IPhone 3G Availability in Nigeria

Question

Gentlemen, does anyone know when / if Apple plans to make the iPhone 3G officially available in Nigeria? I did not see Nigeria in the list of countries scheduled for availability on July 11, nor did I see it in the list of countries planned for future availability. If anyone at Apple has definitive answer to this, it would be most useful. Speculation discouraged, facts appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

The persistent negative attitudes regarding NIgeria and self flagellation by Nigerians is really disheartening. Odds are extremely high that the iPhone 3G is coming to Nigeria as there is a strong business case for Apple to do so and they have already shown a willingness to secure deals with comparatively less attractive markets.
1. There are 3G networks in Nigeria - MTN, Glo and Zain are all currently offering 3G services, though they may currently be limited to Lagos and other major cities.
2. Nigeria is the largest mobile phone market in Africa and currently the fastest growing, definitely if they have signed sales agreements for Niger, CAF, not to mention South Africa, Nigeria will definitely be an attractive market (poor perceived reputation or not).
3. Apple has abandoned the revenue sharing model for the iPhone 3G in the US, and I seriously doubt that they are looking at that as a source of revenue in say, Niger, so buyers should expect to pay full price or be tied to a provider in Nigeria.
4. The iPhone is currently one of the most popular phones in Lagos business circles, no doubt the carriers see a ready market for the device, similar to the popularity of the blackberry.
As someone said above, Apple will say nothing until a contract has been signed with one of the carriers.