Evidence is emerging that the new deals struck to launch the 3G iPhone could put pressure on operator income. The new agreements reportedly abandon the revenue-sharing model that Apple insisted on for the distribution of the first-generation iPhone in favour of handset subsidies, a model that was initially seen as more favourable to operators. However, AT&T – the exclusive US iPhone operator – said iPhone subsidies will cut its earnings per share by 10 cents to 12 cents over the next two years, and will put pressure on its forecast of double-digit growth for this year, reports Reuters. The operator said it expected the iPhone to start adding to its earnings in 2010 but the short-term hit is evidenced by its hiking of tariffs for the new device: its data service charge will rise to US$30 (from US$20 for the current iPhone), rising to US$45 a month for business users. The data charges are on top of AT&T’s voice plans, which begin at US$39.99 per month.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile became the latest operator to join the growing roster of global iPhone distributors that Apple has signed-up this year. Under the agreement, T-Mobile is able offer the 3G iPhone in all markets where it operates, with the exception of the UK and US where O2 and AT&T, respectively, hold the exclusive rights. T-Mobile said it will launch the device in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria on July 11, the official 3G iPhone launch date, followed by launches later in the year in Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. It will be the exclusive operator in Germany (as it has been for the first-generation iPhone) and the Netherlands.