The 3G version of Apple's device is likely to have multiple operators, writes STEPHEN FENECH

AUSTRALIA is shaping up as one of the first markets in the world where a new 3G version of Apple’s iPhone will be offered without being locked to a single operator.

Vodafone has announced it will offer the iPhone in Australia and nine other markets which comprise New Zealand, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, South Africa and Turkey.

Optus has announced it too will supply the iPhone for its Australian customers later this year, confirming the device won’t be locked to a single carrier.

Since its launch in the US in June, Apple has made exclusive deals with operators in exchange for a share of data and call revenue.

In the US iPhone users are locked to the AT&T network while O2 is the sole carrier in the UK.

The first clue to indicate the iPhone would not be locked to a single operator was the absence of the word “exclusive” in Vodafone’s statement.

Inquiries to Vodafone could not confirm if its iPhone deal was actually an exclusive one.

There was also no specific information about a release date or pricing.

A Vodafone spokesperson did, however, confirm the iPhone would be launched before Christmas.

Another indicator for an unlocked iPhone in Australia was Vodafone rejecting Apple’s demands in its bid to be the sole UK operator for the touchscreen device yet has now agreed to offer it in several countries.

The other speculation about iPhone is whether Australia will be given the highly anticipated version two of the device; a 3G model that can access the internet via the cellular network at broadband speeds.

After failing to win the Apple’s business last year, Vodafone’s global CEO Arun Sarin said at the time his company would only be interested in the device once a 3G version was released. 

“It’s clearly a good, software-driven device but we’re concerned about wideband area coverage so that 3G or HSDPA upgraded 3G connectivity with the iPhone is something that we look forward to,” Sarin said.

This would suggest Vodafone’s decision to carry the iPhone now would mean a 3G version is on its way.

Telstra and 3 Mobile had no comment to offer on the iPhone.

If a generic 3G version is offered to all Australian operators this could pose a problem for Telstra as its Next G network, the fastest in the country, only operates at the rarer 850Mhz.

Last year, Telstra boss Sol Trujillo predicted Apple would make an 850Mhz iPhone.

The only other carrier with an 850Mhz network is Cingular (now AT&T) in the US, the exclusive iPhone operator and distributor for the next four years.

US Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris says Vodafone’s announcement is  another step forward for the iPhone.

“We are very excited to be joining with Vodafone to be offering the iPhone in 10 countries. We can’t wait to get this revolutionary handset into the hands of more users around the world,” she said.

Kerris won’t confirm if Vodafone will be the sole operator in Australia or provide a firm release date nor can she confirm if Australia will receive the 3G version of the device. 

But Kerris has confirmed Australia will receive the iPhone in 2008.

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