macnn
09/26/2008, 9:10am, EDT
Friday, September 26th
Russian iPhone to go on sale October 3rd
The iPhone should go on sale in Russia October 3rd, Reuters reports. Nadezhda Senyuk, a PR director for Russia's Tekhnosila retail chain, explains that several retailers should begin selling the iPhone overnight between October 2nd and 3rd. Two other retailers, Eldorado and M.video, have confirmed Senyuk's statements by issuing separate announcements of an October 3rd sell date. Eldorado says it expects total iPhone sales in the country to reach 150,000 for 2008, out of which Eldorado hopes to claim 15,000.
The chain says it will sell an 8GB phone for 22,999 roubles ($924), while a 16GB model will cost 26,999 ($1,084). While these prices are substantially higher than in North America, the UK and several other regions, they should not force Russians to adopt a carrier contract. People will also be able an iPhone directly from the three supporting Russian carriers, which include MTS, MegaFon and Vimpelcom.
Filed under: iPhone
Other story tags: iPhone 3G, Russia, MTS, VimpelCom, Megafon
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Wrong
Every iPhone sold will be sold with a contract only.
So, that's $930 plus a mandatory 2-year contract.
Wrong
Every iPhone sold will be sold with a contract only.
So, that's $930 plus a mandatory 2-year contract.
Correct!
It turns out that iPhones that are being sold by at least two large retailers in my country are contract-free. You can buy them at M-Video and Evroset. Insert a SIM card and you are good to go.
The price tag is of course ridiculous and in absence of iTunes Store in Russia iPhones and iPods Touch do not seem like a sensible buy. Besides, Me Mobile subscription is about 50 per cent more expensive here than in the US and the service is all in English so what's the point? However, there are hopes that Apple will finally find its feet and offer the same or similar services in Russia as most of the world enjoy; I know it will remain very expensive for a long time.