Reuters have reported that Vimpelcom from Russia will not subsidize the iPhone from Apple Inc. which can be purchased from them later this year. This information was given by the Chief Executive Officer of Vimpelcom, Alexander Izosimov.

In Izosimov’s interview with the Reuters Russia Investment Summit, he said that their company is currently considering selling the iPhone without subsidies. This is because the law in Russia does not allow the locking of mobile phones.

In some countries where iPhone is available, the operators usually subsidised the said gadget so that customers can easily afford it. At the same time, subsidised mobile phones will also tie the

customers to a contract that usually lasts for 2 or more years. Moreover, the mobile phones will also be “locked” so that the users may not easily switch operators.

Unfortunately, that system does not work in Russia. And although Apple Inc.’s iPhone is not yet officially sold in the country, there are already half a million people owning the first generation iPhone.
Vimpelcom is actually the first carrier in Russia who signed a deal with Apple Inc. last August.

Alexander Izosimov said that they are very eager to start selling the iPhone in Russia to cope up with the developments when it comes to the telecommunications sector.

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