Apple iPhone 3G Version May Hit Japan First

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apple iphone japanI just learned from CNN Money, two of the biggest Japan telecommunication providers are in talks with Apple to reap the market benefits of the Apple iPhone. The two telcos are none other than NTT DoCoMo and the third biggest provider in Japan; Softbank Mobile.

In terms of business figures, the famous NTT DoCoMo company has 53 million customers while Softbank only has a smaller 17 million customers. It looks to be a David and Goliath war against the two Japan telecommunication providers.

Due to this, it is very convincing to say Asia will have a 3G version of the Apple iPhone. Simple reason is because…there is no EDGE network in Japan. *gasp*

Wherever the iPhone ends up in Japan, it means one thing – it has to be a 3G model, as there simply is no GSM network in the country. Suggestions of a new model with a CDMA chip of some sort appearing late in 2008 suddenly seem so much more believable.

Source: tech.co.uk

Well, who needs EDGE when they’ve got 4G and ongoing research for 5G and the sorts. As for Malaysia, telecommunication providers here are still thinking of ways to convince customers to use 3G. Though I find the recent 3G mobile internet connection stint rather tempting.

Ultimately, it looks like Apple iPhone users in Malaysia will need to start planning on upgrading their unit in 2008. As for me, I’ll have to go talk with MAXIMiPhone and see if I’ll be getting an ‘upgrade’ later. ;)

Are you waiting for the 3G version of the Apple iPhone?

[tags]Apple iPhone, iPhone Malaysia, 3G iPhone[/tags]

34 thoughts on “Apple iPhone 3G Version May Hit Japan First”

  3. In all honesty i’m really rather annoyed that the UK has been limited (as with many other countries) to a specific network; its hardly freedom of product is it! Everyone should have a fair chance to get their hands on one with out being railroaded into changing to a different network just for the sake of getting an iPhone… oh well lets hope we get a bit more choice in ’08!

  4. I guess that’s Apple for you. Not only do they encourage to think different, they can also change the way we think.

  5. I wouldn’t mind switching to a new network as long as I get to use an iPhone, though.

    As long as the network isn’t crap. =P

  6. LOL! Suffian, that’s such a…classic.

    You don’t mind switching networks, as long it’s not crap. Brother, sure got unhappiness at times mar. :P

  9. Nah…4G, Wimax..& what not, what good if d battery can’t last?

    We should wish for a breakthrough in battery technology in 2008..time will tell i guess.

  10. I definitely want to agree with you there, rockstar. But I think even firmwares have somewhat an effect on the battery some how.

  11. so much of rumors telling that iPhone 3G gonna launch at WWDC June.. hope it’s true.. then we’ll be slightly closer to iphone.. i perhaps..

  14. 3G chipset is not energy efficient yet when iPhone was 1st launched…it would have cut the battery life by half. You would not want to listen to music and browse the Internet with such short battery life.

    According to Steve, Edge & Wifi are more energy efficient than 3G..but that was last year. So let’s see what this year will bring.. :)

  15. I most definitely won’t use the iPhone much if I can’t surf and use it for calls all day. But I do hope Apple optimizes the batteries more.

  16. did u face a prob tat when u using ur wifi on ur iphone, it will auto connect to GPRS at the same time~~~~ n the phone bill is killing me~~~~ =.=”

  17. The last time that problem was around was when iPhones were still only firmware 1.0.2 if I recall correctly. The newer firmware 1.1.1 (if I’m not mistaken) disables GPRS/EDGE when you have WiFi or something along those lines.

  19. When there is wind there is a way…still have time to save enough to get 1 by the time it launches locally :)

  21. it’s not even out yet in the states but don’t worry it will come…gen1 iphone didn’t come because it doesn’t have 3g in it so as someone say.

  22. right, Japan is 1 of the 70 countries that will be getting the new iphone…it’s not a rumour anymore

  25. ..n there would be some annoucement on the iphone 3g deal in China later this year from what i gather. That’d boost its sales to record high…

  26. i plan to get da 3G iphone from japan in aug…. anyone knows bout the unlocked thingy? n it can be used if i buy from japan?

  28. Thanks for sharing iptouch. I’m gonna post it up and see what others may think about this. :)

  29. Danny says:
    Please refrain from promoting your prices. Otherwise, I’m forced to mark you as spam. Thanks.

  31. Do note any transactions made directly between commenters is not under my jurisdication and care. Therefore, I’m not liable for any loss or anything legal which will lead or may have lead to your business transaction.

    LOL! Terror or not. :P But yeah, it’s your responsibility.

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