Orange and Vodafone bidding for iPhone rights

Executives from both Orange and Vodafone are trying to persuade Apple to offer them exclusive access to the iPhone when it releases in the UK later this year.

Vodafone has long been a front runner but Apple has not made any decisions yet and Orange are clearly not wanting to lose out.

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.