Device previously sold unlocked

(Updated with correction) Two carriers have announced direct sales of the iPhone 3G and 3GS in Hong Kong, according to reports. SmarTone-Vodafone has not revealed any prices or a release date, but is now registering interest through a form on its website. The other carrier, 3, has likewise not published a launch date, but has posted prices.

An 8GB iPhone 3G is free with any plan costing $248 HKD or more per month under a two-year contract, while a 16GB 3GS is free with the top-end $398 ($51 US) plan. Phone costs can otherwise vary significantly, from as little as $380 to as much as $4,880 based on combinations of plans and devices. Data allowances range between 100 and 500MB, except under the $398 tariff, which provides unlimited bandwidth. Pre-paid options are also available.

Both the 3G and 3GS have been sold in Hong Kong for some time, but mainly as unlocked products offered directly by Apple. The region was one of the first in the world to offer unlocked iPhones. In most countries, including mainland China, iPhones are tied to particular providers.

Update: While SmarTone has yet to make an introduction, 3 has been carrying the 3GS since the summer. MacNN regrets the error.

by MacNN Staff