When it comes to choosing a network, it looks like Australian iPhone users will be given the world's best choice (Czech that!) - the device will be offered by three carriers in the country.
We knew Optus and Vodafone planned to offer the gadget, but news from down under now reports Telstra too is getting in on the iAction.
Telstra chief Sol Trujillo may make an announcement to this effect next week, according to local reports. That's significant, because Telstra is Australia's largest mobile network. But while the two smaller operators will begin selling the device on July 11, Telstra is allegedly looking to commence sales on 22 July.
Vodafone's pre-registration website for the iPhone has attracted about 40,000 visitors daily since opening the site early last week, while Optus has stopped accepting advance deposits, as it can't keep up with demand.
Only Hutchison at present is left in the cold, as the only carrier in Australia without an iPhone.
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We have three carriers too -
We have three carriers too - Czech Republic (T-Mobile, Vodafone, and now O2 as well)
Not only that
Not only these Three either. Apparently our 4th major Carrier, 3, is in talks to get it as well. While no announcements have been made apparently there are memos etc. going about Three saying they are in negotiations to get it and will probably get it but there are no deals made yet.
If we're lucky we could have all our major carriers getting it (our 5th major carrier is wholly owned by Optus, who already have the phone).
Poland will have 2 operator
Poland will have 2 operator to offer the iPhone (Orange and T-Mobile(well, the operator is ERA, but T-Mobile is it's parent company). While in Germany it will only be available through T-Mobile. And that is the the reason I probably won't get the iPhone. T-Mobile is just tooo damn expensive! It is a part of the Deutsche Telekom, which used to have the monopoly on telecommunication (well that was some time ago). They still have the largest marketshare, have the best coverage (although Vodafone is quite close), are by far the most expensive and most of the not-so-new generation of Germans choose T-Mobile as their prefered provider. Their unlimited data plans for the iPhone range from 50-90€ depending on the included talk-minutes and SMS, extra minutes cost 29c and extra SMS are 19c (euro-cent that is)!!! Damn!! I have a pre-paid card that costs me at most 13c per minute/SMS and with no monthly fee!! Anyways...Out of all the operators here in Germany, T-Mobile is the last option I'd choose and unfortunatly the only one to offer iPhone.
Screw this... I'm moving back to Poland... Just to have a choice!
Virgin Mobile
Australia has 5 carriers: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Hutchison (which trades as "3") and Virgin Mobile (owned by Optus as JakePT mentioned). Note that Virgin has made no mention of getting the iPhone anywhere on its website: http://www.virginmobile.com.au
Eventually
Eventually that's what's going to happen in every country - all operators carrying the iPhone. And the iPhone will probably be unlocked too if you want to pay the price. I'm sure this only stands for this main model, then there'll be more pro models not necessarily called phone but with phone radios that Apple will market as computers / mini-tablets.
Would Telstra's subsidiaries offer the iPhone as well?
If so that'd be cool, as they operates CSL, Hong Kong's largest (and best, but also most expensive...) carrier... so Hong Kong might have hopes of getting an extra carrier with iPhones as well... 3 sucks in Hong Kong
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