Orange iPhone Possibility as o2 Exclusivity Deal Nears End

The Apple iPhone 3G could soon be available on the Orange network. The exclusive iPhone 3G deal between Apple and o2 is due to end in September. This could open the door for iPhone availability across other networks, including Orange. Increased availability could result in increased sales for Apple which have so far failed to meet expectation in the UK market. Perhaps the continuation of an exclusive deal with o2 is no longer in Apple’s best interests. Orange originally won the exclusivity deal when the handset was launched in France. O2 is likely to retain its exclusivity deal for newer handset models in the UK.

Recently, the handset appeared on the Orange intranet site, sparking rumours that Orange would soon be offering the iPhone. They have apparently been pitching for the handset alongside T-mobile. It now seems likely that, along with other service providers, Orange could also import sim-free handsets from abroad to offer to customers on their network. This could potentially mean that all networks could offer non-contract iPhone’s and this move could also potentially undercut o2’s prices for the handset. O2, who have long been criticised over its ‘prohibitive’ pricing of the handset are said to be ‘furious’ over these reports. Many have resorted to purchasing the iPhone from abroad and unlocking the handset for use on other networks. Open competition amongst the network providers could challenge the current o2 handset cost and tariffs.