“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.

Increasing handset prices ALREADY

It was recently annouced that the industry had more iPhone competition, with Virgin and Vodafone also onboard, Telstra reducing their data prices and Three offering iPhone SIM starter packs.

Now Optus has made the choice to increase their handset pricing to all new contract customers – however slightly.

How to win over new customers?

Presumably the new customers are many who have been on their waiting list?

With the dust (aka iPhone frenzy) starting to settle just a wee bit, aren’t those consumers still to convert over to an iPhone, going to be the ones who perhaps do even more homework than those who just wanted it anyhow and anyway on 11 July?

An interesting move Optus, given the press their data speeds and reception has received of late too.

Source: MacTalk forums

My Thoughts? Go with Virgin!