iPhone 3GS being deliberately withheld in Spain?
updated 11:00 am EDT, Mon October 12, 2009
Telefonica may be attempting to clear 3G stock
The iPhone 3GS is essentially unavailable in Spain, reports from the country claim. The device is believed to be in short or non-existent supply from official carrier Telefonica, as well any of the company's associated third-party outlets. Some sources in the region say they have been on multiple waiting lists for weeks or months, in at least once instance going as far back as July.
Telefonica has attributed the problem to Apple, arguing that the company is not producing high enough volumes to meet demand. That view may be backed by other international shortages, and a statement from Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, saying that the company is working to correct supply issues. Some reports suggest however that Telefonica's mobile division is deliberately withholding 3GS stock, in an attempt to clear out unsold quantities of the iPhone 3G.
When the 3GS was announced for Spain, price cuts as deep as 75 percent are said to have taken effect for the 3G. Telefonica is also claimed to be marketing the 3G as if it were no different from the 3GS, despite the latter having a faster processor, a better camera, video recording and voice control.
At present the only option for getting a 3GS in Spain may involve buying an unlocked phone from the likes of TecnoMobile, which is charging between €699 and €799.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
It probably can't be helped...
Lots of countries have had short supplies of iPhones. Foxconn was supposedly assembling iPhones at a rate beyond their normal capacity. I just hope they don't try to cut corners or push the workers to the point that they're unable to do their jobs properly. It's great that the iPhone is in high demand, and things like short supply can and does happen. Supplies may only get worse before and during the holiday season.