The Hanoitimes - Telecommunication firms must proceed slowly with the import of Apple iPhone handhelds to avoid waste and trade deficit, according to a Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) instruction.
MoIC released its guidance under the authority of the Prime Minister’s instruction to control the trade deficit. The ministry asked telecom firms to review their plans to import 3G equipment, including iPhone products and to set up specific, phased plans to avoid massive imports of equipment.
The ministry also told telecom firms to instruct their clients to buy suitable equipment at reasonable prices to avoid waste.
The instruction was issued after the media reported that telecom firms have committed billions of dollars to import 3G equipment, including luxury iPhone handhelds.
In late March, the telecom market was stirred up by the appearance of of official iPhone products. Hundreds of people queued at Viettel and VinaPhone shops to buy iPhones. The two companies imported around 13,000 iPhone worth $10 million.
MobiFone will also distribute iPhone in the near future.
