“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.

iPhone Virgins

Virgin Mobile has now confirmed that they are offering the Apple iPhone on contract.

Virgin, always known to provide a market shake-up where needed, have competitive plans and rates for the iPhones. According to Mactalk forum, the Virgin Mobile supplied iPhones are however tied to the Optus network. Whether this will change is uncertain.

Three customers can now remain with Three

Not to be completely left out (?), Three are now offering iPhone plans and support – although not able to actually offer the iPhone. This means you can get a pre-paid iPhone unlocked and use the Three network. This also from Mactalk forums:

Three, have decided to go ahead and offer iPhone plans and support anyway, even though they aren’t selling the actual device. The plans represent fantastic value – provided you have an unlocked device in the first place. Their cheapest cap, $49, will buy you $320 worth of credit plus 1GB of data – by far the best value so far. Keep in mind, however, that an unlocked 8GB iPhone costs a minimum of $820 in the first place…

Telstra?

Note the advice on the MacTalk forum that Telstra has also lowered their prices, no doubt realising that the competition is now quite strong.

Keeping your iPhone covered

Where to: Buy iPhone 3G covers and skins

Not only have the XSKN XRAP crystal cases and eXo Mask skins been selling like, ehh, hot apple pies … We also have some 4Mac Ellipse skins and DLO SlimCase (leather) for iPhone 3G to offer you.

See our full range of iPhone covers and accessories.

Join our contact list if you’d like more information.