Distributing iPhone in Vietnam a challenge

The three largest mobile service providers in Vietnam – Viettel, MobiFone and VinaPhone – have the right to distribute iPhone in Vietnam, but the exacting conditions set by their foreign partner are hard to fulfill.

The three firms signed distribution contracts with Apple in January 2010 but have yet to announce when iPhone will be distributed in Vietnam. VinaPhone and Viettel reported that they were finalizing procedures while MobiFone didn’t disclose any new information.

An negotiator who joined the talks with Apple said that the company’s conditions are really difficult. Besides obeying strict rules on time and form of announcements about deals and after-sale service, Apple also controls the way its distributors release information. If their partner violates these regulations, they could face a lawsuit or big fines.

The three firms also seemed displeased that they are not the exclusive distributers of iPhone in Vietnam. They are now struggling to satisfy Apple’s requirements and to still profit from this contract.

Tags: Distributing iPhone in Vietnam, Vietnam Telecom, Vietnam telecom market

Posted by VBN on Mar 9 2010. Filed under Telecommunication. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry