IPHONE NOW WITH 2 CARRIERS
In addition to Vodafone, Gizmodo reports that the iPhone will also be offerred by Optus through Singtel’s Asian deal.
So Apple’s carrier exclusivity deals are over. Probably just as well.
To me the philosophical question for carriers: if you are so against becoming BDPs (bid dumb pipes) then why take the iPhone? Sure, it will buy network utilisation, but unless I’m missing something, won’t that be at the expense of your own content assets, the ones that you have been spending so much time and resource building.
To quote from a favourite movie: “Can you hear it? That is the sound of inevitability, Mr Anderson”.
Unfortunately Apple and Google are just better at owning hearts and minds than most carriers.
Maybe the best solution would be to accept the inevitable and focus resources on creating iPhone and Android applications…
It’s certainly going to be a fascinating year in mobile.
One comment
Sam said: (on May 14th, 2008 at 3:02 pm)
I completely agree Simon.
The retail response will be interesting as well. Apple is about to open their flagship store for Sydney on George Street (in the 77 King Street building) which is currently hidden under three story tall black scaffolding. It also lurks precariously across the road from Telstra’s T-Life concpet-store.
You can view the end designs here:
Apple George Street Store
and compare it to the now iconic Fifth Avenue store in Manhattan.
Game on!