iPhone blame game

So finally the UAE TRA finds its voice, and claims that the exorbitant prices that Etisalat charges for the iPhone are nothing to do with it

So finally the UAE TRA finds its voice, and claims that the exorbitant prices that Etisalat charges for the iPhone are nothing to do with it.

The article pretty much says everything necessary, in terms of showing just how expensive the iPhone is in the UAE compared to elsewhere.

Of course, Apple have been very careful in negotiating iPhone vendor contracts, and obviously they would like to make as much money as possible, but the huge difference in price between more honest and open markets and the UAE suggests that someone is lying, and its probably not Apple.

Frankly, I don't know who I trust less, Etisalat or the TRA, but perhaps I'm being too cynical. Maybe the price of the iPhone will magically drop now that Etisalat is free from the tyranny of the TRA, and maybe we will start seeing innovative new services, proper competiton and prices more in line with the rest of the world. But I'm not holding my breath.

rabianbusiness.com/552116-regulator-refutes-etisalat-claim-on-iphone-prices