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iPhone 4: only for existing customers, says O2

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Posted 21st June 2010 at 11:47am by Jonathan Leggett

iphone 4 detail

O2 has been forced to limit sales of the iPhone 4 to its existing customer base at launch, amid a supply shortfall for the latest iteration of Apple’s best-selling smartphone.

Compare iPhone 4 deals at Top10: iPhone 4 Deals

In a statement released on O2’s site, the carrier disclosed that broadband and mobile customers who joined before May 24th will be given priority for the handset.

O2’s policy means that instead of getting the phone on the official day of release (June 24th), newer customers are likely to wait until July at the earliest to buy it.

A press release from O2 stated: Not everybody who wants one will be able to get one straightaway.

“We want to make sure that our existing customers get priority so until at least the end of July, only existing O2 customers will be able to get an iPhone 4 from us.”

The decision to limit stocks comes amid unprecedented demand for the smartphone, with Apple receiving 600,000 US pre-orders within hours of it going on sale. The surge in traffic was so marked that it crashed the site.

O2, which until late last year was the sole UK carrier with the right to sell the iPhone, has recently courted controversy after doing away with unlimited data plans on its Apple smartphone tariffs. The lower priced O2 iPhone 4 contracts now feature a limit of 500MB per month.

Generous mobile internet allowances are deemed important by many iPhone enthusiasts on the grounds that they are seen as essential if users are to make the most of the phone.

Unveiled earlier this month at the World Wide Developers Conference in California, the iPhone 4 is being touted the slimmest smartphone ever at just 9.3mm thick.

The fourth version of the mobile improves on the current-generation 3G S edition with the addition of video calling and HD video recording.

Also onboard is the latest edition of Apple’s operating systems and a powerful A4 1GHz processor for efficient multi-tasking as well as a five megapixel camera – compared with the 3.2 megapixel camera that featured on the 3G S.

O2 – the first UK network to break cover with iPhone 4 contracts - is offering the phone from £30 per month on an 18-month contract. A one-off charge of £209 applies for the phone.

Alternatively, buyers can pick up the handset for free when they sign up to a £60 per month.

Orange and Vodafone’s price points are broadly in line with O2’s, with 3 and T-Mobile expected to unveil their charges this week.

Compare iPhone 4 deals at Top10: iPhone 4 Deals

More news on: O2, New mobile phones, Upcoming mobile phones, Business, Apple, iPhone, Smart mobile phones, iPhone 4

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2 Comments

  • Lambo, 21st June 2010.

    You can't say this isn't fair. At least they're looking after their existing customers. That makes a change from a lot of UK networks.

    What beggars belief is how Apple can have been caught short by demand. And that's despite those apparently suicide-inducingly high production targets at that Chinese factory.

    Reply

  • Tom C, 21st June 2010.

    I don't mind O2's policy on reserving for existing customers.. but I'm close to an iPhone from freebieJeebies, and the O2 'iphone bolt-on package' for non iphone tariffs is really expensive!

    Little help for people who get their phones from elsewhere, please O2!!

    Reply

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