Report: Apple prepping Australia for June (3G?) iPhone arrival

[AppleInsider]

A debatable report out of one of Australia's largest Apple communities this week claims the wheels are in motion to launch the iPhone in the region this June, and that a 3G model is likely to take center stage.

Citing unnamed sources within the country's tightly-knit circle of Apple resellers, an administrator for the MacTalk forums reports that many of those resellers have started to receive guidance from the Cupertino-based company regarding a local iPhone launch during the final week of June.

The timeframe would coincide with the widely anticipated arrival of a second-generation iPhone with 3G wireless capabilities, iPhone software v2.0, and the first Australian Apple retail stores in Sydney and Melbourne, both of which are believed to be nearing completion.

Though somewhat suspect, the report adds that the touch-screen handset will arrive unlocked for use on many of the nation's wireless carriers and that Australian Apple resellers, unlike those in the US and Europe, will be privy to market the device to their customers.

MacTalk notes that all the major Australian carriers already operate a 3G HSDPA network, while only one -- Telstra -- maintains a network suitable for the current 2.5G EDGE-based iPhone. As such, the publication believes a 3G model would stand as the only logical choice for the region, a notion believed to also support the rumored multi-carrier model.

On Tuesday evening it was discovered that the latest private beta of iPhone software v2.0 includes references to Infineon's SGOLD3H chipset. A successor to the SGOLD2 chipset used in the current iPhone, the new version is distinguished from the earlier hardware by its 3G cellular data capabilities.

Unlike the EDGE-only chipset in the current iPhone, the new Infineon hardware not only adds 3G over HSDPA but runs up to the international standard's newer 7.2 megabit per second spec -- twice the speed of the 3.6-megabit access seen on most HSDPA networks.

It also enables new options for video that aren't present in the SGOLD2, such as live recording and two-way video calls.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Slewis]

Null.

[ascii]

Just more evidence that a 3G iPhone is soon to be unleashed on the world. A faster network connection won't fundamentally change the device, with the possible exception of enabling iChat on the iPhone, which would be Star Trek Cool.

[petermac]

Hmmm a multi carrier model. I like the sound of that, although that would probably mean there will be no visual voicemail. But why a multi carrier model and why Australia to try out this marketing method. It sounds like Apple couldn't get any of the carriers to the table.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by petermac

Hmmm a multi carrier model. I like the sound of that, although that would probably mean there will be no visual voicemail. But why a multi carrier model and why Australia to try out this marketing method. It sounds like Apple couldn't get any of the carriers to the table.

Maybe not. If multiple carriers have access to the iPhone they might add VV to their network in order to entice customers to choose them over the other carrier(s). Which, may then get the other carriers to include it to catch up.

[CosmoNut]

I didn't know there was a Cupertino, Australia.

(Read the article carefully.)

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by petermac

.... why Australia to try out this marketing method...

Heh, heh.... no offense at all, mates, but in the global scheme of things, Australia could be a low-cost-of-failure way to market-test something, especially, since Apple wants to put its best foot forward with what is likely one of its most significant product introductions...... sort of, like, "does it play in Peoria?"

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by CosmoNut

I didn't know there was a Cupertino, Australia.

(Read the article carefully.)

Or, Peoria, Australia (see above).

PS: Good catch, btw!

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Slewis

Details on the SGOLD3H chipset

Sebastian

Wow. It says "support for video telephony, streaming, recording, and playback" and "supports up to 5MP camera." Wow.

[Slewis]

Null.

[Jimzip]

My brother and uncle will be so happy now! (If this report proves true).
Now, if only Apple can get the telcos up here to play nice, Canada can join the iPhone orgy.

Jimzip

[Feynman]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Wow. It says "support for video telephony, streaming, recording, and playback" and "supports up to 5MP camera." Wow.

I'm so glad I waited to buy an iPhone

[quinney]

the didgeridoos are roaring

[Jimzip]

Originally Posted by quinney

the didgeridoos are roaring

And you'll be able to hear it anywhere, anytime. With iPhone™.

Jimzip

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Feynman

I'm so glad I waited to buy an iPhone

Don't confuse that with Apple supporting all the features of the Inferion chip. The current iPhone Inferion chip doesn't do everything it could.

[.mac]

when its coming to spain ?

[lhunter]

Will this chipset work with Tmobile"s data network?

Since 3g networks are just being rolled out, do they roam on GSM when 3g is unavailable?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by lhunter

Will this chipset work with Tmobile"s data network?

Since 3g networks are just being rolled out, do they roam on GSM when 3g is unavailable?

Welcome to AI. Both T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM. The chip will use the fastest data standard available.


chart by winterspan

[lhunter]

Great. Thanks

[BjK]

Solipsism,

Cool chart, I had no idea that 3G speeds could be so high. What system is AT&T using?

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by petermac

Hmmm a multi carrier model. I like the sound of that, although that would probably mean there will be no visual voicemail. But why a multi carrier model and why Australia to try out this marketing method. It sounds like Apple couldn't get any of the carriers to the table.

In Australia, people basically do not accept locked phones. People just wouldn't buy it, so it makes sense.

If you buy a phone on a 2 year plan in Australia, they give you a new unlocked phone and they don't care what you do with it, because you're paying for it through the plan regardless. If you cancel your plan you have to pay out the remaining months and sometimes a penalty.

Apple's approach in the US is very strange. You can get the phone at the 'subsidised' price without signing up for a plan, allowing you to unlock and use on other carriers. In the new model this wouldn't be possible, since you'd be required to sign up for the plan before you got the phone or pay full price.

The new approach make much more sense. People value choice over price. They'd rather have an unlocked phone and pay more than be locked into a carrier, especially one they don't like.

Also, I'd say you'd get visual voicemail. All the (Australian) carriers would implement it to provide proper support for the phone. Why wouldn't they. It's not rocket science.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by BjK

Solipsism,

Cool chart, I had no idea that 3G speeds could be so high. What system is AT&T using?

According to the links below AT&T uses HSUPA, but they only advertise HSDPA (probably for marketing reasons?). While a carrier may use such standards don't mistake this for being a widespread offering, as I've read, AT&T is pretty far behind Versizona dn Sprint with 3G coverage, though they appear to have upped their game since the arrival of the iPhone.

• http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/wh...gy/3g-umts.jsp
• http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/18/a...g-hsupa-cards/

PS: I think AT&T plan to use the newly acquired 700MHz spectrum for LTE.
PPS: The chart is by AI poster Winterspan from another thread.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by merdhead

Also, I'd say you'd get visual voicemail. All the (Australian) carriers would implement it to provide proper support for the phone. Why wouldn't they. It's not rocket science.

I agree, but Apple could always charge a lot for the feature, stating that if a carrier implements this before other carriers in a country they are more likely to obtain more new subscribers and keep their current customers.

[BjK]

Originally Posted by solipsism

According to the links below AT&T uses HSUPA, but they only advertise HSDPA (probably for marketing reasons?).


PS: I think AT&T plan to use the newly acquired 700MHz spectrum for LTE.
PPS: The chart is by AI poster Winterspan from another thread.

Thanks! One more question, why do the speeds for HSDPA and HSUPA have 3 levels?

And if Winterspan is out there, reading this thread, thanks to you too!

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by BjK

Thanks! One more question, why do the speeds for HSDPA and HSUPA have 3 levels?!

The answer is somewhere in the link below, but I can't explain it.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSDPA#HSDPA_UE_categories

[Constable Odo]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Wow. It says "support for video telephony, streaming, recording, and playback" and "supports up to 5MP camera." Wow.

Yeh, support for, but don't expect Apple to go and take full advantage of many of the functions that the chip offers. Even though it's called a 3G iPhone, Apple needs to leave some stuff out so they'll have plenty of room to make hardware upgrades in the iPhone model just to make sure the money continues to roll in.

_______________________________________

Once the iPhone goes 3G, I wonder what the next gripe will be. How many of you are going to complain if it doesn't come with true GPS in it? "Gee, every other smartphone has true GPS, how come my iPhone doesn't after I paid all my hard-earned cash for it?. I guess I'd better wait for iPhone GPS." I hope the U.S. networks can handle lots of 3G users, otherwise there'll be another bottleneck to keep users unhappy.

Many of us have been doing a features list for the iPhone. I'll bet Apple barely manages to put half those features into the 3G iPhone. I'll hate to see what happens to Apple's share price at that point. I remember when the MacBook Air got introduced and many of us thought it would have so many groundbreaking features (WIMAX and built-in telephony) and that caused a big disappointment. Down went the share price. I just hope buyers will be satisfied with the 3G iPhone. I think updated firmware and SDK software should keep users happy. Well, that's my hope.

[yvo84]

This is exactly the news i want to hear. I stupidly recontracted with my phone company 3 (yes all they actually DO is 3g). It was a good choice at the time, cause it meant they paid out my old Nokie n70 AND gave me a free Sony k800i. I actually love my phone company, they're great.. but i'm contracted till April 2009 now cause i saved a bit of money.. and i'd cop a hefty penalty if i were to cancel the contract. But this means i can just purchase the iPhone outright and be on my merry way.

[GregAlexander]

Originally Posted by yvo84

this means i can just purchase the iPhone outright and be on my merry way.

I'd expect the outright purchase price to be similar to the French unlocked price - A$1275 (but we should allow for minor price changes for 3G and inexplicable minor differences in Aussie/European pricing).

So I don't think this will help you (or me) switch to an iPhone mid contract.

On a related note:
An $800 Nokia phone is free on a Vodafone $49/mth (2 year) contract - which gives $280 worth of calls.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the iPhone for $499 on a $49/mth (2 year) contract, plus $10/mth for "unlimited" data (with fair use policy keeping it down to 1 GB)

[meemorize]

Awesome news, but will this mean the iPhone will finally be coming to New Zealand as well?

Does anyone know what kind of networks Telecom NZ/Vodafone NZ use?

[GregAlexander]

Originally Posted by meemorize

Awesome news, but will this mean the iPhone will finally be coming to New Zealand as well?

Does anyone know what kind of networks Telecom NZ/Vodafone NZ use?

Vodafone uses GSM (for 2G) and 3GSM/UMTS (for 3G). So totally compatible.

Telecom NZ uses CDMA (for 2G) and I believe has that 3G version which is incompatible with 3GSM. HOWEVER, they said a couple of years back they would move their network across to 3GSM/UMTS, not sure how far down that track they are (if at all).

edit: Telecom NZ should have a compatible 3G network in November 2008? http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/net_nzte.shtml

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by Constable Odo

Once the iPhone goes 3G, I wonder what the next gripe will be.

My gripes -- independent of Gs -- will continue with the 3G version as well, unless fixed: At this stage it is plainly STUPID for the iPhone to not have cut-copy-paste or voice-activated dialing or ability to search within email.

[lostkiwi]

Originally Posted by GregAlexander

Vodafone uses GSM (for 2G) and 3GSM/UMTS (for 3G). So totally compatible.

Telecom NZ uses CDMA (for 2G) and I believe has that 3G version which is incompatible with 3GSM. HOWEVER, they said a couple of years back they would move their network across to 3GSM/UMTS, not sure how far down that track they are (if at all).

edit: Telecom NZ should have a compatible 3G network in November 2008? http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/net_nzte.shtml

Yeah Telecom have been talking about it for ages to try and compete with Vodafone, but it seems Telecom is always behind the ball in NZ. I've only ever used Vodafone for mobiles anyway but it would be nice if Telecom did something about the broadband speeds here. Anyone coming from S Korea or whatever must think they are in a backwater down here. I almost had kittens when I came back from overseas and found out how much mobile charges were in NZ.
/end rant

[one9deuce]

Sorry Constable Odo, but the Macbook Air had nothing to do with AAPL's share price dropping. It was the downturn in the economy compounded by Apple's low guidance for the March quarter. Period.

I would hope that Apple takes advantage of most of the new chip's features. 5MP camera and video recording are a must. They can't get away with not having those when pretty much every camera out there does have those features.

[pmoeser]

Telstra obviously thought they knew better.
Now all they know is that they didn't agree to a 2.5 G phone which means all Mac tragics would have bought one of them and then upgraded to the 3G phone meaning more units sold in total and a whole lot more people locked into their network for 2 years.
A whole lot of lost revenue that Telstra shareholders should be asking Sol about next time they get a chance.
Now the iPhone looks to be available to all networks.
I'm just pissed off because it means we had to wait a whole year before we got the damn thing!

[meemorize]

Originally Posted by GregAlexander

Vodafone uses GSM (for 2G) and 3GSM/UMTS (for 3G). So totally compatible.

Telecom NZ uses CDMA (for 2G) and I believe has that 3G version which is incompatible with 3GSM. HOWEVER, they said a couple of years back they would move their network across to 3GSM/UMTS, not sure how far down that track they are (if at all).

edit: Telecom NZ should have a compatible 3G network in November 2008? http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/net_nzte.shtml

excellent. Do you think apple will officially launch the iPhone in New Zealand simultaeniously as part of some sort of "Australasia" deal rather than a sole Australia deal?

[ksec]

Why is AI keep making SXXT up?

it is SGOLD3 chipset, not SGOLD3H chipset.
They got it right in the first article. Pointing it out from Ziphone. Then they put down a link to SGOLD3H chipset. Which is completely wrong.

On Tuesday evening it was discovered that the latest private beta of iPhone software v2.0 includes references to Infineon's SGOLD3H chipset.

Which is wrong again because the article point out the reference to Infineon's SGOLD3 chipset.

Sigh.....

[merdhead]

I agree. If you look at the original site which lists the code, it looks like it's just cycling through the three versions of the chipset. It's proof of nothing. But I still think we'll see a 3G phone announcement in June.

[GregAlexander]

Originally Posted by meemorize

Do you think apple will officially launch the iPhone in New Zealand simultaeniously as part of some sort of "Australasia" deal rather than a sole Australia deal?

Who knows?

If Apple has decided to charge "full price" for unlocked phones in Australia, and then let mobile phone operators subsidise the price down by putting them on contracts as they see fit, then they MIGHT decide that's just as valid in NZ and local Asian countries.

However - if Australia is a test-bed, as the article says, and Apple hasn't decided whether the model will be effective - then I'd guess they'd start by doing just the one country.

Another factor is that for now there is only one choice in NZ, and Apple hasn't released into that situation anywhere in the world (I assume it gives them very little power to dictate terms). The "full price" model rumoured doesn't need to have Apple dictating terms (so might work anywhere), BUT a country with 3 eager networks selling the iPhone is more likely to let competition provide reasonable terms to all those buying an iPhone.

So based on the rumour I'd lean towards Australia only, for now.

[meemorize]

Originally Posted by GregAlexander

Who knows?

If Apple has decided to charge "full price" for unlocked phones in Australia, and then let mobile phone operators subsidise the price down by putting them on contracts as they see fit, then they MIGHT decide that's just as valid in NZ and local Asian countries.

However - if Australia is a test-bed, as the article says, and Apple hasn't decided whether the model will be effective - then I'd guess they'd start by doing just the one country.

Another factor is that for now there is only one choice in NZ, and Apple hasn't released into that situation anywhere in the world (I assume it gives them very little power to dictate terms). The "full price" model rumoured doesn't need to have Apple dictating terms (so might work anywhere), BUT a country with 3 eager networks selling the iPhone is more likely to let competition provide reasonable terms to all those buying an iPhone.

So based on the rumour I'd lean towards Australia only, for now.

typical

i hope they ll sell it here -officially- soon.

thanks for all the info.

[gastroboy]

Should piss off all those who bought and hacked the US iPhone to use in Australia.

Now they will be stuck with the slower incompatible version.

They who put their heads too early on the starting block invite them to be chopped off.