Andre Yoskowitz
6 May 2008 17:12
Two Italian carriers have announced today that they will be distributing the 3G Apple iPhone later this year, meaning that Apple is apparently abandoning its model of carrier exclusivity for the phone.
Both Vodafone and Telecom Italia made announcements claiming they will be offering the phone to its customers later this year.
"Telecom Italia announces today that it has signed an agreement with Apple to bring the iPhone to Italy within the year," the carrier said in a small statement.
The announcement should be welcoming to European citizens who have so far steered clear of the iPhone due to lack of 3G compatibility, steep pricing, and limited carrier options. In the US however, the exclusivity contract the company struck with AT&T seems to working fine as sales are high.
Recent reports have cited the high volume of European customers unlocking the phones themselves to use on GSM based carriers of their choosing as one of the other reasons for Apple's latest decision.