Somebody needs some sleep! Does Apple outsource their repair claims or are they handled in-store?

I've a question guys.. let's say for some reason my activated iPhone gets cranky so I decide to reflash the firmware, does the phone still needs re-activating?

Guys, there's this line on the bottom of Apple Singapore's webpage (http://www.apple.com/sg/iphone/) that says "iPhone 3G may be configured to work only with the wireless services of a single wireless operator."

I'm taking it as an ill sign that SG iPhones are going to be locked to SingTel networks since that sentence didn't appear on other countries' Apple webpages, or at least the ones I managed to check. I'd think they'll be loathed to lose their customers, especially those with high spending power, to StarHub who is hot on their tails.