I thought I would put in my thoughts on the upcoming iPhone launch in Aus and how much it might cost. In the old US of A they have said it will cost $199 and as we all know this is a lot less then the current version of the iPhone. How could they sell it for this much and still make money? The mobile providers who have the iPhone are subsidising the cost of the handset. This is commonplace in the mobile handset business as the way you make money is having people locked into a 24 month contact and using your network. Apple will not be making a loss as the Mobile providers will be paying apple more the US $199 for the handset.
So how can they (the mobile providers) subsidise the handset and make this money back if you break the contract? This is done by charging high disconnection fees that cover the cost of the handset so that the mobile provider does not loose money.
What will it cost downunder? I am going to say that it will be $250 on a 24 month contract and $400 pre-paid. For some getting the pre-paid version will be better especially those on really good old plans or on corporate plans however the catch is it will need to be with one of the 2 Australian providers Voderphone or Optus as the handset will be locked. So if you are with Optus currently and get an Optus pre-paid iPhone you can use your current SIM card and current plan with the iPhone. Unless I have it all wrong and it is not locked downunder but I don’t think that will happen.
400 bucks? that’s twice the USA price! why don’t you just get one from over there?
Good question. I assume most people will be going for on plan on the iphone so it will definitely be the cheapest way to go.
On another point the comment switchboard is going crazy on this site lately. It must be all this geek chat that’s got everyone excited.
Well it is only $200 in the US because like in Aus that is the contract price and this time when you purchase it you must activate it. With the old iPhone you could pay for it but not activate it so then take it home and hack it.
Anyway $400 is just my guess not what it will cost.
Well I have now paid my $50 holding deposit that gives me nothing but a spot in the line. Woo!
I just want to see the damn plan pricing!
Woo!