Cheaper official unlocked versions of mobile are available

Dubai: If you want to buy an official unlocked iPhone 3G, it might help to speak a little Dutch, Italian or even Chinese.

To comply with government regulations, mobile networks in Belgium, Italy and Hong Kong are offering unlocked iPhones, which means the devices can run on any mobile network. The unlocking comes with a price, however. In Belgium the 8GB version of the phone costs 525 euros (Dh3,000). The 16GB version goes for 615 euros (Dh3,500). In Italy the phone is selling for 499 (Dh2,850) and 569 (Dh3,225) euros respectively. No information was available on the prices in Hong Kong.

Unlike "cracked" or "jail-broken" iPhones, these devices have not had their warranties violated by the use of unauthorised software. As of yet, no one has successfully cracked the new iPhone's operating system, but several people claim to be close. A Brazilian firm has discovered a way to unlock the iPhone by modifying its SIM-card readers, which tricks the device into thinking it is on an approved network.

Apple has indicated that it is cracking down on hacked iPhones. The company is accomplishing this in part by requiring customers who buy the subsidised (locked) iPhones to sign a long-term mobile contract and activate the phone before it leaves the store. One Dubai resident said the Apple stores in the UK were requiring customers to provide proof of UK residency.

Apple has also hinted that it may crack down on people who buy multiple locked units and then cancel their contracts.

Some industry experts said they expect the unlocked iPhones being sold in Europe and Hong Kong will not make up a significant portion of total sales.