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09 Jun 2009
O2 has announced that the 16GB and 32GB versions of the new iPhone 3GS, which Apple unveiled yesterday, will be available in its UK stores from 19 June. But the mobile operator will not be subsidising the cost of upgrading this time round.
As with the existing iPhone 3G, the new devices will be free on the highest O2 consumer and business tariffs, but those opting for the 18-month £29.38 contract will have to pay £184.98 for the 16GB model and £274.23 for the 32GB model.
Those not wanting to tie themselves into a 24-month or 36-month contract can opt for pay-as-you-go versions at £440.40 and £538.30 respectively.
In a move that has angered many customers, O2 subscribers will not be able to upgrade to the new phone simply by resetting their contract. Unlike when the iPhone 3G replaced the original iPhone, customers will have to pay to terminate their existing contract early in order to start a new subscription with the iPhone 3GS.
A number of online petitions have already been created to protest against the decision, and social networking sites such as Twitter became inundated with people voicing their anger. The Twitter hashtag #o2fail was quickly being adopted to help users jointly express their disapproval.
Furthermore, customers wishing to make use of the new tethering feature in iPhone OS 3.0, which allows the iPhone to be used as a 3G data modem for a notebook, will have to purchase an additional Internet Tethering Bolt On, which costs £15 a month with a 3GB cap or £29.36 with a 10GB cap.
O2 confirmed that the third iteration of the iPhone operating system will be available as a free download to iPhone owners through iTunes from 17 June.
The operator has updated its dedicated iPhone site with all the pricing details for the new iPhone 3GS, as well as information on the new OS 3.0 features.
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Do you agree?
Get Over It!!!
You I-Phone people are all little whining brats! You signed a contract! No company "HAS to" or "Should" give you a break on prices. If they did that, they would be out of business. Anyone knows that when you buy any electronic devices / Computers these days...not even a couple of months later something bigger and better comes out. If you want something research first then purchase. If you like the newest stuff...then suck it up and pay the price! Stop complaining!!!!
Posted by: Joe 26 Jun 2009
Get Over it
O2 do seem to be putting a high price on the new models, which based upon US prices seems really unfair. But people complaining over the upgrade and buy out options are not realising they signed a contract, how many people do you hear complain when the new Nokia N97 comes out, yep people with iPhones seem to think themselves in their own world. But again looking at the phone, I am not impressed and glad I did not go down the iPhone route as the hardware and that are still on catch up, yes they have the cosmetics but for a business phone do not pull the punches of the price band they are in. For me its still Blackberry, Windows and Possible Andriod (although that 6-8 months away from being any real competition). What Microsoft now need to do is luanch a global app store and things will really heat up. and Apple it about time you got the hardware right and give us something that worth the price you ask for it.
Posted by: Martin 11 Jun 2009
iPhone 3G S
I have a friend returning from the States mid July and I'm thinking of getting them to purchase my first iphone. Will I have problems with using a iPhone bought in the States over here in the UK?
Posted by: Roy 11 Jun 2009
No
I don't agree that current subscribers should be allowed to upgrade for nowt (or next to nothing). They're acting like spoilt brats, throwing their iPhones out of their prams. Who said they've got a God-given right to upgrade to the 3GS while still within their 18-month or 2-year contracts? No one. Yes, the hardware is slightly new, but they're getting OS3 free of charge in a few days, which is going to give their 'old' iPhones new functionality. However, I do agree that O2 is taking the pi55 with their tethering charges.
Posted by: Rob 10 Jun 2009
THESE 02 PRICES ARE DOUBLE WHAT THE US PRICES ARE!!!
It is scandalous for O2 to ask people to pay £184.98 for the 16GB model and £274.23 for the 32GB model when the US prices for these models are respectively $199 and $299. It is pure "legal" theft!!!!
Posted by: John 09 Jun 2009