A change of development in the Vodafone triggered T-Mobile iPhone controversy in Germany. T-Mobile is now apparently offering unlocked iPhone handsets for 999 Euro (~$1,477).

Yesterday T-Mobile stated they would continue selling the iPhone with contracts as before. There is no official statement from T-Mobile about this yet. Apparently current T-Mobile iPhone customers can have their iPhone unlocked. It is not clear what fee T-Mobile charges for that.
The news just ran over the news ticker on german news channel N-TV (German).

Of course paying $1,477 is not a good solution either. The price with contract is 399 Euro (~$590).
It will have to be seen how this situation develops and if Apple can continue the locked iPhone business model.