Russian carriers show Apple the door.

[PollyK]

Well this may be old news to some, but it's another example of how competition helps everyone, including carriers. We're all aware the ridiculous demands Apple has for any carrier that wants to deal the iPhone. Well in Russia the carries obviously feel they no longer need to bend over for Apple. They simply said no thank you. And it more than likely is because of strong demand for other devices. Devices most likely from Samsung. So Samsung now has the FBI, the Navy, and Russia. Lol

http://m.gsmarena.com/precedent_last_major_russian_carrier_drops_deal_with_apple-news-6369.php

 

[jeepik]

it simple

the iphone costs too much in Russia

everyone has a friend in the USA and they simply buy them the iPhones unlocked here and bring them over there.

in the end, Apple still wins. they still sell the iphone


Russian Carriers had exponentially more iphones activated then they sold, this got them clued in

 

[aristobrat]

In their Q3 conference call a few days ago, Apple said of Russia that "80% of phones are sold retail, outside of carriers."

Like jeepik mentioned, iPhones are mega expensive over there. Russian carriers aren't allowed to subsidize the price. If Russian carriers are anything like US carriers (in terms of being pushy and annoying), why bother buying from them if they can't make the phone any less expensive?

 

[2298754]

This is very similar to China. People just buy them out of retail and get a great market import. If you can afford an iPhone in Russia, you know how to get an iPhone through other routes. Simple as that.

 

[cynics]

Apple is to controlling and too expensive especially in Russia because Apple will sell the carrier the phone and also set the subsidy as part of their agreement. But in Russia Apple sells the iPhone for too much and its not profitable for the carrier which is why the big 3 dropped the iPhone.

Apple is currently selling the 16 GB iPhone 5 for $925 USD in Russia. Its a terrible rip off.

The price is the same on Apples Russian webpage as it is in their Russian retail stores.

 

[skratch77]

The top end android phones are just as much in Russia.

The msrp of the gs4 is the same price as the iPhone 5

The 32gb gs4 is about 37000 rubies and that's like 1200 us dollars and the gs4 is making record sales in Russia

 

[cnev3]

but it's another example of how competition helps everyone

Competition helps everyone when it offers people more choices. Taking away a choice (in this case, the iPhone) is a loss for consumers.

 

[aristobrat]

The 32gb gs4 is about 37000 rubies and that's like 1200 us dollars and the gs4 is making record sales in Russia

Looks like Samsung may have done some creative stuff to help make that happen.

Galaxy S4's record-breaking sales in Russia come as a result of the inspired preparatory work Samsung has done with its partners, mobile phone operators and retailers, which have direct access to consumers.

For instance, Samsung made a deal with a leading Russian operator, MTS, whereby buyers of the new smartphone will not have to pay for their calls for a year. This is not a typical offer for Russia, where phones are rarely sold with a contract.

http://rbth.ru/business/2013/04/30/samsung_galaxy_s4_enjoys_record_sales_in_russia_25621.html