Vodafone takes a bigger bite out of iPhone clients

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The iPhone 4 has just become more expensive for Kiwi buyers, who will have to fork out an extra $300 for it.

Vodafone is the only company to offer the iPhone 4 and users have to sign up to a long deal and now pay even more to get one.

Before price changes last month, a 16GB iPhone 4 on a $40.85-a-month, two-year contract cost $619. It now costs $949. A 32GB iPhone 4 on an identical contract used to be $799. Signing up now costs $1129.

A spokesman for Vodafone yesterday said the price changes were the result of a "commercial decision".

"From time to time the price of handsets changes," he said.

"This can be due to many issues including the exchange rate, handset subsidy offered on any particular mobile and of course special offers - where the price does drop and then reverts to the original price.

"It's worth noting that the recommended retail price for the 16GB iPhone 4 is $1149."

Apple specialist and writer Mark Webster said it was odd for Vodafone to put the price up, given the phone was selling so well.

"You'd think that they wouldbring the price down."

Mr Webster also noted that manufacturer Apple had not raised the price of the iPhone 4.

Buying the iPhone 4 on the Apple Store website will set you back $1123 for the 16GB phone and $1328 for the 32GB version.

On Vodafone's British website, an iPhone 4 costs 329 - about $660 - on a 25-a-month ($50), two-year contract.