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An iPhone in the Philippines that was unlocked for Globe Telecom

 After the news about SingTel sealing a deal (?) with Apple for the release of iPhone in Singapore, the question now is which telecom firm will win the exclusive rights to bring iPhone to the Philippines. (Editor’s Note: SingTel has not confirmed the reports yet)

Smart Communications and Globe Telecom are two telecom giants in the Philippines and are, therefore, considered as the top contenders for the iPhone exclusivity. Both companies, however, have not issued any confirmation of talks with Apple but Smart Communication’s 3G infrastructure will surely make it more qualified to carry the iPhone.

But having 3G facilities is still not a question right now because Apple has not issued a statement regarding which type of iPhone (the one with the 3G or the one without) will be released to Asia. If it comes without the 3G, Smart and Globe can surely slug it out to decide who will carry the iPhone.

One of the most important factors Apple and the two warrying telecom companies must consider when bringing iPhone to the Philippines is that most Filipino users are on a prepaid subscription. Only a few percentage are regular subscribers.

If the iPhone will be exclusive to a telecom firm in the Philippines, that would mean that the iPhone will be available only to a few (those who are regular subscribers). The effect would be disastrous to the exclusive carrier because iPhone hacking will take place to open the iPhone to other carriers.

In fact, we received an email from a Filipino iPhone user who said he was able to hack the iPhone and make it work for Globe Telecom. That means, giving the iPhone to an exclusive carrier will not be a very good idea.

Instead of dealing with the two telecom firms, Apple should instead look for mobile phone dealers in the Philippines who can be an exclusive distributor so that the public will know where to buy an original iPhone.