Michael Johnston
May 6th, 2007, 05:50 PM
At this point in the US, we have a good idea as to when we'll be seeing iPhones and which carrier will be providing cellular service. It seems, though, that in the UK the situation isn't so merry.
During his keynote address in January, Steve Jobs announced that residents of the UK would see the iPhone in the fourth calendar quarter of this year. He did not, however, mention a specific date nor did he announce a cell provider. It seems that carriers from the UK are competing for exclusive rights to the device.
Although there have been no advertisements in the UK, the demand remains extremely high. According to <a href="http://www.mad4mobilephones.com/news/859/" target="_blank">a report</a> in "Mad4 Mobile Phones":
<blockquote>"Many UK retailers are receiving emails and phone calls on a daily basis asking when the iPhone will be released, where they can buy it and how much it will cost. Apple hasn't even released any TV or media adverts in the UK yet and customers are clearly confused about the situation. The sooner Apple picks a carrier the better.
An announcement is expected by September with a launch throughout Europe during December."</blockquote>
It seems that expectations of the iPhone are just as high in the UK as they are in the US, but it's possible that due to a high rate of smartphone use in the UK, consumers there may not be as quick to buy an iPhone.
During his keynote address in January, Steve Jobs announced that residents of the UK would see the iPhone in the fourth calendar quarter of this year. He did not, however, mention a specific date nor did he announce a cell provider. It seems that carriers from the UK are competing for exclusive rights to the device.
Although there have been no advertisements in the UK, the demand remains extremely high. According to <a href="http://www.mad4mobilephones.com/news/859/" target="_blank">a report</a> in "Mad4 Mobile Phones":
<blockquote>"Many UK retailers are receiving emails and phone calls on a daily basis asking when the iPhone will be released, where they can buy it and how much it will cost. Apple hasn't even released any TV or media adverts in the UK yet and customers are clearly confused about the situation. The sooner Apple picks a carrier the better.
An announcement is expected by September with a launch throughout Europe during December."</blockquote>
It seems that expectations of the iPhone are just as high in the UK as they are in the US, but it's possible that due to a high rate of smartphone use in the UK, consumers there may not be as quick to buy an iPhone.