China Telecom Discounts iPhone 5s Ahead Of China Mobile Launch

Late last month a move that was rumored for eons was finally announced by Apple. The company reached an agreement with China Mobile, the world’s largest mobile carrier with more than 750 million subscribers, to sell its smartphones to its customers. Analysts expect Apple to sell over 20 million iPhones on China Mobile alone in 2014, and while that remains to be seen, a rival of the carrier has just sweetened the deal for customers looking for a new iPhone. China Telecom has cut contract prices of the iPhone 5s up to 15 percent ahead of its launch on China Mobile, scheduled for January 17th.

China Telecom is also offering customers gift packages and price reductions that total nearly 800 yuan or roughly $130. This is deducted from the 16GB iPhone 5s list price which stands at 5,288 yuan. The gift pack includes accessories such as an external battery pack and an iPhone case, thus making it an added incentive for prospective customers to turn to China Telecom. Another rival carrier, China Unicom, hasn’t launched any promotions prior to the iPhones’ debut on China Mobile, perhaps it too will announce something as the inevitable launch date approaches. Despite being late to the party, China Mobile won’t offer the new iPhones at a reduced price, in fact, the prices are expected to be in line with that of its rivals.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: china mobile, iPhone 5S