iPhone launch in France, cheaper unlocking

French Telecom says that the iPhone launch will occur at 12 of their national Orange stores at 6:30 PM later tonight. Monthly plans will be available for prices between €49 ($72) and €119 ($175) per month, with the device itself retailing for €399. After owning the phone for 6 monthes, users will be able to unlock their iPhones for an additional €100, no questions asked.

The catch is that unlocked iPhones will also be available for straight purchase without the six-month waiting period at a cost of €649 ($957) without an Orange contract or €549 ($809) with an Orange plan. Either way, the price is much lower than the going rate in Germany, which is being sold for around $1,500. Sure, it’s still not “cheap” in any sense of the word, but more fair. [Marketwatch]