Prices have now been released for the Apple iPhone 3G and 3GS which began sale in China this month with China Unicom. The sales model will be similar to that in Hong Kong, whereby the phone is sold cheaply with an additional prepayment for mobile service.
This is alongside updated pricing plans (linked tariff for non-iPhone users), promising greater data quota’s than previous packages and China Mobile’s current offerings. The higher the service plan used, the cheaper the iPhone is sold for. This offer requires a 24 month service commitment.
Details of pricing and service plans available on China Unicom Online Store (or in English via Google Translate). There are slight differences over the standard packages, notably increased data quota and free SMS bundles.
Note: Chinese iPhones have WiFi disabled, but are not carrier locked. For a full featured unlocked phone, consider purchasing from Apple Store Hong Kong. Or wait for a WAPI/WiFi release in China.
I am told I don’t write enough good things about China. That’s not entirely true: despite my criticisms I have a very positive outlook for this country! Nonetheless I will praise China Mobile for their efficient use of text messaging for customer services. Afterall SMS popularity is not new in China.
Through SMS you can change plan, redeem your bonus points for gifts, apply or cancel mobile value added services (e.g. mobile news, caller id etc…) – even find out where a friend is. This is by far more advanced than most other mobile systems I have used, or at least they have been doing this for years even if others are just beginning.
China is now the biggest mobile market in the world and growing. For many it’s their only connection to the Internet, or indeed the world. For some, it’s also a handy payment platform.
Now that the telecom industry has been shaken up, and 3G becomes more prevalent (although China Mobile will use its homegrown standard), the service offerings are set to grow.
If only they can re-record the English prompt announcements on the topup hotline!