iPhone hot product for german Providers?

[Arne]

Hello,

after all we have heard about Apple not beeing able to find a partner in Europe, I now read in this german article, that Apple still wants to have no more than one partner, and that all the providers do indeed want to be the one provider who makes the deal. That was interesting enough, in my opinion, to post it here. What do you think?

 

[Ugg]

I guess I don't really understand why Apple is so insistent on having only one provider. Sure it's easier but in Europe's crowded cell phone market, it simply doesn't make sense. The US only has 3 or 4 major players.

One thing I would think Apple would push for is Europe wide roaming at one price. That would be a huge advantage especially since roaming costs are so outrageous even though the EU recently forced the providers to lower their roaming charges.

I'm sure that everyone is anxiously awaiting Friday's launch to see just how well the iPhone does and if the hype is worth it. Negotiations in Europe will depend on its success.

Apple was largely stymied with the iTMS in Europe due to so many conflicting national laws regarding music sales. Maybe they simply don't want to repeat that fiasco.