EXCLUSIVE: iPhone 3G Out in India Next Month!

[Pat]

Here we have it folks, an exclusive on the iPhone's availability in India. When, how much, what features, software -- everything you ever wanted to know about the iPhone 3G in India! We know you want to get to the meat of the matter, so without further ado, here's what you need to know:

> iPhone 3G Availability: Vodafone to have a 15 day launch advantage (available August '08 through Vodafone, and late Aug/September '08 through Airtel)

> Model: Initially, the 8GB version only

> Price: Rs. 11,500 to Rs. 12,000 (note: U.S. price of the 8GB iPhone 3G is $199)

> Applications: App Store will be available

> App prices: Application prices may see a revision to suit Indian market

> 3G: No fixed date for 3G availability; expected sometime later this year

> GPS: Present on the Indian version as well

> Grey-market availability: Almost nowhere to be seen. One store expects to sell it next week at Rs. 50,000

Scroll down for the rest of the story.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.techtree.com/India/News/E...91366-615.html

Personally speaking I find it hard to believe that it will be available for a meager 12k! Thats totally unbelievable

However if this is true, expect monthly plans to start in excess of 1k!

[Pathik]

I heard that the Airtel launch date is 22 Aug.
BTW, from an inside source, I have come to hear that Vodafone has started 3G testing in Mumbai and Bangalore.

[Pat]

Originally Posted by Pathik

I heard that the Airtel launch date is 22 Aug.
BTW, from an inside source, I have come to hear that Vodafone has started 3G testing in Mumbai and Bangalore.

22nd August is what was disclosed in the recently held apple financial conference. However the article states that Vodafone will have a 15 day advantage over Airtel. So expect it around 22nd to 25th August on Vodafone and in september, on Airtel. Its getting really exciting now

[amitava82]

OMFG! 12K is a steal.. Impossible

[koolbluez]

The price & 3.5" display attracts me to the deal... but I feel it'll bcome like the Pulsar... every guy/gal'll have it. Common, na. What makes u special... privileged?

May b the HTC Touch Pro

[din]

Cool

Can't wait.....

Thank you for the news n info Pat.

[amitava82]

Originally Posted by koolbluez

but I feel it'll bcome like the Pulsar... every guy/gal'll have it. Common, na. What makes u special... privileged?

Right said.. SE X1 may be?

[Pathik]

But you cant go around splurging cash just for the "elite"ness.

[thewisecrab]

Great News
At 12000/- that too
I pity those who bought it in the grey market

[amitava82]

Originally Posted by Pathik

But you cant go around splurging cash just for the "elite"ness.

Thats why I use a $15 phone.. It's unique.. and it does the job.

[Pathik]

^^ What?? Subsidized?

[goobimama]

Either ways its going to be expensive. If its 22k, it is expensive by itself. If it is 12k, the call plans are going to be killing. (Not to mention that even if it is 22k, the phone will still be tied to the carrier with more 'regular' call plans).

[iChaitanya]

Originally Posted by goobimama

If it is 12k, the call plans are going to be killing. (Not to mention that even if it is 22k, the phone will still be tied to the carrier with more 'regular' call plans).

Exactaly. I don't know why but I am getting a feeling that the plans are surely going to be costly.

Have a look at these two articles:

http://www.tech2.com/india/news/smar...stance/42491/0

http://asia.cnet.com/blogs/hktechpho...7&scid=rvhm_ms (This one says India 'may be' present in that "20 more countries" list)

[fallin_a]

cant wait for it anymor

[MetalheadGautham]

12K ? Thats it then. I am almost 100% sure we will have minimum Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 per month forced subscription plans for an year.

[ThinkFree]

For just Rs. 12000? Will the mobile network companies take a year's rent in advance or will it be locked here as well for use with their network only?

[ring_wraith]

Assuming it's 1k a month for the Data Plan, we're looking at 24k for 2 years. 24k+12k = 36,000 for your shiny new iphone. That sounds a lot more logical.

[naveen_reloaded]

No 3g.... What a waste... But 12k can justify it...

Will have a close eye on it...

Will networks start deploying 3g by next month?

[x3060]

am waiting for its launch too, not to buy it , but the "touch pro" might reduce their price and i may be able to get it.

[Pat]

Originally Posted by x3060

am waiting for its launch too, not to buy it , but the "touch pro" might reduce their price and i may be able to get it.

Dont want to start a war here, but have you seen the videos of the new Touch Diamond and Pro ? The interface(Read: HTC Software) is unbearably sluggish and is not ready for prime time yet! I was so shocked at how it performs considering it has a 528 Mhz processor Read some reviews before you buy it. Just a friendly advice

[iMav]

Vodafone will launch iPhone on the 18th.

Tech2

[MetalheadGautham]

thats it... I now officially DEMAND a dedicated and exclusive apple forum... these iPhone threads that keep comming up everyday irritate me... why isn't there anything else to talk about ? don't you guys get tired discussing the same few products again and again in a 100 different threads ?

[thewisecrab]

@iMav
Thank you for removing speculation on launch date
I wonder if it'll be of any use without 3G
Is Vodafone providing 3G also?

@MetalHeadGautham
+1

[Pat]

Originally Posted by thewisecrab

@iMav
Thank you for removing speculation on launch date
I wonder if it'll be of any use without 3G
Is Vodafone providing 3G also?

@MetalHeadGautham
+1

3G in India is still a distant dream. I dont expect it in 2008 atleast.

Originally Posted by MetalheadGautham

thats it... I now officially DEMAND a dedicated and exclusive apple forum... these iPhone threads that keep comming up everyday irritate me... why isn't there anything else to talk about ? don't you guys get tired discussing the same few products again and again in a 100 different threads ?

If you have a problem report the thread to the Moderator. They will do their work. And try DEMANDING it from them

[thewisecrab]

What is the current state of 3G?
I mean, any official announcements? Any "launch" date?
As far as I know, its going to be started with in Q1 of 2009
Also I it going to be available through out the Country, or Only in Metros?
As I "May" be moving to Hyderabad in the near future
(Keyword here is MAY)

[Pat]

Originally Posted by thewisecrab

What is the current state of 3G?
I mean, any official announcements? Any "launch" date?
As far as I know, its going to be started with in Q1 of 2009
Also I it going to be available through out the Country, or Only in Metros?
As I "May" be moving to Hyderabad in the near future
(Keyword here is MAY)

Current state: Well, government is yet to announce a date for spectrum bidding. After that is done, telecom companies will get a green signal to implement and commercialize 3G.

Technically speaking, the companies are already in the process of setting up/testing the infrastructure for 3G (rumors honestly). Thats how the situation is.

[Pathik]

Vodafone and Airtel have almost setup the infrastructure. They are just waiting for the Govt. nod now.

[ThinkFree]

Airtel has started advertising launch of iPhone. Received pamphlet with postpaid bill.

[ico]

Sucky iPhone arriving next month......

I think I'll order it with Airtel because it is VFM........Very Flaunting Mobile........... (if the plans come out to be **OK** - because I know they won't be good)

[rollcage]

this book your iphone 3g ad ..is crap ..what does that do nothing..they are not taking any booking amount so there is no surety of u getting it as soon as it is out. aah xxx

as for 3G ... pata nahi ye idiot TRAI kab layega .. may be in 2010 we will get 3G, not sooner. i am having a 3G phone for more than 2 years now. fcuk.

as for GPS .. its cant be called a gps as such, because .. it just tell you where you are on the map, nothing else. You cant navigate or get driving directions to a destination, so here it looses out from Nokia.

still, it has more than any other gadget rught now .. to go for it. having ipod + phone in one what you need. nothing.. having a huge 3.5" screen is surplus.

10-12K is a good deal. I am waiting for it lets see how it goes, will surly buy it, bcoz missed out on 1.0.

there is one query in my mind... My friend has just gone to new york yesterday. he doesnt have any idea on shopping n all, so can any of you tell, if I can get S199 phone from there? .. I know it wont have warranty in india, and need to cracked .. but other than that .. what is the actual in hand cost of the phone landing in India through a relative or a friend??