Orange announces Iphone launch date

UK MOBILE network Orange has confirmed the rumours that it will start flogging the Iphone in the UK.

Apple's Iphone 3G and 3GS will be available in Orange stores next Tuesday, 10 November from 7am, on offer under a range of monthly and pay-as-you-go price plans.

The smartphone will be available at Orange's 402 retail stores and from its online store, HMV concessions and Apple retail stores, as well as from Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and other high street shops.

In a statement, Orange CEO Tom Alexander claimed that over 250,000 customers have already expressed interest in acquiring the handset.

"We will be matching their enthusiasm with a 3G mobile broadband network that covers more people in the UK than any other operator, a commitment to deliver the best 3G experience on the Iphone, and best-in-class applications and plans, " he said.

"Earlier this year we stated our ambition to become the destination brand of choice for high-end mobile users in the UK. With the launch of the Iphone on 10 November we are pleased to be fulfilling that ambition."

The Iphone 3GS will be free on all £45 a month plans, while the Iphone 3G will be free on £30 plans, both on 24-month contracts, including unlimited anytime UK mobile data with a fair usage volume of 750MB per month.

Pay-as-you-go users topping up £50 at purchase will get the Iphone 3G handset for £333 with 250MB of data usage a month and unlimited use of BT's Openzone network for 12 months.

Orange will also offer tariffs for small and medium-sized businesses, which will be similar to the monthly consumer plans but with an additional £50 monthly tariff. µ