Unlocked French iPhones for UK customers?
updated 02:15 pm EST, Fri November 9, 2007
Unlocked iPhones for UK?
UK customers waiting to purchase Apple's iPhone today when the device hits store shelves are required to sign up for an 18-month contract with wireless carrier O2, but those looking for an unlocked version of Apple's handset might be able to wait and purchase an unlocked device in France. French telecommunications law states that all mobile phones must be offered to customers unlocked -- making every handset usable with any compatible wireless carrier. Apple is likely eying several options to discourage or prevent UK customers from traveling to France in the hopes of purchasing an unlocked iPhone, according to Telegraph.co.uk.
French law ensures that residents of that country will be able to purchase unlocked iPhones directly there. UK customers traveling to France could, in theory, also purchase those unlocked iPhones to avoid entering into a binding contract with Apple's exclusive UK cellular carrier, O2.
Some believe Apple is working closely with Orange to enact safeguards against UK residents purchasing unlocked iPhones in France. Analyst Ben Woods of CSS Insight says Apple will likely make it extremely difficult for "iPhone tourists" to purchase unlocked phones, and lists three potential solutions for the Cupertino-based company.
One strategy could involve pricing unlocked French iPhones substantially higher than locked handsets, which would discourage customers both inside and outside of France from purchasing unlocked phones. That option could clash with French law, however, as many could see higher pricing on unlocked iPhones as a means of bypassing the prospect of customer choice.
Apple might also ship unlocked iPhones with support for the French language only, making the device unusable by all non-native language speakers.
A third potential involves unlocking the iPhones for all cellular carriers within France only, thereby enabling French customers to purchase and use iPhones with any local carrier but preventing foreigners from snatching up the devices and using them with carriers of their own choosing elsewhere. French law is unclear, however, about whether unlocked phones must work on any network around the globe or just those networks available in France.
really?
11/09, 02:26pm reply
You know, why doesn't apple just sell the damn phone?!?!? I know it's just $$$, but as a consumer I hate 2 year contracts. I'll never get an iphone as long as I'm tied to one carrier for so long.
zaghahzag
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Aug 2006
unlocked = no contract
11/09, 02:34pm reply
Like any phone on the market, unlocked version can be bought for a higher price. If you really want one without a contract, go get an unlocked iPhone from ebay.
dliup
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
hehe
11/09, 02:36pm reply
If they ship them as french only phones, people in Quebec are going to buy it from France.
Athens
Addicted to MacNN
Joined: Jan 2003
thats why i no buy
11/09, 02:45pm reply
Haven't bought an iPwn due to contract/AT&T
jeph4e
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
Wanna pay $700?
11/09, 03:14pm reply
The price for the iPhone is $400 in the US because it is subsidised over two years. Same with the European markets. Once they release it in France, I wouldn't be surprised if the price for the unlocked model went as high at EUR 600 (almost $900). You don't get something for nothing and $350 (in US) which is the average what Apple gets from AT&T for each phone (over two years) has do be made up from somewhere.
Like any phone on the marked, unlocked version will be available for (much) higher price.
I'm sure whiners will continue to whine, if not for lack of availability of an unlocked version, then for its price.
vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
Not for me
11/09, 03:28pm reply
I am a Brit living and working in France, and already decided that I will not be buying the unlocked version as there is sure to be a significant price premium. Switching carriers in France takes too long so I won't be going to Orange either - so I took the option of buying an iPod touch (in Texas!) to complement my Razr Vi (which is not the iTunes version either as that is not allowed in Europe!)
Geordiekeith
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2003
Subsidised?
11/09, 03:45pm reply
You don't seriously believe that, do you.
You're the same person who believes the oil companies are barely making a profit.
You're the same person who believes the ATM fees are due to banking costs.
You're the same person who believes there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and that's why the U.S. invaded.
dmsimmer
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2005
Re: wanna pay $700
11/09, 03:49pm reply
Yes, they do. They know it'll cost more. But who cares. Arguing "It'll cost more, that's why they don't do it!" is stupid, since it would cost Apple very little to offer an unlocked version. If it doesn't sell, it doesn't sell. How hard would it be?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Coming to DK as well
11/09, 06:14pm reply
Debitel is importing it to DK as well, and it's gonna sell for DKK 5895,- or about $ 1650,- without a contract and SIM unlocked. That might sounds as much, but it's about the same price as a Nokia N95, so it you want a smart phone, it's not that much..
Marook
Forum Regular
Joined: May 1999
EDIT
11/09, 06:14pm reply
the DK price is equal to $1165,- ;-)
Marook
Forum Regular
Joined: May 1999