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Ryan Faas

Biting the Apple

European carriers ink iPhone deals

5 comments

IT TOPICS:Emerging Technology, Macintosh & Apple, Mobile & Wireless, Personal Technology

After months of speculation, the Financial Times in London is reporting that three carriers have signed deals to carry the iPhone in Europe. Several rumors of T-Mobile selling Apple's revolutionary phone in Germany and Orange carrying it in France both turned out to be on the money. O2 reportedly signed the deal for the UK. All three companies have reportedly signed exclusivity deals (as AT&T did in the US). All three agreements are expected to be announced in the IFA trade fair in Berlin at the end of this month. All three companies are refusing to comment on the report. The reports come after months of effort on the parts of European carriers to be the first companies to offer the iPhone. Also noted in the story is that all three companies have agreed to turn over 10% of revenue from phone and data services used by iPhone customers. So far, no solid news about iPhone availability in Canada, though previous information indicates Rogers Wireless as the most likely candidate for a Canadian iPhone provider. US iPhone owners traveling in Canada and the UK report no issues in using the product outside the US (though international data roaming charges can add up significantly if customers do not request suspension of data service before travel).

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The iPhone, like any other

Submitted by ScottytheMenace on August 23, 2007 - 11:52 P.M.

The iPhone, like any other phone, is only as good as the network that carries it. Apple made a massive mistake giving exclusivity to the absolutely HIDEOUS Cingular/AT&T. Their network is horrible and their customer service is worse. Apple had the opportunity to truly revolutionize the mobile phone industry by shattering the exclusivity model. They blew it.

As much as I drool over the iPhone, I will never own one. No matter how cool and amazing it is, it will never overcome Cingular's ineptitude.

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Steve is a product of

Submitted by Lauren on August 23, 2007 - 3:15 P.M.

Steve is a product of technology burn out. Its not his fault. He expects that a product is ultimately just reduced to its features, mostly because tech manufacturers cram as many features as they can into products without caring about whether and end-user can actually use them.

I hate my cell phone. I have always hated my cell phone. The internet is terrible. The music is impossible to navigate. The games aren't enjoyable. My cell phone has music, games and the internet alright, but it is in no way an iPhone.

I care about ease of use and accessability of these features. There are no cell phone manufacturers that provide this currently. Some get close and they are getting better, but the iPhone is a quantum leap. Carriers are lining up because there are people like me who know that the phone will create loyalty in me. They are right.

Bring me the iPhone, end my cell phone misery, and I will stay with your carrier and be a loyal customer. Even if it is Roger's up in Canada.

Poorly received is a bad choice of words. Despite being considered one of the wonders of the tech world, it has been considered one of the most successful product launches in history - according to Wired.

Poor, poor Steve.

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Sorry - badly

Submitted by John B. on August 22, 2007 - 10:21 A.M.

Sorry - badly received.......?

I read one story indicating a customer sat percentage in the high nineties (with the only real complaint being the slow AT&T network)

And nearly all the reviews I've seen have been overwhelmingly positive.

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The iPhone has been badly

Submitted by steve gardiner on August 22, 2007 - 2:47 A.M.

The iPhone has been badly received everywhere by the press, critics and users.
Therefore why would these main operators be queing up to sell somebody elses brand?
Why would they all agree to ( and pay extra for) exclusivity in different European countries?
After all, its just a mobile with an MP3/MP4 player attached?

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Just a mobile with an MP3

Submitted by phil on August 22, 2007 - 1:50 P.M.

Just a mobile with an MP3 player attached? Have you not looked closely?

Being Canadian, I am waiting for it to make it's arrival in Canada. But I'm not getting it because of the iPod. I have an iPod with 20GB and I wouldn't sacrifice that for the 4/8GB the iPhone's come with.

I'm all for the internet device and the ease of use of the phone itself. I can't tell you how many times I've been out and about and need an internet connection that instant. This will be of HUGE convenience in my life.

If you want "just a mobile", look at any other phone (other than blackberry).

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