During a much-anticipated press conference Mobistar (a France Telecom company and Belgium’s second largest mobile operator) today released the details of the Belgian Apple 3G iPhone3G , to go on sale July 11th, our local ‘independence day”. Belgium is really a unique market for Apple. Unlike most countries on the planet, Belgian law does not allow to subsidize the sale of a phone (Apple’s 3G iPhone) with the sale of a subscription, making it very hard to find a solution for Apple’s iPhone3G business model.
After extensive last-minute pressure from Apple’s HQ, the Apple iPhone3G will go on sale in Belgium next Friday: (network) SIM-lock free in 28 Belgian Apple and 150 Mobistar stores, without a “forced upon” subscription, although Belgian operator Mobistar is the only one with a iPhone-targeted content portal. Over 85% of Belgium has full 3G coverage.
The price for all this “legal freedom” is extremely steep: 525 EUR (US $820) for the 8GB 3G iPhone, along with a staggering 615 Euro (US $960) for the 16 GB version. Digitalworld.be [in Dutch] quotes Apple’s COO Tom Cook, who allegedly said: “who cares about Belgium? [pop 10 million]“, “let’s concentrate on the Chinese”. Let me quote digitalworld.be: “This is way out of line Apple, you greedy f***ers “. Do check out this great cartoon.
Anyway, I’m pleased to say that I’m not sponsoring Apple’s greed. Are you? [Belgian Mobistar/Apple optional, inflated cell-phone plan prices (with data limits) for the overpriced $900 Belgian iPhone 3G ]
YouTube: Apple’s Steve Jobs at the US developers presentation: “In almost all of these countries, the price is US $199, all around the world”. At $960 (+monthly voice/data plan) for an iPhone3G sold in Belgium, the word “almost” just got a new meaning, dear Steve
Related: Switzerland’s Swisscom appears to be one of the other carriers where Apple’s iPhone 3G is also available without a mandatory subscription. Unfortunately, at EUR 320 (US $500) the Swiss Iphone is network-locked. As far as I know, Belgium appears to be the only country where Apple is selling a (network) SIM-lock free, no-contract iPhone. But at 615 euro (US$960) plus an indispensable/expensive data plan to use all data-intensive features, Belgians enjoy the privilege of being offered the most expensive iPhone on the planet.
July 9: ZD.net Belgium [Dutch only] reports that the total material and production cost of a 3G iPhone adds up to only US $173. Time magazine also covered this ‘Belgian’ story, one day later. Update July 11: the first iPhones were sold at Mobistar in Brussels at midnight: watch the video [Dutch]. Warning: The iPhone3G is, by design, [in French] not compatible with popular MMS (photo-to-phone) messages, not compatible with 3G video calls, not compatible with Mobistar’s own video and music service and not even compatible with Mobistar Mobile broadcast TV channels… Adding insult upon injury, Apple/Mobistar appears to have locked the iPhone3G to Belgian networks only. Check at the bottom of this page:”The device can only be used with a Belgian SIM card“[removed July 15], implying a (legal) country SIM lock to prevent cross-border sales, although Belgian buyers can use the device on all 3 Belgian cellular networks. After numerous reports of alleged (illegal) aggressive iPhone 3G voice/data-plan pushing in Mobistar stores, I’d stay clear of anything labeled “Apple”
This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by the city of Antwerp, Belgium.
I guess I kinda am sponsoring it… I’ve got an ipod and two macs at home. I love shiney stuff.
[Blog author: "I noticed your Mac in my counters furiousball. But hey, we love shiny stuff too, but not at $900 + an overpriced 2y contract. Ignoring the sub-standard camera, the 3G iPhone is a superb phone, but I won't pay these totally inflated prices to replace my SE smartphone. I did the math: a US iPhone3G+ an ATT subscription versus a 'sim lock free" Belgian Apple iPhone 3G+ a Belgian data plan anyone needs. We're getting ripped off, big time..."]
Comment by furiousball — July 8, 2008 @ 7:32 pm |
Geen enkele annozelaar gaat dat ding toch in huis halen?
Hoewel, je vind altijd wel sukkelaars die denken dat het “cool” is en €1000 neertellen voor wat te sms’en en om te gebruiken als een dure usb stick.
Ik vraag me af wat Mobistar zal vragen om zijn 3G netwerk te gebruiken? Zal waarschijnelijk wel duur zijn, en een limietje van enkele honderden mb’tjes hebben.
[Blog author: "Please post in English, 'Linuxown': less than 10% of my readers are able to speak or read Dutch"]
Comment by linuxowns — July 8, 2008 @ 7:42 pm |
You think that’s bad? Try Canada. Sure the price isn’t that reasonable and the data plans are outrageous! The only company carrying it is Rogers and you cannot get discounts on the phone OR upgrade your current phone to the iPhone.
“$60 for 400 megabytes to $115 for 2 gigabytes of data usage” (http://www.maclife.com/article/canadians_react_to_rogers_iphone_data_plan) and you MUST sign a 3 year contract.
Gah.
[Blog author: "I totally agree Jaymes. It appears Apple is only offering US customers an acceptable deal. The remaining part of the planet is paying through the nose for their 3G iPhone. 'm quite comfortable with my non-Apple smartphone, at less than half the price, with comparable features (ignoring the touch screen). Many US hi-tech companies (be it in IT, mobile or consumer electronics) are giving non-US customers a bad deal. Given that the European Union has far more inhabitants/potential customers than the US, the business model of these US companies 'overseas' is often far from acceptable. Hint: 1 US $ does not equal 1 euro"]
Comment by Jaymes — July 8, 2008 @ 8:14 pm |
I’m with fb — I also have 2 Macs + an iPod… However, I cannot justify an iPhone, even at current US prices, and even if they are really freaking cool.
[Blog author: "Same feeling here Granola-grrrl: the price of an iPhone (especially in Belgium, at 600 EUR/ US $900 + voice/data plan, legally without SIM-lock and usable on all 3 Belgian cellular networks at high-speed) cannot be justified for any customer. I love the straightforward design of Apple too, but I can buy two top-quality smartphones for the price of one Iphone. Given the massive data usage of a 3G iPhone, the monthly bill can easily exceed $200 if you really use all the high-speed data features. If money is no issue, the choice obviously becomes much easier
"]
Comment by Granola-grrrl — July 8, 2008 @ 10:25 pm |
I have one Mac and two iPods (Shuffle and Touch) and I’m interested in the iPhone.
But I don’t want a new contract (you can buy it in Germany only with a contract). Is it possible to buy it in Belgium for non-Belgium people? Or do they have to be a Belgium resident? This point is very interesting for many people who are living here next to Belgium…
[Blog author: "Yes, Apple and Mobistar sell the iPhone3G to anyone who steps into their Belgian stores. As the phones are sold SIM-lock free, you can use them on any non-Belgian 3G network. As far as I know, there is an ID check, but your nationality should not influence availability. However, the 2y Apple warranty on Belgian Iphones is only valid in Belgium. Supplies during the initial launch will be limited. "]
Comment by thymin — July 9, 2008 @ 7:23 am |
The thing about the iPhone from a technical POV, that has been raising hackles, is that it was missing certain things that are standard on many other phones. As an example, the original iPhone did not come with a camera. The new one does, but it apparently is not as powerful as some of the others out on the market. (by powerful, I am referring to resolution and memory.) Quite frankly, I was a little surprised at that, especially coming from Apple.
I have 2 friends that I have iPhones, and without a doubt, they are impressive. I still will not touch it for one reason, and that is they lock you into a deal with one phone provider, AT&T. If I am going to lay down that amount of cash for this, I want some freedom to choose what phone provider I want to deal with, even if in general they are all a bunch of shits at the end of the day.
[Blog author: "The iPhone camera is indeed sub-standard. Sony-Ericsson is offering several 5 Mega Pixel Cybershot smartphones that make the pictures from an iPhone pale in comparison. Provider lock-in may indeed be cheap (in Holland the iPhone sells for 1 Euro with a 24m contract), but like yourself I don't like being dependent on one operator.]
Comment by Mr. Nighttime — July 9, 2008 @ 4:12 pm |
As an American expat in Belgium (and former AT&T subscriber)at first look I was as outraged as you. Staring at my cheap Nokia I couldn’t help but pine for the $199 device I could get back home. However, NSDiary priced it out and it seems like it could end up being a fair deal. With an AT&T contract in the States, the iPhone would run you 1260 Eur vs. 1245 Eur with Mobistar (http://jxl.tumblr.com/post/41517460/iphone-3g-cost-of-ownership). Granted, you get less voice and data with Mobistar but it shows that Belgium isn’t getting that screwed.
[Blog author: "Thanks for the link. Local Belgian publications have obviously been doing the maths too. You've got a valid point, although when going for a more acceptable data plan with Mobistar in Belgium, you quickly end up with a TCO twice the US price.
By the way: T-mobile just across the border in Holland offers the (locked) 3G iPhone starting at 1 (one) EURO, along with unlimited data+voice plans starting at 29 euro. Most Belgians feel Apple/Mobistar are pushing it too far: + $900 for a "Belgian" Iphone 3G + an expensive and really quite limited Mobistar data plan for 24 months."]
Comment by Just another American in Belgium — July 9, 2008 @ 4:29 pm |
I have a $10 cell phone and a pay-as-you-go plan because I’m 1) cheap, 2) not particulary into mobile communication, 3) a complete commitment phobe.
I sound like a bad date, no? ; )
[Blog author: "You're a great date Veronica, really: if not for the Atlantic you'd be seeing a lot of me, even with a $10 cell phone. You can make and receive calls and messages, and hey, wasn't that the original concept behind mobile phones? I'm totally ignoring the $900 iPhone myself. For over $900 I can buy some great stuff I really need
"]
Comment by V-Grrrl — July 9, 2008 @ 4:25 pm |
Typically Apple. They like to keep things exclusive and in Belgium very exclusive. Guess I’ll stick with my Nokia. But I so want a Macbook because they are so stable for video-editing.
[Blog author: "I know the feeling Manic. As for the iPhone: way overpriced and too many issues I don't like (sub-standard camera, "assisted gps", generating way too much data/costs for the average user, too gimmicky, at a price point for which you can get a fully featured laptop, including a 3G connection). Regarding the Macbook: great equipment, shame about the exaggerated price. Welcome to Apple
"]
Comment by Manictastic — July 9, 2008 @ 7:16 pm |
I am certainly not one of the buyers. I have an ancient Motorola model (no camera feature even) and don’t even use my cell phone daily. Our dearest son made his pitch for the iPhone several months ago (he wanted to buy a used one from a friend) and I told him we were locked into our contract and when he was ready to go off on his own plan, he could get it. Since he’s not willing to do that, he’ll have to stick with his “regular” phone (which is futuristic compared to my and hubby’s old Motorola phones). To date my texting has been done only two or three times and via an email to my son. I am just not into it. I could care less about being super connected 24/7.
Husband and son both have iPods. That’s the extent of our Apple support.
[Blog author: "Sounds like good old common sense Shirley. Most people don't need to be super connected: calling and texting will do fine for most. iPods are great, but Apple really has gone overboard with the 3G iPhone, especially outside the US. +$900 for a phone, they must be joking
"]
Comment by Shirley — July 10, 2008 @ 12:20 am |
I have an Ipod. Other than that the simpler my phone the better. Gadgets are too complicated these days. I like my things simple.
[Blog author: "Same feeling here Claudia: push=go, that's all I need
"]
Comment by Claudia — July 10, 2008 @ 4:17 pm |
Hi,
Although I’m from the Netherlands with its seemingly not-too-bad T-Mobile plans, I’m still interested in the Belgium version as my contract still lasts 1.5 year, and I prever Vodafone over T-Mobile. One sentence on the Mobistar website surprises me: “Het toestel is enkel bruikbaar met een belgische SIM kaart.” (“The phone is only useable with a Belgium SIM card”).
I was wondering if someone from Belgium has thoughts about this?
[Blog author: "Thanks for that remarkable piece of information Herman. During the press conference the CEO stressed there was "no SIM lock" on the Belgian iPhone, but a country lock is indeed a SIM lock. Quote from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock: "Belgium is the only European country that outright forbids simlocking and contract/phone bundling." Can you please post the URL mentioning this alleged country lock by Mobistar? "]
Comment by Herman Kuiper — July 11, 2008 @ 5:10 pm |
It’s at the bottom of: , just after the remark that the 615 euro also includes the 0,05 euro recycling fee
http://iphone3g.mobistar.be/en/iphone3g.cfm
[Blog author: "You're absolutely correct Herman... Apparently Apple/Mobistar not only charges "the highest price on the planet" for the iPhone3G, they now conveniently mention "The device can only be used with a Belgian SIM card", directly implying a Country SIM-lock, which is legal in Belgium. Most Belgians feel this story is beginning to show signs of a legal rip-off..." ]
Comment by Herman Kuiper — July 11, 2008 @ 8:18 pm |
Hmm,
I was hoping *any* SIM-lock would be forbidden in Belgium… I think I will have to wait till somebody else tries one with a “foreign” SIM and reports what happens…
[Blog author: "It's indeed kind of confusing Herman... It's been claimed the 3G iPhones for the Belgian market arrive SIM-locked in the Mobistar stores, where a salesperson allegedly removes the existent lock. Mobistar seems to mail very vague answers when asked if a non-Belgian SIM would work. Their site claims it won't.
Belgium only allows 'country sim-locks', assisted by Apple who check the IMEI (revealing the country of purchase) when using Apple services through a 3G iPhone. At 600 EURO, this kind of "buyer lock-in" is outrageous. I'm no longer buying anything labeled "Apple", their behavior has been worse that many of the dubious Microsoft business practices."]
Comment by Herman Kuiper — July 12, 2008 @ 9:56 am |
my last hope was the belgian iphone but now that country lock is confirmed, IS JUST IMPOSSIBLE to use an iphone 3g if you live in countries like BRAZIL…and even a first gen iphone i wont be able to buy cause they’ve removed it from the stores. Oh my god. APPLE SUCKS HARD.
[Blog author: "We seem to agree Allan. But then again, you may try other smartphones that are less flashy but do the job as good or even better than an iPhone. I never bought an Ipod (customer lock-in with iTunes) and I will never buy an Iphone (over-priced, customer lock-in, way too many features I don't need). I've been using Microsoft Mobile and Symbian operated phones: at least they let you choose between a wide variety of hardware and operators. At present I wouldn't even buy anything labeled 'Apple' anymore."]
Comment by Allan — July 13, 2008 @ 5:10 am |
Maybe you guys could get the new iphone officialy unlocked buying it in France. Due to their law, they can’t force you to sign a contract. The price is similiar to the belgian one. I just don’t know if you have to live in France or be a french citizen. I also don’t know if it’s country-locked. Anyway you could give it a try.
[Blog author: "Orange FR sells the iPhone3G for 8GB for 509 EUR from July 17, or EUR 149 with subscription. I fail to see the benefit for anyone (excluding French citizens) buying it in France. The price difference is virtually non-existant. Additionally, it is rumored Apple is planning to control cross-county sales by using the unique IMEI to control user access to updates and certain services, although this information is not confirmed. BTW: your posting from the same Brazilian IP as the previous commenter. I checked your comments[translated by Google from Portuguese to English] on the Brazilian forum that is linking to this comment. The country lock in Belgium is indeed listed on the Mobistar/Apple website. Apple is listing a number of countries where customers can ‘Contact their carrier for authorized unlocking. But Apple likes to keep it all very fuzzy: the Belgian iPhone was supposedly “absolutely not” SIM-locked, until you read this page (at the bottom).
Also note the iPhone3G does not support MMS (quite popular over here), nor 3G-Video Calls or Mobistar Mobile TV. Totally unacceptable for such an expensive device.”]
Comment by Bruce — July 13, 2008 @ 9:54 pm |
This is shitty practice from Apple… I generally like and accept their business models (even the unfair ones), and the way they do business.. however making it impossible for some to own a legally unlocked iPhone is plain stupid, and will hurt them in the long. They are trying to get in good with the mobile operators – seeing as how they are the no 1 source of cellural phones this might not be stupid – but after a certain degree it makes no sense anymore. I don’t even think country locking is legal in Belgium (although I do not much about Belgian law), but somehow forbidding a Belgian citizen who is on vacation to insert a local sim card into his over priced unlocked iPhone to avoid steep roaming charges just makes my blood boil, mainly because of the WHY! And WHY put those people through all of this? So those of us who hate loyalty periods, and are willing to pay over $1000 for our iPhones to be able to use them on our selected networks in selected countries, don’t get what we want and we should fall in-line with the rest of the sheep.
Well I for one am NOT going to be purchasing an iPhone if I have to use it with t-mobile.
If I can get it unlocked for real in france, that’s what I’ll do.. if not: one less iPhone sold.
[blog author: "Thank you for commenting from Hungary. Many Belgians feel the same: Apple is alienating and angering countless potential iPhone customers world-wide by their lock-in approach. I decided to buy a regular EUR 250 smartphone: much better camera, perfect email and browser client, Live TV via 3G at only 50 cents an hour (not available on an iPhone) and best of all: 100% sim-lock free, with no Apple customer lock-in. Bye-bye Apple."]
Comment by Kopaszmercis — July 14, 2008 @ 2:16 pm |
No problem, what’s pissing me off is there is no real good reason to do this, and I think it’s illegal according to Belgian law.. if I was Belgian I’d ask a lawyer friend or someone and report Apple. Simlocks aren’t only in place to bind you to a national providor, they should apply internationally…
Plus it’s fucking stupid from the Belgian governments POV you know how many “iPhone” tourists truly unlocked iPhones would bring to Belgium… just the 100 euro VAT on it alone is a fucking killing. Not to mention the 5 cent recycling fee which won’t be used, ’cause the phone will go to a different country
If French unlock for a 100 euros, and unlock for real the Belgian government are a bunch of chumps for allowing this. It would be nice if the information flow on this issue was better. Although I’m sure apple doesn’t want to advertise the options – it would be nice if this was all collected regarding legally unlocked iPhones.
Country lock is immoral fucking pointless and just pisses people off.. I don’t want another phone I want THAT phone, and apple HAS TO make it available to everyone.
Comment by Kopaszmercis — July 14, 2008 @ 4:41 pm |
WOW MAN, just couldn’t agree more with you! At least your not alone. Many many people are in the same situation as ours. About the information regarding unlocked iPhones, yes it would be GREAT if someone could gather all info and sum it up. But now i think the only thing we can do is wait. Wait and see if France does the right thing..Let’s hope so.
Comment by Allan — July 14, 2008 @ 5:35 pm |
This information about being country locked seems to be there just to demotivate people of coming here and buying one because it’s NOT true. I thought the same thing until somebody from Macbidouille bought one in Belgium and activated it with a SFR sim card.
[Blog author: "Thanks Veerle. I'd heard similar stories but this seems to prove that the online Mobistar statement (”The device can only be used with a Belgian SIM card”) is indeed only intended to deter. Initially, they stressed the Belgian iPhones were absolutely not sim-locked, wich appears to be true. "]
Comment by Veerle Pieters — July 15, 2008 @ 9:58 am |
Then it’s misinformation.. fuck Mobistar, I bet Apple makes them put it out.
So it’s 100% belgian phones aren’t sim or country locked at all?
I gotta get me one of those then… I’m hittin ebay.be
[Blog author: "It was indeed pure misinformation. Like you noticed, the "”The device can only be used with a Belgian SIM card” information has been removed from http://iphone3g.mobistar.be/en/iphone3g.cfm . The Belgian iPhone3G phone is 100% SIM-lock free. At present, there is a 90d alleged waiting list, but it has become clear that existing Mobistar customers who signed up for an iPhone will get theirs much earlier. Great, another potential infraction: it's illegal to advertise any product in Belgium for which there is insufficient stock. "]
Comment by Kopaszmercis — July 15, 2008 @ 3:36 pm |
they took off the country lock from the website link.. check it out
too bad it’s sold out
Comment by Kopaszmercis — July 15, 2008 @ 3:54 pm |
Humm, very nice. But i don’t know, how can anyone trust 100% in things like that if even the Apple official site is saying that Belgium really sells locked iphones?
“Moreover, the law oblige them to sell the iPhone without subscription and desimlocked.” It’s kinda weird the way he’s talking about the belgian law like they (french) don’t have the same thing.
There’s this information blur about iphones everywhere, few people seems to know the right info..If it is true, thank god, but i think i’ll wait till more people get it done.
[Blog author: "Please check out http://www.hardmac.com/news/2008-07-12/#8583. I find the hype and information blur (along with confirmed attempts to illegally sell forced subscription) enough reasons to stay clear of Apple and Mobistar. "]
Comment by Allan — July 15, 2008 @ 4:18 pm |
OH MY GOD. They did take that warning off the site! I don’t want to dissapoint myself by getting to much hope but i think that’s finally IT!!
Comment by Allan — July 15, 2008 @ 5:14 pm |
Hehe,
Nice to see that. Shame about the 90d though… Would that hold for all models, or is the white one still impopular?
[Blog author: "I guess customers are at present buying whatever model is on sale Herman... Unfortunately, one major Antwerp Mobistar/iPhone shop I checked 1.was out of stock and had no idea when supplies would be back to normal 2. did make an attempt to sell me a Mobistar subscription (they never learn, do they..) 3. confirmed Mobistar customers would be first in line, and the line was real long this time, courtesy of Apple, presumably sending more supplies to more profitable (sim-locked + obligatory cellphone voice/data plan) markets outside of Belgium. "]
Comment by Herman Kuiper — July 15, 2008 @ 10:21 pm |
I only have one question, but its more like a scenario question.
If I left the UK to go to Belgium to buy an Iphone
1. Would I be able to pay the 900$ and walk away with ONLY the (unlocked) Iphone ?
2. If I take it to any other country would my sim card work on it ?
Ty
[Blog author: "Yes, the Belgian iPhone is 100% SIM-lock free and will work anywhere, as stated. Although networks can ID any type of phone on their network (through the IMEI), I know of no network passing up on a customer with such a data-consuming phone. Since you're posting from an IP at Vodafone Interactive, you should know this
"]
Comment by Toxicq8 — August 8, 2008 @ 2:22 am |
[...] cell phone, iPhone3G, mobile phones, technology — Peter @ 4:46 pm Tags: Apple Belgian Apple iPhone 3G fans were shocked when they learnt that their beloved, much vaunted 615 Euro/$1,000 gadget simply [...]
Pingback by Apple iPhone 3G dies when exposed to Belgian water test « Antwerp Calling — August 10, 2008 @ 4:46 pm |
Great post and updates. I blogged about this at http://profmgmt.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/do-pop-down-to-belgium-to-buy-your-fully-legal-unlocked-iphone/ . I went down the path of buying my iPhone 3G in the Netherlands and then trying to unlock. I am still waiting and it’s been nearly six weeks…
Cheers
Robin
[Blog author: "Thanks Robin. I know that unlocking iPhones appears to be quite complex. Good luck with yours. "]
Comment by robinallenson — August 28, 2008 @ 11:36 am |
The Iphone is sold in Italy as well without a lock and even cheaper: http://www.tim.it/consumer/o69685/prodotto.do
Bart
[Blog author: "Thanks for the info Bart. At 569 EURO in Italy (price at TIM - link you posted) the price in Belgium is only a couple euros higher (€ 615 at present: http://iphone3g.mobistar.be/nl/iphone3g.cfm), probably due to the 21% Belgian sales tax"]
Comment by Bart — November 3, 2008 @ 2:04 pm |