Cheaper than American plans

Carrier KT has exposed details of the South Korean iPhone launch, confirming reports that the product will be released locally on November 28th. Plans are set to cost 45,000 ($39), 65,000 ($56) or 95,000 won ($82) per month on contract. Phone prices vary accordingly; a 32GB 3GS is set at 396,000 won ($342) under a base plan, but only 132,000 won ($114) under the most expensive plan. The 16GB 3GS and the 8GB 3G have been made free in some combinations.

The options are cheaper than their American equivalents, although KT has yet to publish information on included minutes, texts and data. More significant in the launch may be Apple's entry into the fierce Korean cellphone market; the country has long been dominated by local manufacturers LG and Samsung, which in the past have benefited from government protection. Korean phones also tend to be more advanced as a rule, with features such as faster broadband and mobile TV tuners.

by MacNN Staff