May 6, 2008 7:57 AM PDT

Vodafone and Telecom Italia get the iPhone

Posted by Marguerite Reardon

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Vodafone is the latest cell phone company to get Apple's iPhone, the company said Tuesday.

Telecom Italia also said Tuesday it's going to sell the iPhone in Italy.

Vodafone will be distributing the iPhone in 10 countries, making this the first time that Apple has sold the phone through two different operators in the same market.

(Credit: Apple)

Vodafone subscribers will be able to get the iPhone in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa, and later this year in Turkey.

Almost a year after the iPhone hit store shelves in the U.S. market, it's still only available in a few countries outside the U.S., including the U.K., Germany, and France.

Canadian wireless operator Rogers Communications recently announced it has the exclusive contract to sell the popular touch-screen device there.

Apple watchers believe the company will soon come out with a 3G version of the iPhone. Apple has cut prices of the iPhone in the U.K. and Germany, which some believe is an indication the company is getting ready to launch the 3G version of the phone this summer. T-Mobile is currently selling the 8GB iPhone in Germany for 99 euros until the end of June. Subscribers who get the phone at the price have to agree to a hefty service contract.

Marguerite Reardon has been a CNET News reporter since 2004, covering cell phone services, broadband, citywide Wi-Fi, the Net neutrality debate, as well as the ongoing consolidation of the phone companies. E-mail Maggie.

Topics:: Apple,; Cellular

Tags:: Apple,; iPhone,; Vodafone,; Telecom Italia

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