In an announcement on Vodafone’s media relations page earlier this morning, the mega carrier let the cat out of the bag that it would be bringing the iPhone to market in ten countries later this year. Vodafone stated that it has just finalized a deal with Apple, but makes no mention of exclusivity in its announcement. Interesting. Certainly if the deal granted exclusive distribution to the carrier, it would have been mentioned. Here’s the full announcement which includes all of the countries encompassed by the new deal. Make sure you have a warm cup of coffee at hand because this read might take a while.
Vodafone today announced it has signed an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in ten of its markets around the globe. Later this year, Vodafone customers in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey will be able to purchase the iPhone for use on the Vodafone network.
Right then. Short and to the point. “Later this year” would indicate that this deal covers the 3G iPhone in relevant markets and the lack of mention with regards to exclusivity would be right in line with what we’ve been hearing lately. Whatever the case, expect the net flurry of iPhone news to pick up pace – if that’s even possible – as we draw closer to D Day. What’s funny is that TIM in Italy put out a press release this morning saying they will indeed offer the iPhone. “Telecom Italia announced today it has signed a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Italy later this year.” Go figure.
