Bharti Airtel and Vodofone will launch the 3G version of the much talked about iPhone in India this year. In addition to the regular features of the iPhone, the new device will support 3G – a mobile telephony standard that enhances network efficiency and allows faster data transfer rates over mobile and has yet to come into operation here.
The new device also has Global Positioning System, a satellite-based technology that enables users to identify his location on a map.
Apple’s iPhone 3G will be commercially launched across 22 countries on June 11 following which it will be introduced in 70 other countries. “We can’t wait to get this revolutionary product in the hands of even more people around the world,” Tim Cook, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement.
Bharti Airtel President and CEO Manoj Kohli said his company expects to bring the device to market by mid-October. Vodafone officials, however, did not give any definite timeframe for the Indian market.
“We are very excited to bring iPhone 3G to many of our customers across Europe and emerging markets this summer,” said Frank H. Rövekamp, global CMO, Vodafone Group in a statement.
Neither Vodafone nor Airtel shared pricing details.
{{/usCountry}}Neither Vodafone nor Airtel shared pricing details.
{{/usCountry}}In the US the handset will retail for $199 (or Rs 8,000 approximately) for the 8 GB version and $ 299 (Rs 12,000) for the 16GB version.