iPhone contracts in Germany/America

Question

iPhone contracts in Germany/America

I currently live in Germany, but will be moving back to the States in about 2 years. If I purchase an iPhone will I be able to use my current SIM in Germany(I have O2) without paying outrageous fees for AT&T? And on the converse, if I but a German iPhone and use my O2 chip, would I be able to bring it back to America and use it there with a contract from AT&T? I would really love to purchase an iPhone and can't seem to find out if this plan would work.

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Oct 19, 2007 3:42 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 19, 2007 5:36 AM in response to Joshua Langfeldt

The iPhone ships with a new SIM card pre-installed so this card should be used to activate the iPhone. The iPhone will be sold in Germany as carrier locked with O2.

In 2 years when moving back to the U.S., it is unknown at this time if being able to activate an iPhone with AT&T which was purchased in Germany or anywhere besides the U.S. will be possible or vice-versa.

But you will probably be interested in getting a new iPhone at that time regardless. I've never used any phone more than two years.

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Answer 2

Nathan C

Level 5

6,266 points

Oct 19, 2007 6:54 AM in response to Allan Sampson

One clarification.

Germany is T-Mobile, UK is O2, and France is Orange.

Hope this helps,

Nathan C.

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Answer 3

Oct 19, 2007 7:06 AM in response to Nathan C

Thanks for the clarification - I got the carriers crossed for Germany.

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Answer 4

Nathan C

Level 5

6,266 points

Oct 19, 2007 7:12 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Allan,

No problem, I get them crossed myself from time to time.

Thank you,

Nathan C.

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Answer 5

Oct 26, 2007 1:53 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Thank you very much. I guess I will just have to wait till November and go ask T-mobile specifically. I also heard that many European nations are slightly perturbed at Apple because of the fact it can't be unlocked. In France (I believe) they have a law that states all cell phones must be unlocked so users have the choice of carriers.

Regardless, thank you very much for your helpful responses.

-Jack

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