Germany

At the request of T-Mobile, the Higher Regional Court in Hamburg has banned VoIP app Sipgate from being sold for iPhones in Germany. The app, which oddly enough is available through the App Store, lets users make phone calls using T-Mobile's Wi-Fi network that are both less expensive and don't include roaming charges.

If you think you're upset because you haven't been able to get ahold of an iPhone 3G yet, or maybe DHL bungled your delivery, that's nothing compared to the people who pre-ordered iPhone 3G's from T-Mobile Germany. Those who pre-ordered the device through the company have been shipped paper iPhone 3G cutouts.

We knew that phone carriers aren't generally big fans of VoIP services in general, but T-Mobile Germany is taking it to the next level. Apparently they've decided that sipgate's flagship VoIP software is encouraging their users to jailbreak their iPhones and use VoIP software to place calls, both which they say is against T-Mobile's user contracts. The solution? T-Mobile has asked them to cease and desist offering their software entirely.

Apple is boosting their iPhone retail efforts in both Germany and Italy to ensure sufficient availability of the iPhone 3G when it launches in July. Because Apple has few retail locations in these countries, they have chosen to make deals with other companies to sell the iPhone to make up for their own lack of retail presence in the countries.