DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: iPhone 3G Out in India Next Month!

47 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/exclusive-iphone-3g-out-in-india-next-month.93836/

Pat
Pat Original post #1
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Here we have it folks, an exclusive on the iPhone's availability in India. When, how much, what features, software -- everything you ever wanted to know about the iPhone 3G in India! We know you want to get to the meat of the matter, so without further ado, here's what you need to know:

> iPhone 3G Availability: Vodafone to have a 15 day launch advantage (available August '08 through Vodafone, and late Aug/September '08 through Airtel)

> Model: Initially, the 8GB version only

> Price: Rs. 11,500 to Rs. 12,000 (note: U.S. price of the 8GB iPhone 3G is $199)

> Applications: App Store will be available

> App prices: Application prices may see a revision to suit Indian market

> 3G: No fixed date for 3G availability; expected sometime later this year

> GPS: Present on the Indian version as well

> Grey-market availability: Almost nowhere to be seen. One store expects to sell it next week at Rs. 50,000

Scroll down for the rest of the story.

Continue reading the article here
*www.techtree.com/India/News/EXCLUSIVE_iPhone_3G_Out_in_India_Next_Month/551-91366-615.html

Personally speaking I find it hard to believe that it will be available for a meager 12k! Thats totally unbelievable :!:

However if this is true, expect monthly plans to start in excess of 1k!:(
Pathik
Pathik #2
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:12 PM
I heard that the Airtel launch date is 22 Aug.
BTW, from an inside source, I have come to hear that Vodafone has started 3G testing in Mumbai and Bangalore.
Pat
Pat #3
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:17 PM
I heard that the Airtel launch date is 22 Aug.
BTW, from an inside source, I have come to hear that Vodafone has started 3G testing in Mumbai and Bangalore.

22nd August is what was disclosed in the recently held apple financial conference. However the article states that Vodafone will have a 15 day advantage over Airtel. So expect it around 22nd to 25th August on Vodafone and in september, on Airtel. Its getting really exciting now :)
amitava82
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:20 PM
OMFG! 12K is a steal.. Impossible :shock:
koolbluez
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:21 PM
The price & 3.5" display attracts me to the deal... but I feel it'll bcome like the Pulsar... every guy/gal'll have it. Common, na. What makes u special... privileged?

May b the HTC Touch Pro :D
din
din #6
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:33 PM
Cool

Can't wait.....

Thank you for the news n info Pat.
amitava82
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:40 PM
but I feel it'll bcome like the Pulsar... every guy/gal'll have it. Common, na. What makes u special... privileged?
Right said.. SE X1 may be? :D
Pathik
Pathik #8
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:41 PM
But you cant go around splurging cash just for the "elite"ness.
thewisecrab
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Great News
At 12000/- that too :shock:
I pity those who bought it in the grey market:))
amitava82
amitava82 #10
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:45 PM
But you cant go around splurging cash just for the "elite"ness.
Thats why I use a $15 phone.. It's unique.. and it does the job. :D
Pathik
Pathik #11
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:48 PM
^^ What?? Subsidized?
goobimama
goobimama #12
Jul 23, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Either ways its going to be expensive. If its 22k, it is expensive by itself. If it is 12k, the call plans are going to be killing. (Not to mention that even if it is 22k, the phone will still be tied to the carrier with more 'regular' call plans).
iChaitanya
Jul 24, 2008 at 1:53 AM
If it is 12k, the call plans are going to be killing. (Not to mention that even if it is 22k, the phone will still be tied to the carrier with more 'regular' call plans).

Exactaly. I don't know why but I am getting a feeling that the plans are surely going to be costly. :(

Have a look at these two articles:

*www.tech2.com/india/news/smart-mobile-phones/iphone-3g-within-sniffing-distance/42491/0

*asia.cnet.com/blogs/hktechphooey/post.htm?id=63005217&scid=rvhm_ms (This one says India 'may be' present in that "20 more countries" list)
F
fallin_a #14
Jul 24, 2008 at 5:12 AM
cant wait for it anymor
MetalheadGautham
Jul 24, 2008 at 5:35 AM
12K ? Thats it then. I am almost 100% sure we will have minimum Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 per month forced subscription plans for an year.
T
ThinkFree #16
Jul 24, 2008 at 7:32 AM
For just Rs. 12000? Will the mobile network companies take a year's rent in advance or will it be locked here as well for use with their network only?
ring_wraith
Jul 24, 2008 at 6:27 PM
Assuming it's 1k a month for the Data Plan, we're looking at 24k for 2 years. 24k+12k = 36,000 for your shiny new iphone. That sounds a lot more logical.
naveen_reloaded
Jul 24, 2008 at 6:59 PM
No 3g.... What a waste... But 12k can justify it...

Will have a close eye on it...

Will networks start deploying 3g by next month?
x3060
x3060 #19
Jul 25, 2008 at 12:44 PM
am waiting for its launch too, not to buy it , but the "touch pro" might reduce their price and i may be able to get it. :)
Pat
Pat #20
Jul 25, 2008 at 1:05 PM
am waiting for its launch too, not to buy it , but the "touch pro" might reduce their price and i may be able to get it. :)

Dont want to start a war here, but have you seen the videos of the new Touch Diamond and Pro ? The interface(Read: HTC Software) is unbearably sluggish and is not ready for prime time yet! I was so shocked at how it performs considering it has a 528 Mhz processor :eek: Read some reviews before you buy it. Just a friendly advice :)
iMav
iMav #21
Jul 25, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Vodafone will launch iPhone on the 18th.

Tech2
MetalheadGautham
Jul 25, 2008 at 4:21 PM
thats it... I now officially DEMAND a dedicated and exclusive apple forum... these iPhone threads that keep comming up everyday irritate me... why isn't there anything else to talk about ? don't you guys get tired discussing the same few products again and again in a 100 different threads ?
thewisecrab
Jul 25, 2008 at 4:21 PM
@iMav
Thank you for removing speculation on launch date :)
I wonder if it'll be of any use without 3G
Is Vodafone providing 3G also?

@MetalHeadGautham
+1
Pat
Pat #24
Jul 25, 2008 at 4:23 PM
@iMav
Thank you for removing speculation on launch date :)
I wonder if it'll be of any use without 3G
Is Vodafone providing 3G also?

@MetalHeadGautham
+1

3G in India is still a distant dream. I dont expect it in 2008 atleast.

thats it... I now officially DEMAND a dedicated and exclusive apple forum... these iPhone threads that keep comming up everyday irritate me... why isn't there anything else to talk about ? don't you guys get tired discussing the same few products again and again in a 100 different threads ?

If you have a problem report the thread to the Moderator. They will do their work. And try DEMANDING it from them :rolleyes:
thewisecrab
Jul 25, 2008 at 4:30 PM
What is the current state of 3G?
I mean, any official announcements? Any "launch" date?
As far as I know, its going to be started with in Q1 of 2009
Also I it going to be available through out the Country, or Only in Metros?
As I "May" be moving to Hyderabad in the near future
(Keyword here is MAY)
Pat
Pat #26
Jul 25, 2008 at 4:35 PM
What is the current state of 3G?
I mean, any official announcements? Any "launch" date?
As far as I know, its going to be started with in Q1 of 2009
Also I it going to be available through out the Country, or Only in Metros?
As I "May" be moving to Hyderabad in the near future
(Keyword here is MAY)

Current state: Well, government is yet to announce a date for spectrum bidding. After that is done, telecom companies will get a green signal to implement and commercialize 3G.

Technically speaking, the companies are already in the process of setting up/testing the infrastructure for 3G (rumors honestly). Thats how the situation is.
Pathik
Pathik #27
Jul 25, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Vodafone and Airtel have almost setup the infrastructure. They are just waiting for the Govt. nod now.
T
ThinkFree #28
Jul 25, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Airtel has started advertising launch of iPhone. Received pamphlet with postpaid bill.
skeletor
skeletor #29
Jul 25, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Sucky iPhone arriving next month......:D

I think I'll order it with Airtel because it is VFM........Very Flaunting Mobile...........:D :lol: (if the plans come out to be **OK** - because I know they won't be good)
rollcage
rollcage #30
Jul 26, 2008 at 5:15 PM
this book your iphone 3g ad ..is crap ..what does that do nothing..they are not taking any booking amount so there is no surety of u getting it as soon as it is out. aah xxx

as for 3G ... pata nahi ye idiot TRAI kab layega .. may be in 2010 we will get 3G, not sooner. i am having a 3G phone for more than 2 years now. fcuk.

as for GPS .. its cant be called a gps as such, because .. it just tell you where you are on the map, nothing else. You cant navigate or get driving directions to a destination, so here it looses out from Nokia.

still, it has more than any other gadget rught now .. to go for it. having ipod + phone in one what you need. nothing.. having a huge 3.5" screen is surplus.

10-12K is a good deal. I am waiting for it lets see how it goes, will surly buy it, bcoz missed out on 1.0.

there is one query in my mind... My friend has just gone to new york yesterday. he doesnt have any idea on shopping n all, so can any of you tell, if I can get S199 phone from there? .. I know it wont have warranty in india, and need to cracked .. but other than that .. what is the actual in hand cost of the phone landing in India through a relative or a friend??
S
sakumar79 #31
Jul 26, 2008 at 6:33 PM
To purchase the iphone in NY, your friend will have to sign up a contract for specified services... But he will not be able to do that I think (your friend is Indian visiting there right?) So, not possible AFAIK...

Arun
D@rekills4
Jul 26, 2008 at 10:12 PM
iPhone RoX

Finally I can buy one
Besides I heard that 3G service is gonna be launched in India after 8-9 Months
Pat
Pat #34
Jul 28, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Rumors doing rounds that vodafone will be selling iPhones for 13k

*www.tech2.com/india/news/mobile-phones/vodafone-to-sell-iphone-3g-for-13k/43191/0
aryayush
aryayush #35
Jul 29, 2008 at 9:01 AM
this book your iphone 3g ad ..is crap ..what does that do nothing..they are not taking any booking amount so there is no surety of u getting it as soon as it is out. aah xxx
Yeah, because the demand is overwhelming. They aren't being able to have them manufactured fast enough. If they started accepting pre-orders, the Chinese factories would probably just throw up their hands. :lol:

You cant navigate or get driving directions to a destination, so here it looses out from Nokia.
No, it doesn't. You get turn-by-turn driving directions too. Also, you can search for restaurants and stuff and when you click on their name in the map, you can see their phone number, address and stuff, and get driving directions to it from your current location. It doesn't work in my small city of Siliguri but some iPhone users have told me that it works pretty well in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi.

there is one query in my mind... My friend has just gone to new york yesterday. he doesnt have any idea on shopping n all, so can any of you tell, if I can get S199 phone from there? .. I know it wont have warranty in india, and need to cracked .. but other than that .. what is the actual in hand cost of the phone landing in India through a relative or a friend??
Rs. 40,000. In other words, you cannot have an iPhone bought from the U.S.A. anymore.
tarey_g
tarey_g #36
Jul 29, 2008 at 10:34 AM
if it was for 12K with no stings attached, it wud do very well in India. Majority of Indians are ready to spend upto 15k on a cell phone.
L
lenrox #37
Aug 20, 2008 at 3:48 AM
Vodafone guys are :
"delighted to announce that the iPhone 3G will be available in India from August 22, 2008
It will be available in 8GB & 16GB models, priced at Rs 31,000 and Rs 36,100 respectively"

10000 ka advance... rest on delivery.. limited stock.. my foot.... for a 2 MP cell phone?? Nokia does better....
aryayush
aryayush #38
Aug 20, 2008 at 5:17 AM
Oh, because that’s what determines the price of a cellular phone—the amount of megapixels the camera possesses! :lol:
amitava82
amitava82 #39
Aug 20, 2008 at 5:24 AM
:lol: Buy a dig... Never mind..
rollcage
rollcage #40
Aug 20, 2008 at 1:35 PM
Damm man .. I received the email from them too. 32k and 38k fcuk them
these idiots gonna sell at 4 times the US rate ... thats disgusting.
what happen to the steve jobs saying we will sellat 199$ or less ... jesus christ .. go to hell you people.

I better get 1 from grey market, do hell with the warranty. :D

@lenrox
stop comparing the MP is cameras of phone.. Its a phone for gods sake.. if you are so bothered buy a pro dslr with 1000$ Optical lens then go for widlife shooting :rolleyes: then come back and compare your nokia with it.
aryayush
aryayush #41
Aug 20, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Dude, this is a contract free iPhone. They’ll sell them for $599 in the U.S.A.. There’s a difference of 12.5% between the U.S.A. and Indian prices.

Don’t compare it with the subsidised rate of $199. It’s not the same thing.
T
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Dude, this is a contract free iPhone. They’ll sell them for $599 in the U.S.A.. There’s a difference of 12.5% between the U.S.A. and Indian prices.

Don’t compare it with the subsidised rate of $199. It’s not the same thing.

lol bro reading your comments make me think that you are a Apple agent here:D:D:D...the prices vodaphone is quoting is absurd for far less you would get a HTC Prism or if ya wait for some months then Nokia N96
aryayush
aryayush #43
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Did I say that Vodafone’s prices are great? I pointed out the nonsensicality of comparing the price of an unsubsidised, contract free phone with one that is subsidised and comes with a two-year contract.

Reading your comments makes me think that you have a habit of jumping to conclusions and not too much of a grasp on the English language. :D:D:D
Ecko
Ecko #44
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:46 PM
WTF prices out & they're OMG

*www.vodafone.in/iphone/Pages/iPhone_details.aspx?cid=pun
T
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Reading your comments makes me think that you have a habit of jumping to conclusions and not too much of a grasp on the English language. :D:D:D

teach me:D:D:D:D
Ecko
Ecko #46
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Keep The contract & the phone :D
usele$$ sh!t since currently dont have competitors
Will c in future how apple will handle their contracts
H
Hitboxx #47
Aug 20, 2008 at 9:55 PM
How many threads do we need boys?