Telstra to carry iPhone 3G

Telstra has confirmed earlier reports and announced sales of the iPhone 3G, according to the Australian carrier's website. The phone will take advantage of Telstra's Next G broadband network, which has the broadest coverage in the country in part due to support for the 850MHz band; the company has otherwise announced very few details, with customers being expected to register interest in a particular iPhone, along with any accessories they might be curious as about such as a Bluetooth headset, a "dual dock," and a TTY adapter.

Already known is that base costs will be $279 AUD for an 8GB phone, and $399 for a 16GB one; this is in tandem with a $30-per-month plan and a two-year contract. At the opposite end of the scale, subscribers will be able to get the 8GB phone for free at $80 per month, or the 16GB model for free at $100 per month. All subscriptions will offer free access to Telstra Wi-Fi hotspots.

Unexpected is that the carrier is planning a launch on July 11th, despite having made an announcement long after rivals Vodafone and Optus. It had been anticipated that Telstra would launch 11 days later, on July 22nd.

by MacNN Staff