Since its UK launch in November 2007, the iPhone has been exclusively sold on the O2 network. That’s finally set to change as Orange has just announced that it plans to sell the iPhone soon.
A news release this morning states:
Orange UK and Apple have reached an agreement to bring iPhone 3G and 3GS to Orange UK customers later this year. Orange globally now offers iPhone in 28 countries and territories.
Orange, which has the largest 3G network covering more people in the UK than any other operator, will sell iPhone in all Orange direct channels including Orange shops, the Orange webshop and Orange telesales channels, as well as selected high street partners.
This should be a good thing for iPhone customers as competition may mean lower prices. That said, the iPhone is still a premium product and networks (and Apple) are likely to want to cash in on that fact so don’t expect to be able to pick up a fre 32GB 3GS any time soon.
A pre-registration site for customers to register their interest has been launched at www.Orange.co.uk/iPhone. More information on pricing, tariffs and availability dates is set to be released “in due course”.
UPDATE:
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Vodafone is getting the iPhone 3G and 3GS too. They’re due to arrive in the UK and Ireland in early 2010. Details here.
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