Apple still negotiating terms for third-gen iPhone with carriers
Word of the ongoing discussions was leaked Tuesday evening via a Twitter blast from Telecom New Zealand, which responded to one of its customer inquiries about the upcoming iPhone launch by saying: "We are in negotiations with Apple... we are very focused on the 3rd gen iPhone.. we will keep u updated."
Though there were some initial doubts about the legitimacy of the Twitter feed, a subsequently article in New Zealand's National Business Review added further confirmation of the matter when it cited Telecom NZ's chief of retail Alan Gourdie as saying the carrier was in âdiscussions - deep discussions - with Appleâ.
The talks are the latest signs that Apple is looking to expand its footprint internationally with its upcoming iPhone refresh by growing the number of carriers that offer the device in some countries.
The Cupertino-based company has already partnered with dozens of carriers in nearly 80 countries, but made comments recently to suggest that offering customers more than one choice of carrier has delivered benefits through increased competition.
New Zealand is one example, like the United States, that doesn't yet fit this mold. The iPhone is offered solely by Vodafone. But in Australia, three carriers do battle for subscribers. This has proven beneficial for customers because it pressures providers into offering more affordable service contracts and boosting the quality of their wireless networks.
In addition to broadening its reach in existing countries, Apple also plans grow geographically this year by extending iPhone availability to even more countries, members of the company's management recently told analysts for Oppenheimer during a meeting at its corporate headquarters.
That's just one approach the iPhone maker plans to take in order to grow its share of the smartphone market this year. Others, according to management, include providing more functionality, lowering prices, or segmenting the market with different models.
When it comes to segmentation of models, however, management was firm in stating that the "iPhone will remain a software centric device," meaning customers shouldn't expect the company to differentiate its smartphone offerings with hardware features but rather software capabilities.
37 Comments
Still hoping for The Netherlands and Vodafone (my current provider).
Really don't want to switch to T-Mobile here.
Maybe my chances are getting better now...
I had the original iPhone and currently use the 3G, I can't wait for the new iPhone, as to network I have been happy so far with O2 in the UK so don't really care if others get it or not, we get a much better deal than the Americans.
A twitter blast sounds like something from my ass. I don't think you can believe anything from TelecomNZ who very bizarrely a have a picture of Richard Hammond on their twitter page. Also they would be pretty dumb comment on going negotiations, particularly via twitter.
Still only 1 provider in Japan (softbank).
Would be nice to see the 2 others have it.
Competition has not worked in France... The 2 new carriers are selling the iphone at the same price point as Orange