T-Mobile, the exclusive operator of iPhone in Germany, has lowered the price of the Apple Phone to only 99 euros. That’s only around $155. We didn’t know an operator could do that. Aren’t Germans lucky, but then, one must read the fine print because this offer is only good if you buy into a special T-Mobile package. Called Complete XL, subscribers will be paying 89 Euro per month, which will get you 1000 minutes of phone calls, 300 text messages, and unlimited EDGE data and free access to T-Mobile hotspots. That’s $150 a month!
[via mobilemag]
April 8th, 2008 at 10:06 am
The numbers aren’t that different from a US phone. How long is the German contract for? I know the UK’s standard contract is 12-18 months. Let’s say it’s 18 months. Also, all their taxes and fees are included in the price. Also, their incoming calls are free - that’s 1000 minutes outgoing, unlimited incoming.
Today, 89 euro/mo = $140/mo.
So a 1350 minute AT&T plan $20 for unlimited data and 200 texts is $100 taxes fees; around $115/month.
After 18 months, a German has paid 18 x $140 $155 for the phone = $2675 and they’re out of contract.
After 18 months an American has paid around $430 for the phone including taxes 18 x $115/month = $2500. Plus they’re on the hook for another 6 months of a contract: another $690.
The German plan is looking better…