Sales & Business Development Manager
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Speculation that O2 and AT&T subsidies could see customers walking away with free phone on a contract
Rumours are circulating that UK mobile phone operator O2 is considering subsidising the upcoming 3G iPhone - a move that would see customers picking up the phone for free if they sign up for a contract, TechRadar reports.
The site claims that O2 was moved to reconsider its current policy following the massive sales spike that accompanied Apple’s discounting of the iPhone from £269 to £169.
There are apparently also concerns that the recent uptake will mean that the potential customer base for the new machine will be smaller than that of the current model.
It is said that AT&T, the exclusive iPhone carrier in the US, is considering a similar move on the other side of the Atlantic.
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Always fancied an iPhone, but would never pay outright for a handset. But for free? I'd sign up to an 18 month £35pm contract for that. Even 24 month. Please let this be true!
if this is true we'll see some serious churning to o2
I don't believe they'd give it away free. Subsidised, yes maybe, but not free. Why would they? The original sold like hot cakes. The only way is if o2 thinks the new customers it could acquire would make its money back.
I'm sure they will be free (some models) at some point. I'm not sure they really sold as hot cakes this side of the pond though - the last discount round saw e-tailers such as carphonewarehouse cutting ₤100 off the basic models.
