iPhone 3G plans to start at $47 in both Portugal and Italy

Vodafone has announced that its monthly rate plans for iPhone 3G will start at $47 (29.90 euro) in Portugal and $93 (59 euro) in Italy. Separately, Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) has also announced its own monthly rate plans for Italians that start at just $47.

Vodafone of Portugal

Vodafone is offering Portuguese subscribers three distinct monthly service plans alongside 24-month contracts. An introductory plan called Best iPhone 100 includes 100 minutes, 100 text messages and 250MB of data for $47 (29.90 euro) each month. A 8GB iPhone is priced $469 (299 euro) with the plan, while the 16GB is priced at $610 (389 euro).

A second plan called Best iPhone 230 includes 230 minutes, 230 text messages and 250MB of data each month for $70 (44.90 euro). With this plan, the 8GB iPhone is priced at $344 (219 euro) and the 16GB model at $485 (309 euro).

For $102 (64.90 euro) each month, customers can subscribe to the top-tier Best iPhone 500 plan that includes 500 minutes, 500 text messages and 250MB of data. The top-tier plan prices the 8GB iPhone at $202 (129 euro) and the 16GB at $344 (219 euro).

Additional minutes cost between $0.15 and $0.23 (0.09 and 0.149 euro) and all prices include tax. Vodafone is also offering the iPhone without a contract for $783 (499 euro) for the 8GB model and $940 for the 16GB model. An "add-on" for internet access under this model will cost $31 (19.90 euro) per month for 250MB of data.

Vodafone of Italy

In Italy, Vodafone announced a similar three-plan lineup with much higher monthly costs but cheaper handset pricing. An Easy Medium plan priced at $93 (59 euro) offers 400 minutes, 400 text messages and 600MB of data each month. It prices the 8GB iPhone at $312 (199 euro) and the 16GB model at $422 (269 euro).

A Special Edition plan runs $124 (79 euro) per month and includes 250 minutes to outside carriers, 250 text messages to outside carriers, 7000 minutes to Vodafone subscribers, 7000 text messages to Vodafone subscribers, and 600MB of data. With this plan, the 8GB iPhone is priced at $155 (99 euro) and the 16GB is priced at $265 (169 euro).

The top-tier Easy Large plan costs $155 (99 euro) per month and includes 900 minutes, 900 text messages, and 600MB of data. Customers who subscribe to this plan can purchase an 8GB iPhone for $77 (49 euro) or a 16GB iPhone for $187 (119 euro).

TIM of Italy

Separately, TIM of Italy announced its own set of five monthly iPhone plans. A $47 (30 euro) starter plan prices the 8GB iPhone at $312 (199 euro) and 16GB iPhone at $422 (269 euro). It includes 1GB of data each month but does not bundle any voice minutes or text messages.

A TIM 250 plan is costs $78 (50 euro) and includes 250 minutes, 100 text messages and 1GB of Data. Under this plan, the 8GB iPhone costs $297 (189 euro) and the 16GB model $406 (259 euro).

Stepping up to the TIM 600 plan requires a monthly payment of $126 (80 euro) and includes 600 minutes, 200 text messages and 1GB of data. It prices the 8GB iPhone at $234 (149 euro) and the 16GB model at $344 (219 euro).

A TIM 900 plan is priced at $173 (110 euro) each month for 900 minutes, 200 text messages and 1GB of data. Under this plan, the 8GB iPhone fetches $155 (110 euro) and the 16GB model costs $265 (169 euro).

Finally, a TIM Unlimited plan is available for $314 (200 euro) each month and includes 4500 minutes, 1200 text messages and 5GB of data. It also bundles an additional 300 minutes and text messages for use in communicating with 3 Italia wireless customers. Customers who subscribe to this plan get an 8GB iPhone for free or can trade up to a 16GB iPhone for $109 (69 euro).