MR said: But I wouldn't have bought 2 of the 250k iphones if it couldn't be unlocked. And I'm sure most of the 250k customers would agree. That'd mean a big fat $0 instead of the $65M for Apple. In fact, by your calculation, Apple still gets $240 * 250k = $60M without activation. That ain't too bad compared to $0 if the customers don't buy at all.
In reply: I believe Ryan's numbers was referring to $240 (their percentage from monthly bill of subscribers) * 250k so unlocked phone actually loses $60M, not gains since T-Mo doesn't hand over any percentage of monthly bills.
I guess the only way Apple could make some revenue from an unlocked phone would be with iTunes.
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
MR said:
But I wouldn't have bought 2 of the 250k iphones if it couldn't be unlocked. And I'm sure most of the 250k customers would agree. That'd mean a big fat $0 instead of the $65M for Apple. In fact, by your calculation, Apple still gets $240 * 250k = $60M without activation. That ain't too bad compared to $0 if the customers don't buy at all.
In reply: I believe Ryan's numbers was referring to $240 (their percentage from monthly bill of subscribers) * 250k so unlocked phone actually loses $60M, not gains since T-Mo doesn't hand over any percentage of monthly bills.
I guess the only way Apple could make some revenue from an unlocked phone would be with iTunes.