Jobs keeping promise, French iPhone 3G to sell from €149

Stephen Withers
Friday, 27 June 2008 03:27

Your IT - Mobility

France's Orange is the latest carrier to announce iPhone 3G pricing and it looks like Steve Jobs was serious when he said the price would be the same around the world. Of course, Jobs was really talking about the upfront price because airtime charges are beyond Apple's control.

Orange has announced prices of €149 ($US235/$A246) for the 8G model and €199 ($US313/$A328) for the 16G version.

Market research company iSuppli has estimated that the production cost of an iPhone 3G is $173, excluding packaging and accessories. Carriers are thought to be paying Apple at least $US300 per iPhone 3G.

Allowing for TVA (the French equivalent of GST or more loosely sales tax), the price of the basic model is close enough to Steve Jobs' '$US199 worldwide' promise to forestall complaints.

But those prices only apply to customers signing up on Orange's iPhone, First, Jet or Origami Star (3 hours and up) plans for a 24-month contract period.

Other tariffs are available, but those that find them better suited to their needs will have to pay an extra €50 ($US79/$A82) upfront for their iPhone 3G.

Monthly charges start at €32 ($US50/$A53), with the iPhone-specific tariffs beginning at €49 ($US77/$A81).

What about customers that already own an original iPhone? See page 2.