Hong Kong, September 27:

Apple has started selling unlocked models of its popular iPhone 3G in Hong Kong which allow users the freedom to select telecoms provider of their choice.

The eight gigabyte version was on sale today at Apple’s online store for $700 while the 16 gigabyte model was $6,200. Apple said the phone can be activated with any wireless carrier.

The move is a shift from Apple’s previous strategy of tying the phone exclusively to a single mobile operator in each country or territory.

The iPhone 3G was previously only officially available in Hong Kong bundled with a two-year contract from tycoon Li Ka-shing’s Hutchison Telecom, on tariff plans ranging from $188 to $498 a month.