3 unveils Iphone tariffs but no handsets yet

PUBLISHING ITS TARIFFS TODAY for Apple's shiny new toy that comes with a defective screen if you are unlucky, the 3 network has no options for fanbois wanting an Iphone 4 but are not near the end of their contracts and it has no handsets of its own to sell.

For existing pay monthly customers near to or at the end of their contract that want to order from 3's website, the company says it will "prioritise [Iphone 4] orders on a first come first served basis so register your interest to secure your place in the queue". But it is anyone's guess when that Iphone will arrive as even the online Apple store has kept delaying its shipment date, which now reads 14 July.

For 3 customers not near the end of their contract and who would like to upgrade the contract, the webpage has bad news, "We are working on options for you - please register your interest and we will contact you when more information is available."

Those willing to go to one of Apple's stores can buy the shiny toy and arrange a pay monthly, pay as you go or SIM only contract with network operators offering the smartphone.

The 3 tariffs start at £30 with a £99 handset purchase for the 16GB version or £189 for the 32Gb unit. For the £30 you get 500 minutes, 5000 texts, 1GB of data and 5000 3-to-3 minutes. The most expensive monthly contract is the 32GB version's £45 a month tariff that provides 5000 texts, 2000 minutes, 1GB of data and 5000 3-to-3 minutes but with an £89 cost for the handset. For the £45 a month 16GB version contract the handset is free.

Once you own an Iphone 4, the 3 network will provide a micro-SIM. The Ipad also takes a micro-SIM but Apple says the Iphone and Ipad micro-SIMs are not compatible. µ