3G iPhone in pipeline

According to reputable sources, the new 3G iPhone is on its way to an AT & T store near you later this year. That is of course, if you live in the USA.

The big question that everyone wants an answer to over here in New Zealand is, who will be the official iPhone supplier for New Zealand? Speculation has been free flowing, with some saying that Orcon will be the first official provider.

I'm not much of a tech head when it comes to IT network stuff (especially the mobile phone stuff), however, I do understand that the Orcon/iPhone speculation has something to do with Orcons ability to service customers with CIDCO phones (such as an iPhone).

Then on the other hand we have Telecom who are in the process of upgrading their mobile network to 3G specifications. Imagine Telecom launching NZ's first official iPhone in conjunction with their new 3G network. Who could dream of a better marketing story? What a coup that would be.

From a marketing perspective, I believe that the Apple iPhone brand would find the most suitable partner in the form of Vodafone. The problem with this partnership is apparently all about music. The thing is that vodafone sell individual music tracks to their users currently. Introducing the iPhone handset with it's baked in itunes store would effectively cannibalize vodafones music revenue stream.

Who do you guys think will get (or want to get) the big nod from Apple and become New Zealands official iPhone supplier?

Comments

[Gabriel Pollard]

Don't forget that Telecom already has an iPhone-like phone, the Okta Touch. Although, having said that, I'd go for an iPhone any day over some blatant copy of it. http://www.oktamobile.com/touch_mobile_phone.php

[Charles]

You're right that would be a huge coup for Telecom and I have to think that they'll try hard to make that happen. I forget where, but I did read some comments recently (on Rod Drury's blog I think) that suggested Telecom were already testing the iPhone, who knows.

I'm a Vodafone guy myself so I'll be sorely tempted to grab/unlock a 3G iPhone. I was looking forward to the commercial release of the Open Moko, but I've given up the wait on that...maybe in a couple of years.

[Amant Nauhria]

Hi

I am an iPhone freek like you but dunno much or even 1% of what you know i think. Anyways, what do u think is teh best way of getting hold of a iPhone 2.0 for not $979 but hopefully cheaper. Is it even worth it to get the new one. I have the old 8GB one. What do you suggest?

Regards

Amant