iPhone debuts in Costa Rica; 1,200 sold on first day

Apple’s shiny iPhone went on sale Wednesday, sold by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE). More than 1,200 units were purchased on the first day at ICE agencies throughout the country and at Kölbi stores in San José’s Mall San Pedro, Multiplaza Escazú and Paseo de las Flores, in Heredia.

The price of the iPhone 4 depends on which of ICE’s three monthly plans the client chooses, and the type of device. Monthly plans cost ₡16,435 ($33), ₡27,899 ($55) and ₡39,278 ($80). After selecting a plan, buyers must choose one of the three devices and a contract length. They can range from $0 (for certain 2-year contracts) to $466.

iPhones will have a warranty of one year after the phone is activated through iTunes. If any hardware or software failures occur, subscribers can exchange the phone for a new one.

Visitors to Costa Rica who bring an iPhone can have it unblocked here and also purchase an ICE plan, according to the daily La Nación. However, subscribers are not guaranteed that the unlocked iPhone will not malfunction.

To hype the high-tech telephone’s arrival, on the state-run telecom monopoly’s homepage an iPhone 4 is framed on a black background next to the statement: “Esto cambia todo. Una vez más.” (This changes everything. Once again.)

The iPhone 4 includes video calling, HD video recording, a 5-megapixel camera and Internet access, among many other features. The ICE plan also offers international roaming and international text messaging.

Learn more about the iPhone at http://www.grupoice.com/swf/kolbi/iphone/index.html.