Softbank has announced that it will offer the iPhone 3G in Japan for the equivalent of $215 USD, a price comparable to North American pricing.
The phone is set to hit the region on July 11th, around the time when the phone hits over 20 countries around the world.
The price is of course contingent on a 2-year contract, and the $215 is for the 8GB model. The larger capacity 16GB model will cost the equivalent of $320 USD.
In comparison, Apple and AT&T will be selling the 8GB and 16GB models in the United States for $199 and $299 USD respectively with two year contract and data plan.
Result for: countries around the world
According to Billboard, Spain is the next country to adopt the ‘iPod Tax’, which will formally go into effect on July 1st.
The new tax will apply to all electronic devices “capable of copying or recording sound and images, even to the extent of applying to printers, scanners and ink cartridges.” The fee will depend on each device with MP3 players costing an extra €3.15 each. Devices such as cellphones with cameras and MP3 players will only cost a €1.10 extra.
The tax is intended to give publishers and artists extra money to offset the alleged costs of piracy but has been very controversial in Spain and in other countries around the world as well. Both electronics makers and consumer groups have tried to fight to tax, and were successful for a while. In fact, the tax was first passed 18 months ago in Spain but has been delayed due to the debates.
The terms of the tax also say that “at least €110.2 million must be collected in the first year, but not more than €117.8 million.” If more or less are collected, then the tax goes to the culture ministry for revisions.
