We've got a number of tools in our armoury [Not weapons? Ed.] - Hazel Lewis - UK government minister
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How to get the best Iphone 4 deal
MOBILE OPERATORS are licking their lips at the chance to gouge punters as the Iphone 4 nears launch.
For the first time, consumers are being given a choice when it comes to which mobile network operator they want to hook up with to use their shiny Iphone 4, and to help, we broke out the abacus to give you a rundown on the tariffs that are being offered.
We've posted the raw data but for those who want to cut to the chase, here are the scores on the doors.
Lowest total cost for an Iphone 4 16GB
O2 18 month £30/month contract. Total cost: £749.
Highest total cost for an Iphone 4 16GB
Orange for its shocking 24 month, £75/month tariff. While the firm might claim that punters get the Iphone 4 for free, the total cost over the 24 month contract is an eye watering £1,800.
Lowest total cost for an Iphone 4 32GB
O2 18 month £30/month tariff. Total cost £839.
Highest total cost for an Iphone 4 32GB
Orange once again posts a commendable performance in this category with its 24 month, £75/month tariff. Only this time, the firm has the gall to ask you to also fork over £29 for an Iphone 4 32GB making the total cost £1,829.
Summary
What is clearly apparent is that the 'cheapest' monthly tariffs offer terrible value for money when it comes to price per minutes. It was also clear that signing up for a 24 month contract might initially soften the blow of paying for a handset but at the end of it all customers will be worse off, in some cases by almost 10 per cent.
We have collected data from mobile operators that have published pricing for the Iphone 4. Out of the four mobile operators who have announced support for the Iphone 4, only T-Mobile have yet to release pricing, a day after the device's launch. When T-Mobile finally decide the time is right, we will update the tables.
The metrics we have chosen focus on each aspect of the tariff in isolation. If there are other metrics that you think are valid, please let us know and we will consider adding them.
Measurement metrics
Total price = Iphone cost + (monthly cost x contract length)
Price/minutes = Total price / (monthly minutes x contract length)
Price/texts = Total price / (monthly texts x contract length)
Price/MB = Total price / (included monthly data allowance x contract length)
O2 Iphone 4 price list
Orange Iphone 4 price list
Vodafone Iphone 4 price list
3 Iphone 4 price list
Prices as of 18 June 2010. Data obtained from 3, O2, Orange and Vodafone.
Tags: Apple
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I've tried working out the tariffs we have so far and it seems in ALL cases that it makes sense to buy the phone outright from the start, and choose your own SIM only plan. Can anyone please let me know if from a PURE total cost angle for a 12/18/or 24 month period with the iphone 4 it is better to get a subsidised handset. I can't find a deal. Here's hoping that t-mobile or 3 or most probably Tesco Mobile will change this and make it worthwhile getting a contract at the same time as buying the phone?
It's nice to see Inquirer writers continue to toe the company line on all this.
Pity you're not allowed to voice your own opinions on Apple.
Why is that every Android user thinks they're some sort of tech guru? It's kinda sad really.
Anyway, good luck getting more readers. This place is dying on it's fucking knees Apple stories are the only thing keeping this site going
Nobody likes staring the true cost of their Addiction in the face, thats why the monthly deals with little or no upfront cost so appeal. That and the fact that people cant get the credit maybe?
...crack addicts flocking to a new distributor.
You'll be able to get a 16Gb Iphone 4 unlocked direct from Apple for £499.
You can then get a £10/month sim-free deal from T-Mobile that offers 100 Minutes 100 SMS and unlimited internet.
For a total cost of £619 over 12 Months and £699 over 18.
Plus since it'll only be a 30 day contract if someone offers a better deal you'll be able to upsticks and move to that with little penalty.
It'll be interesting to see if T-Mobile can actually beat that with their bundles once they start offering the iphone officially.
very similar article to this one from Engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/18/how-to-figure-out-the-best-value-iphone-4-contracts-in-the-uk/
Compared to £500 for the Nexus One or Desire...urmm screw that. Mines the one with the small green robot and no control freak company dictating how I can use it!