According to a report in MarketingWeek, T-Mobile has emerged as the front runner to secure the exclusive European distribution rights for the Apple iPhone.
Despite reports that Vodafone would be the iPhone carrier, sources are saying T-Mobile is favored to secure the deal. Both carriers have been active in the music area, but apparently Vodafone's Live! portal would not be a good match with Apple's iTunes software. "It would be in Apple's best interests to get more than one operator to distribute the phone because the European market is more fragmented than the US, " said Garter research director Martin Gutberlet. Gutberlet believes Apple will sign an exclusive deal with one company but realise its mistake and look for other distributors at a later date. He also points out that T-Mobile has little or no presence in Italy, Spain or France.
Thanks MarketingWeek!
