mobileu.co.uk

Orange to sell iPhone to UK customers

Orange has unveiled plans to start selling Apple's iPhone in the UK, an arrangement which marks the end of O2's exclusive rights to the smartphone.

In a statement, Orange did not reveal pricing plans or the exact date when sales will begin, but it has set up an area on its website where customers can register their interest.

"Orange UK and Apple have reached an agreement to bring iPhone 3G and 3GS to Orange UK customers later this year," it confirms.

The statement continues: "Orange, which has the largest 3G network covering more people in the UK than any other operator, will sell iPhone in all Orange direct channels including Orange shops, the Orange webshop and Orange telesales channels, as well as selected high street partners."

O2, which has over a million iPhone subscribers, is reaching the end of its two-year exclusive deal with Apple.

It revealed last week that it will be selling the Palm Pre smartphone – considered by many to be the iPhone's main competitor – in UK stores from mid-October.

Rival network Orange recently revealed its intention to merge with T-Mobile, an arrangement which would see it overtake O2 as the UK's largest mobile network provider.