Apple UK stores unable to sell iPhones on July 11th?
updated 09:10 am EDT, Fri June 20, 2008
UK stores & iPhone 3G
Apple's own retail stores in the UK may not be able to sell the iPhone 3G on July 11th, an industry publication reports. The issue stems from Apple's new activation policy, which forces customers to subscribe to a given carrier in-store, rather than at home through iTunes. Apple UK outlets are said to lack the means of running credit checks, and its staff are still untrained in getting customers onto a phone contract, in this case one from O2.
"We are currently working closely with Apple to enable them to issue contracts in store," says an O2 spokeswoman. "Full details are still to be confirmed."
O2 adds that pre-paid iPhones are expected to sell in Apple Stores, in addition to Carphone Warehouse and its own retail locations. Phones should also be sold at branded concession stands within otherwise authorized retailers, such as Superdrug. Mobile Today writes that pre-paid pricing is expected to start around £350.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
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This is what happens when you end up making phones subsidized. Why in the world do you have to run a credit check just to offer a phone service? Bad enough all the places you hand over your credit information. But handing out your SSN so you can make a phone call. Something just ain't right.