Hutchison agrees iPhone deal
by David Tiltman Media Asia 30-May-08, 07:43
HONG KONG - The iPhone will make its debut in Hong Kong and Macau this summer after Hutchison Telecommunications agreed a deal with Apple.
The agreement is expected to see the iPhone launch officially in the two territories during the second quarter. Neither party has commented on the deal other than to confirm it had been signed.
Significantly, other Hong Kong mobile operators such as CSL are expected to agree deals with Apple in the coming months. It is a further sign that Apple has dropped the exclusivity model adopted in Western markets in order to roll out the product in Asia. That exclusivity model involved a revenue share between the operator and Apple.
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Apple has opted for multiple carriers in markets such as India and Australia. With mobile phone usage in Asia soaring and rival manufacturers developing iPhone clones, the pressure has grown on Apple to introduce its product into the region.
It has not been revealed whether the iPhone on offer will be the 2G or upcoming 3G version.
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