Apple Computer’s iPhone 3G launch in India to act as a catalyst for 3G mobile market The launch of the much-awaited iPhone 3G by Apple Computer’s has changed the face of the
Indian telecom market. Priced at US$ 700, the phone will be marketed in India by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Essar.
The phone offers superior sound quality amongst a host of other impressive features: support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, push services (for email, contacts, calendar) and VPN protocols besides a fullyfunctional
GPS system.
The launch of Apple’s iPhone has also triggered a deluge of smartphones from other companies. Mobile phone makers such as Nokia, Samsung, LG, Blackberry, HTC and Motorola have launched smartphones
which will include a host of high-tech features – full web browsing capabilities over Wi-Fi or high-speed data networks – including touchscreens.
With the launch of Apple iPhone 3G, the market for 3G phones is expected to grow at a phenomenal pace. India is likely to have 270 million 3G subscribers by 2013 according to Research agency Strategy Analytics’
VP, Wireless Practice, David A Kerr. Currently, India is the world’s fastest-growing wireless market with nearly 300 million subscribers.
But actual pricing is much high .Sticker price shock has spoiled the launch party of Apple’s iPhone in India, home to the world’s fastest-growing mobile market.The 3G or third generation phone sells for more than triple its US price tag in India — a new key battleground for makers of high-end mobile handsets thanks to its increasingly affluent middle-class.
The 3G or third generation phone sells for more than triple its US price tag in India — a new key battleground for makers of high-end mobile handsets thanks to its increasingly affluent middle-class.
The eight-gigabyte model of the phone, which includes a built-in iPod and a desktop-class web browser, sells for 31,000 rupees (712 dollars), while the 16 GB version goes for 36,100.
“I like its looks, but at that price I can get something cheaper that does as much.”said vijay one of Tech person .
A spokesman for India’s leading mobile company Bharti Airtel — which is selling the iPhone along with rival Vodafone Essar, owned by Britain’s Vodaphone Group Plc — said it was “not possible to give a (sales) trend.”
But, in what appeared to be an attempt to explain away the low buzz surrounding the product, he said the “iPhone is a very aspirational project — it’s not conceived of as a mass device.”
A manager at one New Delhi phone showroom, who did not want his name used, said sales of the iPhone so far were “not very good. We’ve had a few buyers and people just in to look at it.”
The Indian price is far higher than the 199 dollars paid by US customers to the telecom giant AT&T for the phone. AT&T heavily subsidises the phone and makes money by tying the customer to an expensive annual subscription.
But vendors say they are confident the Apple gadget will find its place in the Indian market despite the higher price and the fact that India has yet to launch 3G networks needed to support faster browsing and downloads.
Filed under: Business, India-Emerging market, Innovation, Luxury Market, Mobile Market | Tagged: apple iphone India, Business, Consumer Market, india, India-Emerging market, mobile, Mobile Subscriber india
[...] Jigen wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptSticker price shock has spoiled the launch party of Apple’s iPhone in India, home to the world’s fastest-growing mobile market.The 3G or third generation phone sells for more than triple its US price tag in India — a new key … [...]
It would be interesting to see how Apple acts as a catalyst to its feature-less phone . here is an interesting post which shows the reality of what Apple has to offer us.
http://whattheydontteachuatiphoneschool.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/iphone-twice-as-fast-you-got-to-be-kidding/
You may be amazed at iPhone’s trendy looks and features. But think if you really need to go for one as it doesn’t support Bluetooth(see above). Out of the box you can only use Bluetooth to connect to a hands-free headset, so no A2DP stereo Bluetooth, file transfers or internet sharing. Pictures you take can be emailed to friends, but not sent directly to another mobile device. Similarly, there is no video capture and FM radio. Coming to price, both are priced crazy! On top of this, there will be data subscription charges from the telecom service providers.. Do you really need one of these?
Well I feel Apple will soon realize that India is a volume game and prices will be slashed further. As we have already seen with Vodafone doing it. Indian consumers are price sensitive and they want good things for less price….
Interesting debate on the same topic——-
http://toostep.com/debate/do_you_think_the_iphone_will_be_a_hit_in_india_