iPhone 3G sees dismal sales in India

By Pallavi Shrivastava, CNBC-TV18

Apple's global sales target for the iPhone 3G may hit a roadblock as India sales numbers for both the operators are disappointing. The operators are now resorting to EMI and price cuts to lure the customers.

The celebration has been short-lived. The much hyped iPhone 3G launch has not met the expectations of either Bharti or Vodafone.

Sources say the combined sales for both the mobile operators has not even reached 1500 handsets. In-store sales are down to an average of about 10%, and that too, just in the metros. A worried Vodafone has already slashed prices of both the versions by around Rs 1,500, just days after the launch.

The 8GB version is now available for Rs 29,640 and the 16GB for Rs 34,580. Sources say, Airtel will look at a price reduction in the next few weeks. Infact, both Bharti, and Vodafone are now offering handset on EMIs.

Experts said that the price is four times more than the MRP in the US has done in sales. Slow internet connectivity and lack of 3G spectrum have also added to the woes. Bharti Airtel is not booking any more media space for iPhone.

According to Madison Media, the first round of promotional and advertising activity is over and nothing more has been planned for the next three months atleast. When contacted, both Airtel and Vodafone could not be reached for comments.

Apple has sold over 8 million units of iPhone 3G worldwide and Steve Jobs aims to sell another 4 million units before the year is over. But a disappointing India launch could jeopardise sales.