O2, Vodafone to sell iPhone 4 in Germany
updated 04:20 pm EDT, Tue October 12, 2010
Breaks long-held T-Mobile exclusivity
O2 and Vodafone have both announced plans to sell the iPhone 4 in Germany, according to Dow Jones. Launches should take place within the next few weeks, although subscription plans and pricing details have yet to be revealed. The news marks the end of a contract between Apple and T-Mobile, which has given the latter party exclusive rights to carry the German iPhone since 2007.
T-Mobile has benefited significantly from iPhone sales, but exclusivity is an increasingly rare phenomenon. Most countries in the world now have multiple iPhone carriers, the notable exception being the United States, which is still locked to AT&T. Even this arrangement is expected to open up with a Verizon model in early 2011.
To boost interest in smartphones of all kinds, T-Mobile is ending plans exclusive to the iPhone, and either lowering the costs of general smartphone plans or increasing their value. The most expensive option -- which includes unlimited calling and data -- is set to fall from €120 to €100 a month beginning on November 3rd. T-Mobile is Germany's largest cellular carrier, with just under 37 million subscribers.
