O2 confirms it will not sell Apple iPad 2

O2 has said in a surprise announcement that it will not be stocking the iPad 2 when it launches in the UK on 25 March.

A spokesperson explained that O2 will not offer the device directly, but that customers can use the firm's pay-as-you-go deals for the tablet.

"Customers using mobile broadband on O2 tell us that they value freedom and flexibility with their tablet devices, especially when they don't initially know how much mobile data they will need," the spokesperson said.

"We are continuing to offer iPad customers our O2 Pay & Go Mobile Broadband for iPad tariffs. These are directly integrated into iPad 2, and offer flexible payment options and the best browsing experience."

O2 also said that customers using the iPad 2 will be able to access thousands of free Wi-Fi hotspots from The Cloud and BT Openzone, as well as its own hotspots due to go live this year.

Meanwhile, an official T-Mobile Twitter account has confirmed that T-Mobile and Orange will offer the iPad 2 from the launch date.

V3.co.uk emailed Everything Everywhere to get pricing information, but the firm told us that "more details will be announced in due course".

Three said it had no comment on whether it would be stocking the much sought after device while Vodafone had not responded at the time of publication.

The iPad 2 was announced on Wednesday by Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, and boasts a faster processor, thinner design and front and back video cameras.

Apple claimed that the new model delivers twice the CPU performance and up to nine times the graphics performance of the original iPad.