Apple signs iPhone deals in Europe

Apple has signed up three operators for the iPhone in Europe, according to reports in the Financial Times.

T-Mobile is reported to have received the German contract, O2 the UK contract and Orange the French contract.

Apple has promised to start shipping the iPhone in Europe by the end of this year.

The exclusive right to sell the iPhone comes at a hefty price. The operators will have to pass 10 per cent of the iPhone subscription fees on to Apple.

The deals are expected to be officially unveiled at the IFA trade show in Berlin at the end of this month.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company as a rule does not comment on products that have yet to be released.

The iconic status of the iPhone has enabled Apple to set unusual terms for operators. AT &T, which operates the device in the US, has reportedly signed a revenue sharing agreement as well.

As previously reported, operators in Europe have complained about Apple's " arrogance" and were forced out of the bidding process by the firm's demands.

Operators that sign up to the iPhone, however, can expect a healthy boost in image and market share.

AT&T signed up 146,000 subscribers in the first two days after the iPhone started shipping, although the operator has not disclosed what percentage of those switched providers.

See also:

iPhone texting study sparks controversy

Outrage at claims that it takes longer to type messages  20 Aug 2007

Facebook adds iPhone to friends list

Bigger buttons and links for easy access  16 Aug 2007

Paper admits iThumb hoax

Thumb shortening for the iPhone was social commentary  13 Aug 2007

Apple faces second iPhone legal battle

Patent infringement on the touch screen  08 Aug 2007

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