Apple Chooses O2 as Exclusive Carrier for iPhone in UK
Boy, the more partners Apple gets, the harder it is for them to keep any secrets.
As expected, Apple and O2 announced today that O2 will be the exclusive UK carrier for Apple’s iPhone when it makes its debut in the UK on November 9. It will be interesting to see just how much Apple learned from the US iTunes launch, as Apple is sticking with the iTunes activation that caused a number of headaches for some US customers (myself among them – nearly 5 days to activate!). Granted, there won’t be nearly the volume of iPhones sold in the UK as there was in the US, so perhaps O2 can handle the activations more gracefully than AT&T.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with O2 to offer our revolutionary iPhone to UK customers,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “US iPhone customer satisfaction is off the charts, and we can’t wait to let UK customers get their hands on it and learn what they think of it.”
“Our strategy at O2 is to bring our customers the best products and experiences,” said Matthew Key, CEO, O2 UK. “The iPhone is a breakthrough that is changing the way people use their mobiles forever, and we’re thrilled to have it exclusively for O2 customers in the UK.”
Just like in the US, UK users will be able to enjoy the iTunes Wi-Fi store via their iPhones, allowing for on-the-go music purchases. The UK iPhone will be available in an 8GB model for 269 pounds sterling (inc VAT).
Im having second thoughts about getting one now, the contracts are just too much for too little. Im really not bothered about lack of 3g so much because i’ve never had a phone with it and i’ve always got a open wireless connection where i go in my daily business anyway, but 30% EDGE coverage? That just plain sucks.
Think I might just get an iPod Touch and keep the Samsung E870 phone I have now.