Almost here, almost free
Mobile operator O2 has emailed people who registered interest in the iPhone 3G to say that it’s here. However, a quick look at the small print reveals that, even if you’re successful in requesting one, it won’t actually be available until the end of the week – on the 11th.
The email is headed “iPhone 3G is here and it’s free” and, not only does the “here” part require qualification, so of course does the “free” part. The 8GB iPhone 3G is only free on the £45 and £75 per month tariffs and the 16GB is only free on the 16GB one. Otherwise they cost £99 and £159 respectively.
Apple’s other main iPhone 3G retail partner, Carphone Warehouse, is just saying it’s available on the 11th, so could this be a case of O2 trying to get a head start over them?
There has been a conspicuous absence of the usual queuing stories in the build up to this launch, but most reports of the new phone seem to have been quite favourable. Are you expecting a lot of demand for the new iPhone? Are you expecting much other business to come from its launch and if so what?