Apple opening to all operators in all markets on iPhone?

 Apple may offer the iPhone in all international markets, liberalising its distibution of the device to include all carriers, a report suggests this morning.

Bloomberg is reporting statements to this effect made by the CEO of Singapore mobile phone carrier, MobileOne. Company boss Neil Montefiore told media: "I think, before the end of the year we will be” carrying the phones in our stores. It will become available in all markets, with all operators.”

Now, this could simply mean Apple will be offering the device in all international markets by the end of the year through operators it has already reached a deal with, or could signal a newly liberal approach.

If the latter, then it’s interesting this news emerges as an earlier report explains Orange will join O2 in offering the iPhone in the UK before the end of the year. Could these two matters be connected?

Singapore Telecommunications in May it won rights to distribute iPhone in Singapore, though a release date hasn’t yet been confirmed. StarHub Ltd.,  also expects to offer the device this year.