there would have been more of them on eBay by now.

Also, would they remain unlocked following future software updates from Apple if done in the UK?

 

[spinstorm]

Italian iPhone and those from Hong Kong are unlocked!

Have a look at Apple's support page.

I believe you have to activate initially with a Vodafone/TIM SIM to get it working but then any SIM would work.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1937

You might have to get some Italian guy off the street to buy it for you as you may have to have italian ID to purchase it unlocked.

 

[ParishYoung]

but my friend is already Italian, would he need to sign up for a contract? or do they have pre-paid / Pay As You Go agreements?

 

[spinstorm]

Its pay as you go from what I can tell... but its 499 Euro I believe for 8GB.

Have a look at the vodafone italy page.