Another day, another 3G iPhone rumor; this time it's that Vodafone will be simultaneously launching a 3G version of Apple's cellphone in all its European markets come next Spring. The story, reported by Italian site Morse.IT, claims a UMTS version of the iPhone will be announced after Christmas (or possibly at the MacWorld Expo early next year) in order not to cannibalise 2.5G version sales over the holidays.
Most interestingly, Morse claims that the "exclusive" contracts held by O2 in the UK and T-Mobile in Germany are in fact limited to EDGE/GPRS versions of the handset, giving Apple the freedom to sign supplementary contracts with whomever they choose.
Considering Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin has gone on record stating that the iPhone is "a pretty poor experience", it's difficult to believe that his company and Apple may have a deal in the works. Nonetheless, Morse cites "highly reliable" sources.
[via SlashGear]
Is there really an exclusive 3G iPhone deal with Vodafone in Italy? Hmmm??? Vodafone’s CEO Aurin Sarin just stabbed Steve Jobs in the back by way yesterday’s restraining order that will preclude Apple from selling iPhone exclusively through T-Mobile in Germany. T-Mobile will be in court tomorrow (Wed November 21st) to file a response.
If Vodafone is willing to fight a dubious legal battle to prevent Apple from keeping an “exclusive” on the current iPhone (T-Mobile in Germany), then how could Sarin (Vodafone), with a straight face, pursue an “exclusive” 3G iPhone agreement with Apple in Italy? Different versions of the iPhone notwithstanding … It would be the height of hypocrisy. But then again we are talking about Aurin Sarin.