True cost of the 3G iPhone - €499 to €569

[-M7-]

According to the official press release from Vodafon Italia, they offer the new iPone unsubsidized for 499 (8 GB) and 569 (16 GB) EUR.

Looks like the US AT&T pricing isn't so bad after all.
($10 increase in rates)

The 3G iPhone will be available to both contract customers, based on particularly simple price plans, and to pay-as-you-go users, and will include a wide range of data offerings. By choosing a contract price plan, such as iPhone Vodafone Facile, it will be possible, for example, to have an Apple phone at a particularly attractive price. People preferring a pre-pay plan for private users can buy the 8Gb iPhone for €499 or the 16GB model for €569.

http://www.vodafone.com/start/media_relations/news/local_press_releases/italy/italy_press_release/vodafone_italia_launches1.html

 

[gembeetle]

So much for the 3G iphone being more 'affordable'. Oh well, at least italy has pay as you go option, Vodafone New Zealand has backtracked and are now only offering it on account - but that is a huge price for a pay as you go if people are hoping to import them from other countries!