Orange has finally silenced the rumours that it would start selling the iPhone this month by confirming that customers can get hold of the device - for free if they're willing to sign up to a two-year contact - from 10 November.
On Tuesday next week Orange will make available the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS on a range of pay monthly and pay as you go (PAYG) tariffs for consumers and business users alike.
In addition to more than 400 Orange retail stores, some of which will open at 7am to mark the occasion, users will also be able to pick up an iPhone on the Orange network online, via telesales, Orange HMV concessions, Apple stores, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and other high street partners.
"The excitement for the iPhone is immense, and this is a great day for our customers, our company and our employees. Since we announced the iPhone on Orange we have already seen more than a quarter of a million customers register their interest on our website. We will be matching their enthusiasm with a 3G mobile broadband network that covers more people in the UK than any other operator, a commitment to deliver the best 3G experience on the iPhone and best-in-class applications and plans," said Tom Alexander, Orange UK's chief executive, in a statement.
"Earlier this year we stated our ambition to become the destination brand of choice for high end mobile users in the UK. With the launch of the iPhone on November 10 we're pleased to be fulfilling that ambition."
Customers will be able to get hold of the iPhone 3GS for free by signing up to a 45-a-month, two-year contract, while those keen to own an iPhone 3G can get a similar deal for just 30 per month. A new 'traveller' offer will also bundle call and data roaming for 125 a month.
Those wanting a PAYG option and committing to a 50 top up will be able to buy an iPhone 3G for 333, for which they'll automatically get 250MB of data each month.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from a similar package, with the addition of a 50 monthly tariff.
Additional iPhone tethering bundles are also available starting from 5 a month for those who want to use their devices to enable mobile broadband on their laptops.
Vodafone has confirmed that it will also be selling the iPhone on its network from early next year although it has yet to provide specific timings.
