Has Vodafone scooped an Iphone contract?
THE RUMOUR network has gone mad after Vodafone's website advised people on ways to customize the Iphone. Proof that the carrier has scooped an Iphone contract? Not so, they argue.
It's long been a mystery to us why all alliances are described as 'strategic'. As if there's any other kind of partnership in business. What's the alternative to a strategic partnership? A casual coupling? A pointless partnership? An amorous, no strings alliance that's just meant to be a bit of fun and no one gets hurt?
That doesn't exist in business does it? Nobody suffers fools gladly in this business. Unless they're customers.
So what exactly is the point of Vodafone's website feature, where they detail the ways to customise the Iphone on Vodafone specifically for the UK.
Are they philanthropists or something? Not so, says the man from Vodafone.
But hang on, the site is designed for Iphone users who have unlocked the handset from rival O2 and want to set it up for Vodafone programmes. Customers can send details to Vodafone and receive a downloadable application to customise their homepage.
Vodafone says the application works across its business, including in Portugal and Greece where it distributes the Iphones. It said the application works with the Nokia N95 also. Hmm.
I'm not convinced. Are you? µ
Nick Booth is a mobile telecom analyst at MobileB2B.
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Makes sense if O2 are to get the Palm Pre. Telefonica has deals made for exclusivity for the Pre and they are a Spanish part of the O2 company.
Vodafone have had an iPhone here in Australia since 3G release.
Surely Vodafone could use it's existing rights in UK?
(I work for Vodafone on this this portal but this isn't an official comment.)
Vodafone sells the iPhone in 9 countries but not the UK - this portal works on the N95, N96, HTMC Magic, F490 and iPhone.
There are loads of unlocked iPhones in the UK - check eBay! But there are also loads locked to Vodafone in Portugal.
Remember, Vodafone is more than just the UK market.
T