South African technology enthusiasts will be able to try out the much-hyped Apple iPhone "later this year", says Vodafone, Vodacom's part-parent.
The international cellular operator this morning announced it had signed an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in 10 of its markets around the globe.
In addition to SA, Vodafone customers in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand and Turkey will be able to purchase the iPhone for use on the Vodafone network.
The availability of the iPhone will undoubtedly see a rush similar to that seen in other markets. However, IDC telecoms analyst Richard Hurst says there will be "no need to call out the riot police".
"Vodacom are very good at exploiting any small opportunity into a big advantage. They will certainly leverage the launch of the iPhone in SA to the maximum," he comments.
Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin earlier this year hinted to Indian media that the operator may release the second-generation phone. No further information has been forthcoming on whether this is likely or not.
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