Why would Apple choose to release an unlocked iPhone in France when they could more easily release one in Canada, locked, which is what they'd like to do? The reason they had to unlock there product in France was simply because of law. French law states that no company can bundle a cell phone to a mobile operator. However, Apple has made a deal with Orange, a European mobile carrier, to sell its phone with them for $560 but to obey the law, they will sell an unlocked version at a higher, undisclosed price. What is iffy though is whether or not Orange had to agree to give a slice of the revenue earned from selling those iPhones to Apple. This is another huge step in taking away the power from carriers but it can also mean drastic things in relation to power with the handset makers. I would feel much better if Canada decided to bring in a law much like that of Frances, but then again I'd much rather like better phones to be offered.
Labels: Cell Phones, News