When Apple chose T-Mobile as their exclusive partner to sell iPhones in Germany, a temporary injunction forced the company to sell iPhones unlocked. T-Mobile complied, but raised the price to $1,460.

So far Apple has pushed the iPhone into new markets by partnering with a single distribution partner who in return kicks back an unknown percentage of revenue generated by iPhone sales.

According to CNET, “in late November, wireless operator Vodafone Group complained that T-Mobile, which won the German exclusivity deal to sell the handset, was being anticompetitive by not allowing the handset to be used on other networks, while locking users into 24-month contracts.”

A German court supported this allegation and granted a temporary injunction against T-Mobile. That led to the price hike, and now the injunction has been overturned by a regional German Court.

Sadly for Apple enthusiasts everywhere, that means T-Mobile is no longer selling unlocked iPhones for $1,460.

Then again, Orange, a mobile phone operator in France is offering unlocked iPhones for $964. According to PC World though, “the small print strictly forbids reading newsgroups, making VoIP (voice over IP) calls, sharing files over peer-to-peer services or using the iPhone as a modem with a notebook PC”.

If you’re willing to pay the price, an unlocked iPhone can be yours! Who ever said money can’t buy happiness?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NEqxAjtldE[/youtube]

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, December 4th, 2007 at 7:42 pm under Apple, Legal.

Read more entries by Matt Jansen.
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