Update: Check out our iPhone 3G Review.
While everyone who’s interested in an iPhone 3G is frustrated by Globe’s pricing plans, it’s also surprising to learn that Globe’s postpaid plan is the 6th cheapest among 18 countries surveyed.
Based on Total Minimum Commitment (TMC) cost which computed how much a customer will have to spend upfront and during the entire contract, the 8GB iPhone 3G from Globe has a TMC of Php53,476 (iPhone 3G Plan 1599). Compare that to Japan with Php86,400 and Canada with Php97,920.
See the chart I made below for 18 countries:
Chart is based on CBC Radio Canada’ iPhone iNdex map here. Exchange rate at Php45:$1.
Of course, there are differences in the lock-in period, 3G usage (from 200MB per month to Unlimited), free voice minutes and SMS. All other countries limit 3G usage by bandwidth, unlike Globe’s time based charging. However, at 384kbps, the 40 hours could translate to 7GB of bandwidth.
A lot of people were also referring to the $199 price in the US with AT&T but forgot the 24-month contract and $69 MSF. That brings the TMC cost of the iPhone 3G in the US to Php83,160.
Belgium came in at #1 because MobiStar does not have any contract months locked-in to the iPhone. In essence, you can grab an iPhone 3G in Belgium for just Php30,555. With Globe, the contract-free price is Php33,087 + 12% VAT of Php4,512 or a total of Php37,599.
last year me and my brother bought an iPhone 3G. it is a great phone with lots of functionality and great styling too.
@Jon Limjap
that’s a lot of B$
iphone retails in the US for $200
here it’s sold for P30-40k
a netbook that retails $400 in the US
will be sold for P20k here
Is your stupidity assembled offshore with raw materials sourced from different countries before it eventually landed here?