The iPhone will go on sale next week in France. While the exclusive French carrier, Orange, has not disclosed any details, French law has already forced Apple to promise that consumers will have the option to buy a version of the iPhone without a long-term contract with Orange.
And now T-Mobile is in a similar situation in Germany. The unlocked iPhone is now officially available but for €999, around $1,478 even if normally available with contract at €399.
This news comes as a German court ruled that T-Mobile can’t hold back the iPhone from non-contract customers. T-Mobile is, of course, appealing the ruling but will sell the unlocked iPhone at the exuberant price while it continues to fight the ruling. It will also allow customers who purchased an iPhone since November 19 to unlock the device free of charge so it can be used with other SIM cards.
As of now, Apple has announced plans for the iPhone only in the three largest European markets: England, Germany, and France. But restrictions on phone exclusivity exist in a number of other European countries including Belgium, Italy, and Finland.
That is very wrong. There was no court rouling. It was an injunction. There is a huge difference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injunction
mcradge,
While I don’t doubt your concern, perhaps you could explain the relevance in this particular case between a court ruling and an injunction. Meaning, I’m not sure the story changes much based on the difference. But I wouldn’t know, as I’m no lawyer.
Also, my source is from a New York Times article (one of the links above) in which it says:
“A German court ruled that T-Mobile must offer the iPhone to everyone…”
Do you have a source you could provide that explains that there was no court ruling?