TAG | Indian Apple iPhone 3G launches without the 3G |
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| by Davey Winder | |
| Tuesday, 19 August 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 2 However, as we all know, first looks can often be deceptive. Let's look at the facts: the iPhone is about a
lot more than just the 3G connectivity. Sure, it does make it a much
more attractive proposition in its 3G guise with access to a full range
of 3G driven services.As India continues to carve itself a deserved place in the high-tech economies of the world, style and aspiration should not be undervalued. Apple, of all companies, knows this. That is why the time is right for the iPhone, any iPhone, in India. It is not as if the iPhone 3G will not work, it will just work a little bit slower. But early adopting Indians will have to take a bit of a gamble, in as far as not being able to know for sure that their chosen mobile network operator will be successful in bidding for a slice of the 3G spectrum when the auctions are finally run sometime next month. Although unlikely, if either Vodafone or Bharti Airtel were to fail in this regard the iPhone subscriber would be left holding if not a brick, then certainly not an iPhone as we know it. The premium paid for the hardware would have been wasted. Especially as it seems that Indian government policy would appear to rule out deals between operators for the first five years after the 3G licenses have been awarded. A government press statement is quite clear in this regard, insisting that "No trading/reselling of spectrum is allowed." Even if the two networks do get 3G licenses, that isn't the same as rolling out 3G services across a country like India. So Indian iPhone users will have to get used to a distinctly 2G experience for many months to come. Although pricing remains, even at this late stage in the game, unknown it does not look like there will be any bargains on the table despite the lack of 3G. Indian operators are not known for providing subsidies on high end handsets. As a consequence, reporters with informers close to the source are suggesting the Indian iPhone 3G will start at around INR 20,000 (AUD $525).
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