China Unicom Guangdong issued a statement on August 13, denying that it had agreed to buy 5 million iPhones for 10 billion yuan (US$1.46 billion).

But, a China Unicom manager told China Securities Journal that the company has reached consensus with Apple on the major issues regarding the introduction of the iPhone into the Chinese market.

Previous media reports had maintained China Unicom would launch iPhone using the profit sharing mode widely applied in the European and American markets.

China Unicom sent representatives to Taiwan on August 7 for negotiations with Chunghwa Telecom regarding roaming charges for 3G mobile services, a cross-Strait submarine cable, and cross-Strait iPhone services.

The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to cut 2G and 3G international roaming charges, a move that will benefit people who frequently travel across the Strait.

In addition, recognizing mainland demand for Taiwan's pop music and digital texting service, the two sides aim to make these items available on China Unicom's mainland 3G network.

For more information, please consult the original coverage in Chinese at:

http://www.cs.com.cn/xwzx/jsbd/200908/t20090813_2181229.htm

(China.org.cn by Maverick Chen, August 14, 2009)