O2 expands eligibility for free iPhones
updated 09:30 am EDT, Fri March 20, 2009
O2 iPhones discounted
Adding substance to recent rumors, UK carrier O2 has announced expanded availability for free iPhones. Beginning on April 3rd instead of the hinted May, O2 says it will offer an 8GB phone for free alongside a £35 monthly plan, and a 16GB phone for free with a £45 plan. In either case, a two-year subscription will be required.
The carrier previously limited free 8GB phones to the £45 level, and free 16GB models to the £74 tier. The cuts come at the same time as America's AT&T has introduced contract-free iPhones, if at a higher cost; combined the initiatives may fuel rumors that Apple is clearing inventory in advance of one or more updated iPhones. A release is expected sometime in June or July, which would coincide with the debut of the iPhone 3.0 firmware.
