Why iPhone 3g is so costly in India?

Question

Where as in other countries it is only 200 to 300$? why is so costly in India?

Answer 1

Apple iPhone 3G through Airtel and Vodafone is $800 and $900, so i have written an open letter to them, and need your support -

http://www.thewwwblog.com/open-letter-to...

If you can comment there, it would be great.

Thanks!

Answer 2

Most cellular providers in India do not subsidize phone purchases. In other countries you have to sign a 2 year contract, then the phone company pays part of the price of the phone. In India, you pay the full price.

Answer 3

The reason why it's so cheap in the U.S. is because theoretically AT&T (The Locked Carrier) actually pays for part of the price of the new 3G iphone when you buy it. The reason they do this is because you are forced to sign a new contract with AT&T when you purchase the iphone.

You won't be able to buy a iphone without signing a contract. Now the reason why the 3G iphones are cheaper then the original iphones is because AT&T raise their rates. So technically, you end up paying more for the new 3G. It's all a front from AT&T to make it seem like you are getting a better deal.  

Answer 4

no iphone 3g's alot more then that

Answer 5

Like others have said, the real cost in the US is from AT&T's contract. You also have the option of getting an Iphone in the US without a contract but that's going to cost you around 600$ in the US (almost full price). Even then the phone is for ATT users only because of the tie-in with the 3G network.

Be thankful as to how the cellphone market is in India (loads of competition, you don't pay for incoming calls, you don't get 1-2 year contracts) - paying for the full price for a phone is a small price if you know what phone you want.

Edit: Electronic hardware in general also costs more in India - the first gen iphone cost between 6000 and 900$ whereas I could get it in the US for 400$ and get it unlocked for free.