Apple sells unlocked iPhones in Hong Kong

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Apple has started selling unlocked models of its popular iPhone 3G in Hong Kong which allow users the freedom to select the telecoms provider of their choice.

The eight gigabyte version was on sale Saturday at Apple's online store for 5,400 Hong Kong dollars (about 700 US dollars), while the 16 gigabyte model was 6,200 dollars.

Apple said the phone can be activated with any wireless carrier.

The move is a shift from Apple's previous strategy of tying the phone exclusively to a single mobile operator in each country or territory.

The iPhone 3G was previously only officially available in Hong Kong bundled with a two-year contract from tycoon Li Ka-shing's Hutchison Telecom, on tariff plans ranging from 188 to 498 dollars a month.

The latest version offers a touch screen, high-speed Internet browsing with third generation networks, WiFi, e-mail, GPS and an integrated music and video player.

Apple sold a million iPhone 3G models in the first weekend after its July 11 launch in 21 countries and territories around the world.

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