Network operator Orange has finally confirmed the widespread rumours that it will begin selling Apple's iPhone handset in the UK from 10 November.

The iPhone 3G and 3GS will be available in Orange stores next Tuesday from 7am, with a range of monthly and pay-as-you-go price plans for business users and consumers.

The smartphone will be available at Orange's 402 retail stores, and can also be purchased from Orange's online store, HMV concessions and Apple retail stores, as well as Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and other selected high street shops.

Orange chief executive Tom Alexander claimed that over 250,000 customers had already expressed interest in buying the phone.

"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, " he said.

"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 10 November we are pleased to be fulfilling that ambition."

The iPhone 3GS is free on all £45 a month plans, while the 3G model will be free on £30 plans - both on 24 month contracts - including unlimited anytime UK mobile data with a fair usage of 750MB per month.

Pay-as-you-go users topping up £50 at purchase will get the 3G handset for £333 with 250MB of data usage a month and unlimited use of BT's Openzone network for 12 months.

There are also tariffs for small and medium sized businesses, which are similar to the monthly consumer plans but with an additional £50 monthly tariff.