Rumor has UK's O2 offering 'free upgrade' to 3G iPhone, more...
Macworld UK is running with a rumor that British wireless carrier and exclusive iPhone service provider O2 is planning to lure customers to its network through hefty incentives such as a free 3G iPhone.
Citing "sources," the news site reports that the incentives aim to boost sales of the next-generation Apple handset, following so-so sell-through of the company's first generation phone in the UK ahead of recent discounts because it did not operate on the faster third-generation networks that are more common in the region than they are in the US.
Specifically, it's claimed that Apple will charge only £100 (~$193) for the 3G iPhone expected to be announce next week, but that O2 may offer the handset at absolutely no cost to new subscribers who sign up for its most expensive tariff (service plan), which fetches £75 and includes 3,000 minutes and 500 text messages.
According to the report, O2 may also cater to would-be customers who wish not to be locked into a service plan, offering them the new touch-screen device for the same £269 price as today's model under a contract-free, pay-as-you-go model.
What's more, Macworld UK adds that existing O2 iPhone customers may be lured into an 18-month contract extension with the promise of a free upgrade from their existing iPhone to the 3G model.
Macworld UK has not traditionally been rumor outlet and therefore the accuracy of the report is unknown. However, Ars essentially reported the same thing in regards to a full subsidy over two weeks ago.
Citing "sources," the news site reports that the incentives aim to boost sales of the next-generation Apple handset, following so-so sell-through of the company's first generation phone in the UK ahead of recent discounts because it did not operate on the faster third-generation networks that are more common in the region than they are in the US.
Specifically, it's claimed that Apple will charge only £100 (~$193) for the 3G iPhone expected to be announce next week, but that O2 may offer the handset at absolutely no cost to new subscribers who sign up for its most expensive tariff (service plan), which fetches £75 and includes 3,000 minutes and 500 text messages.
According to the report, O2 may also cater to would-be customers who wish not to be locked into a service plan, offering them the new touch-screen device for the same £269 price as today's model under a contract-free, pay-as-you-go model.
What's more, Macworld UK adds that existing O2 iPhone customers may be lured into an 18-month contract extension with the promise of a free upgrade from their existing iPhone to the 3G model.
Macworld UK has not traditionally been rumor outlet and therefore the accuracy of the report is unknown. However, Ars essentially reported the same thing in regards to a full subsidy over two weeks ago.
Comments
Rarely does one pay for a phone over here when getting a contract, it's normally thrown in for free. When you're getting a high end phone, normally you'll have to pay a bit, but even then it's normally free if you take on a big plan (75 pounds a month for example).
Even 269 pounds for the prepay version is about right, considering that it will still be locked to the O2 network.
These things are getting out of hand. We get ourselves so hyped before these events, its no wonder they always disappoint so many.
Yeah, I guess you might be right. Although it fits into convention, I dont really think it is Apple's style, however.
As I said, free is completely normal in the UK. It's not really free though, because when you sign up you have to take a 12/18/24 month contract, over which your monthly fee's actually pay for the phone. It's not like in the US, where I understand you can buy the phone and then choose whether to take the contract when you get home, or hack the phone and not take it. You physically won't have it in your hand in the UK until you've signed up for the contract.
Apple still has to compete, even if they have a device that is miles better than anything else on the market.
As I said, free is completely normal in the UK. It's not really free though, because when you sign up you have to take a 12/18/24 month contract, over which your monthly fee's actually pay for the phone. It's not like in the US, where I understand you can buy the phone and then choose whether to take the contract when you get home, or hack the phone and not take it. You physically won't have it in your hand in the UK until you've signed up for the contract.
No? Not even if you buy it at an Apple store?
To be honest these deals fit right into the pricing plans that are offered by most carriers in the UK and most of Europe.
Yeah, I guess you might be right. Although it fits into convention, I dont really think it is Apple's style, however.
Why do you say that? Apple still gets its monies. Apple is not subsidizing the cost. The carrier is.
For example, Apple lists the phone for 300 whatever at it's store or on-line. Distributors or carriers would pay about 10% less or perhaps more for large quantities. At that point, the carrier can sell it at list, discount it, or even give it away.
For anybody that thinks they are getting a free phone when the sign a multi-year contract, I have some waterfront property in the Everglades for sale.
ahead of recent discounts because it did not operate on the faster third-generation networks that are more common in the region than they are in the US.
If Apple think that the main reason the iPhone didn't sell well in the UK was a lack of 3G then they're in for a shock.
People love the concept, the technology but hate the overpriced 3rd rate contract that goes with it. Unlock the iPhone Apple, then watch it go.
People love the concept, the technology but hate the overpriced 3rd rate contract that goes with it. Unlock the iPhone Apple, then watch it go.
You can buy a factory unlocked iPhone in at least 2 countries and there are ways to unlock it yourself.
Doubly quick if it's 16GB at £269. But either way I'd get one. If the 16 is £329, I'll have some thinking to do. I want the 16GB, and £329 without a contract's not bad...I dunno...I'll have to give it some thought if it turns out that way.
I got a feeling that ATT will once again bend there customers over a table and break out the KY
The Alltel acquisition by Verizon may get AT&T to be more competitive to retake the #1 slot as the largest US carrier again. I guess they could acquire another carrier themselves, it would only take about 8M to best them on that front. With the 3G iPhone coming out that doesn't seem too difficult to achieve, even without an aggressive plan.
Macworld UK is running with a rumor that British wireless carrier and exclusive iPhone service provider O2 is planning to lure customers to its network through hefty incentives such as a free 3G iPhone.
[...]
Citing "sources," the news site reports that the incentives aim to boost sales of the next-generation Apple handset, following so-so sell-through of the company's first generation phone in the UK ahead of recent discounts because it did not operate on the faster third-generation networks that are more common in the region than they are in the US.
[...]
What's more, Macworld UK adds that existing O2 iPhone customers may be lured into an 18-month contract extension with the promise of a free upgrade from their existing iPhone to the 3G model.
Apple : welcome to Europe, where the Rules of Engagement do ot just change because you enter the playing field.
I see the added value to an iPhone and I REALLY want one. But if I can get a Nokia N95 for a Euro (or a dollar - never mind the exchange rate for once...) why oh why would the average punter spend more.
Unless he lives in the Banana Republic of Absurdistan (aka Belgium) where we will have to pay full price PLUS a data tariff that will be on par with the rest of Europe
Do not be fooled by thinking that just because handset subsidies are illegal here we actually pay less. NNNNNOOOOO we pay MORE.
Next they'll be giving us Brits British Keyboards that don't have silly key locations.
I really can't see this happening, I mean...it would completely murder iPod Touch sales.
no it wouldn't! they are not even in the same league. A free or subsidized iPhone is nothing compared to the very expensive contracts, *ESPECIALLY* in the UK as compared to the USA.
no it wouldn't! they are not even in the same league. A free or subsidized iPhone is nothing compared to the very expensive contracts, *ESPECIALLY* in the UK as compared to the USA.
Very expensive compared to the US? Have you even looked at the plans? For example, in the UK you get 1200 minutes, 500 texts and unlimited data for 45 pounds, or around $90US. In the US, you get 1350 minutes, unlimited data but only 200 texts for $100. And lets not forget that you also have to use those minutes for INCOMING calls as well in the US! In the rest of the world you only pay for outbound. And the UK contract is only 18 months, instead of 24 months like in the US.
The other plans are the same. As far as I see it, the UK has much better deals than in the US, and probably the best in any market into which the iPhone has been released.
But none the less, people aren't going for this deal because you can get the same plan for the same cost (in fact a lot of times cheaper) but you'll get the phone, like the N95 for example, for 1 pound.
You can buy a factory unlocked iPhone in at least 2 countries and there are ways to unlock it yourself.
Yes i know that but i'm talking about having a UK iPhone where i can buy over the counter, stick my company sim card in it (which i'm already paying for) without hacking or worrying about updates. Legit!!
Unfortunately I took that decision 6 weeks before they slashed the price (d'oh).
I'm hoping that by swapping my existing iPhone over I'll get a discount come launch day, so the rumours are encouraging. I spend a lot of time commuting from Yorkshire to London, and the iPhone is a godsend for email - small as my laptop is, I can't pop it in my pocket...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2084...next-week.html
Not even a "This is speculation"