We just highlighted Apple’s contentment with leaving much of Asia untapped, but India — one market where it is upping its retail focus — took a significant step today as details of the country’s first fully-subsidized iPhone deal emerged.
BGR India reports that carrier RCom is offering a two-year long contract that gives customers a 16GB version of the iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s without a downpayment — larger capacity devices are available for upfront fees. The deal, which is 2,599 INR (US$42) or 2,999 (US$49) per month based on the device, removes a significant barrier that might prevent some people buying either phone.
It’s not quite open season for all Indian consumers however. RCom requires customers to own a credit card before they can sign on its two-year iPhone deal — as of May 2012, just one-fifth of the population were estimated to have one.
➤ RCom confirms iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C 2-year contract plan, promises true unlimited usage [BGR India]
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Image via Thinkstock
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.