Apple, China Unicom in competition over iPhone 4 sales

China Unicom is a major customer of Apple. They signed a deal in March 2009. Now the iPhone 4 has been launched and the two companies appear to be in competition.
China Unicom is selling the handset with a two-year contract.
Apple stores are offering the phone with no strings attached.
Wen Baoqiu, a spokeman with China Unicom, said the company had over 200,000 pre-orders for the iPhone 4 before the first day of sales. Apple declined to give sales figures.
Fu Liang, an independent analyst, said buyers may choose to shop at Apple stores because of lower out-of-pocket costs, while some may simply not wish to change phone numbers – something they would have to do if they do not have a China Unicom account.
Global Times reports that the retail price of iPhones bought through Apple is around RMB1,000 (US$150) less than those sold by China Unicom.