Unlocked 3G iPhone for Italy?

Unlocked 3G iPhone for Italy? According to the latest report comes from Italian language La Repubblica, indicates that Apple and Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) have already signed a deal to bring the 3G iPhone to Italy. Franco Bernabè, CEO Telecom Italia, apparently made the trip out to Cupertino to meet with Steve Jobs and ink said deal.

Interestingly, Apple is also reported to have agreed to terms by which the new iPhone will be sold at a higher price than in other European countries, but without a carrier lock and two-year service agreement. The deal is said to provide TIM with a 3-month exclusivity window on the 3G iPhone. And, Apple will reportedly allow the 3G iPhone to be sold unlocked, contract-free. The next-generation iPhone will be sold at a higher price than anywhere else in Europe.

Consumers who opt to use TIM's network would be able to pick from predefined service plans tailored to the iPhone, or purchase minutes and data bundles as they go, Repubblica said. But The Italian carrier reportedly declined to comment on the report at this time, saying they'll have something to say "later on." Stay tuned.

(source)