Apple Inc. has begun selling unlocked iPhones in Hong Kong that can be used with any cell phone carrier.
The move appears to depart from the company's previous strategy of selling the popular device capable of working with 3G, or third-generation cellular networks, through specific service providers, usually with a required service contract. On its Hong Kong Web site, the Cupertino, California-based company is advertising unlocked iPhones, saying people can "buy directly from Apple" and choose their own carrier.
"iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier," the Web site says. With free shipping, the 8-gigabyte phone sells for HK$5,400 (US$695) and the 16-gigabyte version costs HK$6,200 (US$798).
Apple's Hong Kong office could not be reached for comment Saturday. Previously, Hong Kong buyers could only officially purchase the phone from Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd.
with a two-year contract, although the device was widely available on the gray market. In the U.S., Apple sells 8-gigabyte iPhones for US$199 and 16-gigabyte models for US$299, both with a required two-year service contract with AT&T.
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