Orange loses iPhone exclusivity
In an unexpected move, France’s competition regulator has ordered Apple to allow companies other than Orange (which currently has exclusive distribution rights within France) to sell the coveted iPhone handset in the country. Whilst I find this somewhat ironic, coming from a court in a country which is well known for maintaining state monopolies in many industries, it’s pleasing to see that regulators can occasionally do their job and intervene to protect competition within a market.
Hopefully this decision will be followed in other countries, including here in the UK where o2 currently has exclusive rights to distribute the iPhone. There’s no guarantee that this will happen, and the French case isn’t binding on UK courts or regulators (though I’m sure it would be taken into account) but it’s a positive move nevertheless.
Personally, I find it a bit ridiculous that your choice of handset should determine your operator, or vice-versa. Consumers should be free to mix and match whichever combination they want and to switch without being penalised (other than the cost of a contract or new handset of course). That’s by far the best way to drive down prices and ensure that customers get a good deal, knowing that they can switch to another provider or handset if they’re not happy with their current situation.
Of course, even if you could use the iPhone on any operator, you do have to wonder whether it is worth forking out hundreds of pounds and possibly signing up to an expensive contract for the dubious privileges of being able to worship Saint Steve and being a target for muggers. But hey, it’s the principle of fair competition which counts.