Apple iPhone hitting India’s Vodafone September 2008

The first week of September 2008 will bring the Apple iPhone to our friends in India according to information from Business Standard. The carrier making the dream a reality for many is Vodafone, one of the three major carriers in India. Apple’s wonder-phone will run a premium price tag over the current deals in both Europe and the US, with the 8GB version selling for Rs. 27000-28000 ($680-700 USD). At a premium price tag of more than 70% over Europe, motivation to buy the iPhone from Vodafone will be hindered by the thriving unlocked iPhone market.

It is currently possible to purchase an iPhone in India at Palika Bazaar of Delhi or Heera Panna shopping complex of Mumbai. Alternatively unlocked iPhones are selling for as little as $450 on eBay and while they lack the 3G capabilities of the next generation iPhone, Vodafone India’s network needs to be upgraded. It will be difficult justifying the $700 price tag from Vodafone even with 3G capabilities in India with the current cheaper alternatives.