Drought hits Australia

It seems in Australia (well, in fact globally), we are experiencing a new kind of drought.

Yes, along with the weather drought our country has been suffering through for about ten years, there is now also an iPhone drought!

Oh lord, how will we ever cope? (says the farmer’s daughter, with tongue firmly in cheek)

Will we have to take a page out of India’s book and have naked iPhone virgins dance for the Apple Gods?

Telco’s out of new iPhones

If you’ve been trying to purchase your iPhone through Telstra, Virgin, 3 etc, you’ll discover that many are either completely out of iPhone stock, or very close to (which may involve driving from store to store to find the last remaining iPhone 3G S…).

Why is this? Apparently there is a global shortage, with Apple not able to keep up with the supply demand.

Where to buy the iPhone 3G S

It’s interesting to note that you can still grab yourself an iPhone online at Apple AU, with an estimated 5-7 day delivery turn-around.

You could of course, also put your name down on all the Telco waiting lists and see who can deliver the fastest?!

“Who’s going to buy the new iPhone”

From who – and for how much?

With the new iPhone 3GS launching in Aus tomorrow, the customer and price wars have begun!

The excitement can almost be felt in the air – or is that smelled?

So what are the big guns offering?

Virgin Mobile is offering the iPhone 3GS (both sizes) and iPhone 3G.
Check out their competitive plans – Buy iPhone 3GS from Virgin Mobile.

Vodafone

Vodafone are offering the iPhone 3GS free on a $69 plan with credit and and monthly discount options.  Also, check out the plans and how they differ with Vodafone AU and NZ – National Business Review.

Optus

Optus advertised that they are opening some major stores at midnight tonight, Thursday, with the first 500 through the doors will receive an iPhone accessories “Love Pack”:
Sydney- Optus ‘yes’ Shop George Street
Brisbane – Optus ‘yes’ Shop Queen Street
Melbourne – Optus ‘yes’ Shop Bourke Street

If you’re not in the vicinity – or iPhone crazy enough in this winter weather, then they’ve also got online offers and credit bonuses.  As well, there’s mention of waiving the first 12 months handset fees if you are midway through your contract but opt to recontract for 24 months.

I guess they’ve struggled a little with customer loyalty after many data and billing problems… Do customers want to resign with them?

Telstra

What are they offering?

Well, according to Courier Mail blog, Telstra is “giving new iPhone users the finger” (via @Chasboi), Telstra in their usual arrogance are offering little information at this stage to win – or lose – customers.  I guess, it’s a matter of wait and see for the average Joe Bloggs and Telstra.

I presume they think the NextG speed will win over customers??

Telstra are usually dearer in all other products & services – so it would be unusual for them to change their business strategy just for the iPhone?

Gossip on Twitter about Telstra plans is worth checking out – Telstra – iPhone deals

Yeh, boohoo to you Telstra.