Saturday, August 29, 2009

Apple iPhone 3G - no longer a network exclusive?

The Apple iPhone 3G S and its predecessors have been something of a coup for O2 in the UK as since the very first model appeared in 2007 they have remained network-exclusive. However, reports are starting to emerge that would suggest this may be about to change.

In November that year, O2 announced that the deal to distribute the new and much-anticipated gadget would allow it to boost its workforce in the UK by around 1,427 people. It was estimated that 700 new employees would be needed to cope with the extra level of customer support while a further 727 would be recruited for the network's retail across the nation.

Mark Stansfeld, sales director of the carrier, explained that the firm was dedicated to giving the best service possible on what was sure to be something of a "revolutionary device".

"We are investing in training and increasing our workforce to ensure this good experience from the moment you purchase the iPhone through to activation and on-going support," he added.

Later that month, on November 9th at 18:02 GMT, the handset finally went on sale to visitors to one of the 1,300 O2, Apple and Carphonewarehouse stores in Britain, which gave the network the opportunity to outline once more exactly why the device was so special.

It was noted that the iPhone had the capability of three different devices in its status as a mobile phone, widescreen iPod and web-surfing gadget, while the integrated multi-touch interface was described as "pioneering".

"O2 stores are fully geared up for what will be the year's biggest product launch," Mr Stansfeld concluded. "We've hired and trained hundreds of new iPhone specialists who will be in all 450 O2 stores giving live demos and showing customers how to get the most out of their iPhone."

The following year, O2 was once again chosen as the exclusive carrier of the handset when Apple announced the launch of the iPhone 3G, a slimmer, faster and better equipped version of the model that had seen such success across the globe the previous year. In June 2008, O2 confirmed the new pricing structure for the gadget and said it was pleased to once again be associated with such an important mobile - particularly as the last one had sold so well. Ronan Dunne, chief executive officer of the network in the UK, commented: "iPhone quickly became our fastest-selling device ever and with this new pricing, iPhone 3G is an unbeatable proposition."

One year later, when the time came for the Cupertino-based technology company to put out another revised version of the handset, the announcement was much swifter and to the point as far as O2 were concerned, with the firm simply confirming what many may have already expected - they would be the only carrier to offer the Apple iPhone 3G S in the UK. This incarnation of the mobile was described by O2 as "the fastest most powerful iPhone yet" and hit stores on June 19th this year. Along the way, the operator has announced pay-as-you-go versions, revised 24-month contracts and upgrade deals, but no-one else has ever officially provided an Apple phone - until now it seems.

Earlier this month, the Financial Times reported that there were murmurings in the industry that suggested O2 might be about to lose its much-coveted deal with Apple, with the newspaper explaining that this would represent a "significant setback" for the company, should the manufacturer choose to exercise a clause in the contract that said the arrangement could be broken at this point in the relationship.

Citing "people familiar with the situation", it claimed changes could happen as soon as November, although it added no final decisions had been taken. The publication went on to say a number of the network's rivals were lining up to take advantage of the possibility that the Apple contract would be up for grabs, adding that the future could involve more than one carrier making the iPhone 3G S and its potential successors available to UK customers.

It concluded by stating that although Vodafone chief executive Vittorio Colao had already admitted the firm was being hurt in Britain by not having access to the gadget, an O2 spokesperson had already come forward to issue a statement. "We have a multi-year exclusive deal with Apple which remains in place and both parties are very happy with it," it said.

However, on the same day the Telegraph reported that the first non-O2 official Apple iPhone sales - with the exception of sim-free purchases - had already taken place through T Mobile, with the operator offering older versions of the device to customers who said they were considering changing providers in order to get their hands on the touchscreen, multimedia handset. It explained this incentive was being rolled out to "some long-standing, high-spending customers who are considering switching to O2", but explained it was the second-generation device that was on offer and not its third-generation replacement which was launched this year.

Commenting on the news, electronics information and reviews resource T3 said that although the fact T Mobile was now offering the Apple iPhone was significant, the details of what specifically it was trying to tempt people with was unlikely to excite some. It added around 150 per week were thought to be available through the firm's retentions team and that potential buyers would "need to be splashing out £75 a month with the network to be in with a hope of seeing one too". "So that's an old iPhone for a £75 monthly spend," it concluded. "We're guessing you're not sold on the deal."

Since this time more speculation has arisen that calls into question the likelihood that O2 will be the exclusive provider of the Apple iPhone 3G S by Christmas and although there is nothing to suggest this will definitely be the case, the extra competition in the market if it does could be good news for those who have been waiting for the price of the gadget to come down.

Anjaneyulu (2009) Telugu Movie Online | Download


::: Anjaneyulu (2009) Telugu Movie Online | Download

Cast: Ravi Teja, Nayana Tara, Sonu Sood

Watch Online:***

Click Here

Mallanna (2009) Telugu Movie Online | Download


:::: Mallanna (2009) Telugu Movie Online | Download

Starring: Vikram, Shreya & Krishna

**Cam Print**

Part1 || Part2 || Part3 || Part4 || Part5