Thanks to Telstra Apple could be launching their iPhone in the land down under. Although maybe not unless Apple launches a 3G version.
You see, Telstra is rolling out a huge 3G network which is scheduled to be completed by January, so they are eager to find a major release device to launch on it, a 3G iPhone would surely fit the bill. So, as if requiring a 3G version wasn’t enough of a roadblock, Telstra seems quite reluctant to take the financial screwing everyone else has to get the iPhone.
So, sure, Telstra are in talks with Apple, but they aren’t turning out to be all that productive. In fact I probably wouldn’t hold my breath for an iPhone to land in the outback until Apple gets around to making a 3G handset, and maybe not even then unless Telstra is willing to hand over the cash.
Australia’s Telstra hopes to say “G’day” to the iPhone [via arstechnica]
This looks like pure speculation at the moment. I would like to hear more on this very soon. I am going to the USA in 2 weeks time and are considering getting an iPhone to unlock for use in Australia just because I am having a hard time waiting for the Aussie version and am yet to hear any concrete evidence on when it will be officially available here. An Apple employee told me to expect an Australian release in Jan or Feb but said that he did not know if it would be 3G. He did hint that we may be offered a 16GB version though.
I just wish that I had more concrete evidence of this before my trip in 2 weeks time. I don’t know whether to wait or not. Other rumors I have heard indicate a 3G version in September or October 2008. If that is the case then I would prefer to get a USA iPhone and unlock it to use until the 3G version is out before locking myself into a 2 year contract.