Apple's iPhone Popular In Brunei
By Anna Abu Bakar

Brunei-Muara - The new iPhone has received quite a large number of following and it has seen smooth sailing since its debut in Brunei.

Khairul, a representative from Dee Jay Home Video Teleshop said that the only problem that was encountered was the so-called locking and unlocking mechanism, whereby if a customer was to make new add ons, in terms of new programmes into the iPhone, then it would become locked and difficult to open again.

"This is related to the problem that Apple in the United States as there has been a problem with hackers hacking into the programmes available in the phone," he added.

He emphasised that Dee Jay is a shop that follows the proper way of importing a mobile phone into the country as they are required to apply for a permit before bringing the phone in through AITI.

The Authority on info Communications Industry is a licensing and regulation organisation derived from the Telecommunications Order 2001. It is the proper authority that grants licenses for the operation of telecommunication systems and services subject to conditions imposed by AITI.

The establishment, installation, maintenance, provision or operation of unlicensed telecommunication systems or services within Brunei is an offence.

If, for example, the iPhone is bought from outside Brunei and are brought in without paying the duty the offender shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a maximum of three years, and/or a fine of up to $100,000 with a continuing fine of up to $10,000 per day for continuing offences after conviction.

"As for any reports of the sanctions against the iPhone for use in Brunei, there has not been any problem from the authorities and as long as we pay the duty tax and a permit is requested then there should be no problem," Khairul said. A representative who wishes to remain anonymous from a popular store in Brunei that sells the iPhone stated that "no problems whatsoever has been reported with the iPhone from their store apart from the lock mechanism that they can easily unlock for when the customer buys the phone and uses it."

He also added that "just like any other shop in Brunei, we go through the proper procedures and apply for a permit from AITL."-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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