The iPhone 3G first-mover advantage

John Chan | Jul 29, 2008

We know you are probably sick and tired of hearing about the iPhone 3G by now--I know I am. But here's another one--a post that will answer some readers' questions about why we cover it so much.

These photos were taken last week in Hong Kong, outside three different mobile operators' shops along the same street within a 5-minute period. On the left, you see Hutchison's 3 shop, the operator which has the iPhone. The other two are Peoples by China Telecom and PCCW Mobile. See the difference?

Most of those people standing around in the 3 shop are waiting for their turn at the counter. In my few minutes in the store, I saw some of them collecting their iPhones from the staff. Right inside, at the corner, was a working set for touch and feel. Those not buying one also made up the numbers. Some of these included tourists who wanted to find out if they could get one. Unfortunately, to get one officially from 3, one has to prove that he/she lives in Hong Kong before being able to sign a two-year contract with the company.

While these pictures prove nothing statistically, I have no doubt that the situation will look something like this when SingTel in Singapore, GlobeTelecom in the Philippines or any other operator getting it first in their country finally start selling the iPhone 3G--what a coup for these companies. Those living in Asia may be spoilt for choice (compared to those in the US) when it comes to mobile phones, but that doesn't mean the frenzy when Apple's handset arrives in your country will be any less than what's transpired in those countries which got it on July 11.

Filed under: Handhelds, Mobile Phones
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vin8tan

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vin8tan says...
This is exactly the reason why i'm giving up the iPhone.... It has become the next N95.... everyone has one.. what's the point !!

Jul 30, 2008 09:50

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jaspertang

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jaspertang says...
i don't think there would be that kind of a buzz in the Philippines because it cost too much. 16G with no plan is $1086 and the 8G with no plan is $931. too much..

Aug 07, 2008 16:11

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