T-Mobile Eyes iPhone
July 4, 2007
T-Mobile has called the news "speculation" and has refused to comment further.
The Rheinische Post newspaper reported Wednesday that telecommunications giant T-Mobile has one the exclusive rights to market the phone. Industry insiders had considered Vodafone the frontrunner.
European providers have been jostling for the rights to market the iPhone, which is expected to be a besteller here. The phone has proved so popular in the United States, where it was launched last week, that stores are having a hard time keeping it in stock.
T-Mobile, the mobile arm of Deutsche Telekom, has refused to comment, calling the news of its deal with Apple "speculation." Apple spokesman Georg Albrecht said he wouldn't comment on "rumors."
November launch planned
It's unclear who will have the rights in other European countries, the Rheinische Post reported. T-Mobile has a strong market share in Eastern Europe. Vodaphone, on the other hand, dominates the French mobile phone market. There's also been speculation that in some European countries Apple will use more than one partner.
The multifunctional phone can be used to browse the Internet and listen to music. It does away with the keypad, offering a touch screen in its place. Reviewers and gadget lovers have lauded it as the future of mobile phones. Apple hopes it will eventually reach the level of popularity of bestselling iPod mp3 player.
The iPhone won't be a cheap way to call home. In Germany, the iPhone will be sold for 450 euros ($613) starting Nov. 1, according to the newspaper report, which quoted company sources.
Coveted gadget
In the US, Apple launched the iPhone on June 29. The success helped boost Apple's stock to a record high yesterday. Analysts reported sales of iPhones were above 300,000. The profit margin on the phones is estimated at 55 percent.
The iPhones sold out quickly and so many people rushed to activate the phones that there were delays. US telecom giant AT&T has exclusive rights as the iPhone service provider in the US.
"In its first weekend we sold more iPhones than in the first month of any other wireless phone AT&T ever offered," AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel told AFP. "That's how good it's been."
Apple and AT&T did not release official sales figures.