o2 to lose iphone exclusive deal
The launch of the iPhone exclusive to O2 has been a profit boosting deal that looks to be coming to an end for O2 UK. According to reports from various sources, the deal could come to an end as early as 9th October.
Despite the loss of iPhone exclusivity, O2 will still be the sole network selling the iPhone 3Gs at least until 2010 whilst the 3G version will become available on other networks resulting in less impact on sales with consumers opting for the the newer version.
The move from Apple makes a lot of sense. If they are to increase sales of the iPhone then the most potent way to do it is to allow other networks to sell it to their customer bases.
Fortunatley for O2 they have secured other high spec mobile phones that have been designed to compete with the iPhone. New entrant, the Palm Pre will also be available on O2 soon and they have O2 branded HTC phones available too. Where they don't have the same fashionable brand appeal they make up for it in ease of use, power and great features. Also delivering great sales for O2 are SIM-Only Contracts which continue to increase in popularity.
Recent news from sources close to T-Mobile have also confirmed that the mobile phone network has been buying unlocked Apple iPhone handsets and offering them to selected customers to incentivise them to stay with them and extend their mobile phone contracts.
