German MVNO jumping on unlocked iPhones
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Something tells us this isn’t going to fly. But for now, German MVNO Debitel is offering a 600 euro rebate to anyone who buys an iPhone from T-Mobile in Germany, but activates it on the Debitel network. Debitel purchases wholesale airtime from T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, and E-Plus, and resells it as a retailer. This would presumably skyrocket their numbers, since customers would be getting an iPhone for the normal, locked price, but will have the freedom to use it on a different, cheaper network.
The best part is that Debitel’s rates are cheaper: 40 euros for 200 minutes and a data plan, while T-Mobile’s is 49 euros for 100 minutes and a data plan. So not only are you saving on the phone, you’re saving on the plan.
So in theory, there’s no reason not to go this route if you’re in Germany. However, reality will probably trump theory in this instance.
T-Mobile will not be happy. They just had an injunction filed against them, and we can absolutely see them filing an injunction against Debicel, if only for temporary restraint.
And then we get to the further question: What happens if T-Mobile wins it’s case against Vodafone? We don’t have an answer to that. Just asking.
Great idea, though. We’ll have to see how far this one gets.
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