Deutsche Telekom AG will lose exclusivity for the iPhone in Germany ahead of the l Christmas holiday shopping season, bringing the number of providers who sell the popular device in the country to three, reports the “Wall Street Journal” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704206804575467252834463766.html?mod=googlenews_wsj), quoting “people familiar with the matter.”
In addition to Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Group PLC and Telefonica SA’s O2 will sell the iPhone, the people said. One said that deals haven’t been finalized yet but negotiations are in a advanced stage. Deutsche Telekom’s exclusive rights to sell the device haven’t been extended and could end as early as October, posing a threat to growth in its home market.