Today’s press release from Vtion Wireless Technology AG states that the company will provide “iPhone sales, user development and after-sales service support throughout Fujian Province.” Vtion Wireless is primarily involved in the sale of 3G laptop cards (a.k.a. wireless data cards) for personal computers. Vtion has a small retail presence through their shop-in-shop outlets; however, it appears that they will be expanding their presence and moving into the handset (iPhone) sales business.
According to the PR, Vtion will establish “iPhone sales centers in Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen.” It also sounds like a data-card for laptops will be (mandatory?) part of a package sale in the Vtion outlets – iPhone + Unicom Service + data-card for your PC/Mac. No word on whether China Unicom will ever support tethering, in which case a laptop card would be unnecessary.
The PR does not specify whether Vtion will have any role in the sale of China Unicom’s new (forthcoming) mirco-cell device. China Unicom very recently announced that is would be distributing a mini wireless base station (a.k.a. femtocell) for personal and business use. The device would provide WAPI/WiFi broadband (high speed) connectivity and will be manufactured by Huawei. China Unicom is aiming the device at iPhone owners and other 3G subscribers. The micro-cell device will substantially boost indoor coverage and allow subscribers to make calls and surf the Net via the WAPI/WiFi device rather than on the 3G network. The micro-cell may be of interest to the owners of China Unicom’s WiFi-disabled phones.
Read > Vtion PR
Important Note: I have an iPhone 3Gs in Beijing using China Unicom (but my phone is an officially unlocked Hong Kong version) and I have no problem tethering it to my laptop so tethering is supported already, at least on iPhones obtained outside of China Unicom and therefore not preloaded with any of their software / apps that come with their version of the device. It should also be noted that I have not allowed iTunes to download and update the carrier settings for China Unicom as it always tries to do, but I hit cancel.
Thanks for the feedback @FreeRange … It was nice meeting you in Beijing. Your comments are always appreciated.