Apple to sell unlocked iPhone in France

Apple announced an exclusive partnership with French operator Orange to market its iPhone in France--due to a French consumer law that prohibits carriers from selling handsets tied to exclusive contracts, the computing giant will also sell an unlocked edition of the device. Orange will sell the iPhone for €399 ($565 U.S.) to subscribers under contract--according to the Financial Times, the unlocked phone will arrive at retail with a higher price tag. The legislation means Apple may not be required to share revenue on any iPhone purchase not tied to an Orange contract.

The Apple/Orange deal has already faced a series of speed bumps. Earlier this month, French newsweekly Challenges reported Orange was objecting to Apple's demands for iPhone commissions, said to total more than one third of each subscription fee. Moreover, Apple CEO Steve Jobs was reportedly fuming after Didier Lombard, CEO of Orange parent firm France Telecom, broke ranks to announce its iPhone distribution deal prior to an official statement. Analysts expected Apple to confirm the agreement at its Apple Expo in late September, but no official announcement materialized until now.

For more on the Apple/Orange deal:
- read this Financial Times article

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