Hong Kong mobile operator SmarTone-Telecommunications (SmarTone-Vodafone* HK) announced on Monday, November 30th that they have reached agreement with Apple to offer the iPhone in Hong Kong. This will be the second carrier deal for Apple in Hong Kong. Apple signed with Hutchison Planet “3″ in July 2008.
The move to add another carrier in Hong Kong is no surprise. Apple has made it clear in recent months that they are interested in pursuing multiple carrier partners in major mobile markets.
Following the Apple/Hutchison deal blueprint, SmarTone-Vodafone* will sell the iPhone 3G and 3GS and will offer reduced (subsidized) iPhone price points for customers who opt to go on contract. SmarTone iPhone price/plans to be announced.
Hong Kong laws require carriers to offer a “contract free” handset purchase option. Both Hutchison “3″ and SmarTone-Vodafone will offer an “unlocked” iPhone choice at the following prices:
- iPhone 3G 8GB = 4488 Hong Kong dollars (USD $579)
- iPhone 3GS 16GB = 5388 Hong Kong dollars (USD $695)
- iPhone 3GS 32GB = 6288 Hong Kong dollars (USD $811)
*Note: Vodafone is 45% owner of Verizon Wireless.
Read the > official press release
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