T-Mobile, Orange and O2 reel in iPhone deals

[DevilDog#1]

Apple has signed up operators for the sale of the iPhone in Europe, according to the FT.

T-Mobile is reported to have received the German contract, O2 the UK and Orange reeled in France. Apple had previously said that it would start shipping the iPhone in Europe by the end of this year.

The exclusive right the sell the iPhone comes at a hefty fee. The operators will have to pass 10 per cent of the iPhone subscription fees on to Apple.

The deal is expected to be officially unveiled at the IFA trade show in Berlin at the end of this month.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The company as a rule doesn’t comment on products that haven't yet been released.

The iconic status of the iPhone has enabled Apple to set unusual terms for operators. AT&T, which operated the device in the US has reportedly signed a revenue sharing agreement as well.

As previously reported, operators in Europe have privately complained about Apple's "arrogance" and were forced out of the bidding process by the firm's demands.

Those who do sign the iPhone however can expect a healthy boost in their image and market shares. AT&T signed up 146,000 subscribers in the first two days after the iPhone started shipping, although the operator didn’t disclose what percentage of those switched providers.

http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/21...o2-reel-iphone

If T-Moble gets iPhone in US I'll get two!