iPhone to hit NZ this year

Reuters

COMING: Apple has chosen Vodafone to sell its iPhone in New Zealand later this year.

Relevant offers

Apple has chosen Vodafone to sell its iPhone in New Zealand later this year.

The news followed months of rumours that hinted the well-known device would be picked up by Telecom or Kordia for their imminent GSM networks.

Industry sources now tip the launch for July, according to the NZ Herald.

The agreement to sell the Apple iPhone for use on the Vodafone GSM network covered 10 markets around the world, including Australia, Italy and South Africa.

Apple launched its iPhone, a combination of a cellphone and the iPod portable media player, in the United States last June.

The internet-enabled iPod uses the GSM standard, and costs $US399 ($NZ515). A second version of the phone is due out this year, which will likely be capable of using 3G high-speed mobile networks.

Telecom currently uses CDMA technology for its mobile network.

- NZPA