The arrival of the iPhone in Luxembourg is thanks in large part to the strong partnership between Voxmobile and Orange, which has an agreement with Apple for global distribution rights in markets where Orange has a presence.

The network already in place is also a major factor, as Vox can boast a 3G network currently serving much of the country, with plans to double the coverage by year's end. What's more, Orange has facilitated an agreement to be signed in the coming weeks by Voxmobile and a new partner to upgrade the existing network to include UMTS service.

Tonight at 6 pm...

Vox plans to capitalise on the high-speed data possibilities of the iPhone to offer a large selection of local content. Partners in Luxembourg, notably including RTL, will provide users with access to news, events and more with relevance to the country. Eventually this will most likely be delivered through a Vox portal; this is still under development.

According to Vox CEO Jean-Claude Bintz, business forecasts are difficult when dealing with telecom products, but hopes for iPhone sales are high.

At launch, the iPhone will be available with two different contract options: the All Inclusive 35 (35 euros) offers 180 minutes (or SMS), 1 GB data transfer and unlimited usage of Vox wifi spots.  The All Inclusive 50 (50 euros) is an entirely unlimited usage plan, allowing customers to take full advantage of the iPhone's capabilities. Both plans subsidize the cost of the phone itself (starting at 124 euros), and both require 24 month contracts.

The first Luxembourgish iPhone3G will be sold this friday in the Vox Shop rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, starting at 6 pm. The shop will be opened exceptionally until 9.00 pm. Sales will be restricted to one iPhone3G per customer and limited to 150 units that night.