S. Korean telecom regulator OKs sale of iPhones

SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's telecom regulator approved Wednesday
the sale of iPhones in the country, paving the way for Apple Inc. to make inroads
into a market dominated by domestic handset makers.
The Korea Communications Committee said its policymakers decided to allow the
local sale of the iPhone and the launch of its service within the limits of the
law.
Apple has been in talks with KT Corp., South Korea's No. 2 mobile service
provider, which was aiming to win an exclusive right to sell the worldwide-hit
iPhone on the local market.
Bringing the iPhone to South Korea has proved a slow process as South Korean law
does not allow smartphones with location-base services such as "Google Maps" and
"Find My iPhone."
KT officials said they plan to start selling iPhones here next month.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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