Update: Feb 25, 2008
2008 iPhone unlock in Australia? > HERE ….
Update Feb 5, 2008
Nothing new to report … just a bit more insight via a companion blog business.millionface … see > HERE
It still looks favorable for Optus notwithstanding lack of 3G. More on Optus’ planned 3G coverage area > HERE and > HERE.
It’s likely that Singtel’s telco influence throughout the Pacific Rim is a major reason for Optus’ favorable prospects to win exclusive iPhone distribution rights in Australia. There may be additional reasons that have more to do with corporate hubris demonstrated by Aussie mobile leader Telstra. Last Summer Telstra’s COO Greg Winn had a few choice remarks directed at Apple (below). Um, Greg, they heard you all the way up in Cupertino.
Telstra COO Greg Winn commenting to AAP:
“There’s an old saying — stick to your knitting — and Apple is not a mobile phone manufacturer, that’s not their knitting. You can pretty much be assured that Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and ZTE and others will be coming out with devices that have similar functionality.”
January 23, 2008
Melbourne’s The Age newspaper ran an article on Tuesday Jan 22, 2008 reporting that the second largest mobile telco in Australia, Optus (Telestra is the largest) has moved from dark-horse to strong candidate to win an iPhone exclusive in Australia. Optus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SingTel, (Singapore Telecommunications). SingTel and AIS (Thailand) are rumored to be negotiating with Apple to coordinate an iPhone launch throughout the Pacific Rim.
See video here for more on current status of iPhone in Australia. Note: The editor strongly discourages jailbreaking iPhone. Wait for an official iPhone launch in your country. The iPhone is not a prisoner to fixed buttons and it is designed to evolve. Buying an iPhone from an authorized carrier/distributor will allow the owner to easily upgrade as new features are released.
iPhone in Australia - See Video HERE
