Will put an end to T-Mobile exclusivity

Deutsche Telekom-owned carrier T-Mobile will soon lose its exclusive hold over German iPhone sales, sources tell the Wall Street Journal. O2 and Vodafone are expected to begin selling iPhones in the country in time for the Christmas shopping season. Negotiations are allegedly still ongoing, but already at an advanced stage. Launch times are contingent on the end of T-Mobile's exclusivity agreement, which could come as soon as October.

Germany is believed to be the last major European nation hampered by exclusive iPhone contracts. Indeed many regions around the world now have multiple iPhone carriers, leaving Germany and the United States as exceptions, rather than the rule. The US could gain Verizon as a second carrier in the next few months if recurring reports prove accurate.

T-Mobile has been enjoying good revenue from the iPhone, but has complained about cooperation in selling the iPhone 4. Deutsche Telekom's managing director for Germany, Niek Jan van Damme, notes that it can take up to nine weeks to get a new iPhone locally. That wait is three times the length of one for an American customer.

by MacNN Staff