News 

The South China Morning Post said that existing subscribers of Hutchison Telecom are expected to be the first users of the iPhone in an early programme starting this summer.

"Due to the confidential agreement with Apple, we can't say too much beyond the formal announcement," the newspaper quoted a Hutchison Telecom spokesman as saying.

The South China Morning Post, citing a statement from the

ADVERTISEMENT

international mobile and telecommunication services provider, disclosed the deal but did not specify whether Hutchison Telecom would launch the 2G or 3G model.

Other mobile operators in Hong Kong were expected to announce similar partnerships with Apple to launch 3G iPhones shortly, the newspaper said.

Hutchison Telecom officials were not immediately available for comment.

At present, Hong Kong people can only buy the iPhone through unofficial channels. Along with mainland China, it is thought to be among the more lucrative markets for unlocked iPhones.

China Mobile, the world's largest mobile phone operator, said earlier this year it had called off talks with Apple to launch the iPhone in China. The negotiations are thought to have been scuppered by technical issues and disagreements over revenue sharing.

Analysts had expected talks to fail at least initially, predicting that the two sides would lock horns over revenue sharing and a series of technical difficulties.