Thousands queue up for iPhone 3GS launch in Singapore
updated 01:50 am EDT, Mon July 13, 2009
Singapore iPhone 3GS lines
The iPhone 3GS launch in Singapore has attracted huge crowds, with the first customer reportedly waiting in line for 11 hours. The exclusive local carrier, SingTel, estimates that approximately 1,500 to 2,000 individuals gathered around the company headquarters on Friday, according to Fortune. Several witnesses suggest the number was closer to 3,000 by the end of the night.
“On average, a customer during the peak period will queue between anywhere for three to four hours,” said SingTel's executive vice president, Yuen Kuan Moon.
The carrier worked to create a festival atmosphere, including fireworks and a confetti drop. Customers waiting in lines even pass through a number of "experience zones" featuring additional entertainment. The presence of Felicia Chin, a popular local actress, also helped to build the crowd.
Lines were much smaller for the iPhone 3GS launch in the United States, although AT&T encouraged customers to pre-order for a shorter wait. SingTel expects large crowds to remain for several days.
[Image courtesy of Damian Koh/CNET Asia]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 1999
They love to queue!
I live in Singapore, and let me tell ya... Singaporeans love queuing! They will queue for hours just to get a $10 shopping voucher, or to enter some "lucky draw" at the mall. It's really strange - like they don't value their leisure time one bit. If there was a queue to get a free roll of toilet paper, Singaporeans would be in it!