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O2 iPhone pre-orders not going well

by Robert Palmer Jul 7th 2008 at 11:00AM

O2, the sole provider of the iPhone in the UK, sent out emails and text messages to its customers offering to send them the new 3G handset to arrive on Friday, the worldwide launch date.

Figuratively billions of people wrote us to say that the site was crushed under the load of people trying to purchase the iPhone 3G. Moreover, O2 very quickly sold out of the 16GB model, leaving only the 8GB version on offer. Now, O2's website says that all models of the iPhone 3G are "currently out of stock online."

Customers are encouraged to "come back on 10 July for more information." Instead, many are participating in an Apple Discussions thread about it. From the responses in the thread, it appears that a few people were actually able to complete the purchase process, but are waiting for a confirmation email.

In other O2 news, the company announced that Pay & Go plans for iPhone 3G will be available "later this year."

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!



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O2, the sole provider of the iPhone in the UK, sent out emails and text messages to its customers offering to send them the new 3G handset...
 

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Peela

Check out the comments by Retail Week's technology editor
http://www.retail-week.com/Technology/2008/07/3g_iphone__firstgeneration_service.html

Any one else know of availability problems?

July 09 2008 at 7:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ian

Registered with o2 and Carphone Warehouse several weeks back. Received notification that they were open to receiving orders well after they had sold out of the 16gb model. CW had an "out of stock" logo on their site. Checked several hours later and this had been replaced with an "order now" notice, so I did. After completing the transaction I received a polite email telling me that they had taken my money but the phone was out of stock and that they would let me know in seven days what I could do. Not very happy at this as it will be seven days before I can get a refund.

July 07 2008 at 5:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Ian's comment
Ian

Just received an email from Carphone Warehouse saying that they have had a fresh delivery in and my phone will be on its way soon. Fingers crossed it's leaving tomorrow and with me on Friday.

July 09 2008 at 1:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
niknak

All you people on O2 looking for an upgrade -

YOU ALREADY HAVE AN IPHONE

Don't you think you can hold off for a week or two, and struggle on with your existing handset, which (with the 2.0 software) will be almost functionally identical to the new ones, and let some other people who don't have an iPhone at all get one?

I think it's entirely understandable and justifiable that O2 prioritise new customers here. In fact the demand for the new iPhone from new customers should be met before any upgrades are handed out.

July 07 2008 at 5:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to niknak's comment
zudo

Not so, what about existing o2 customers who want an iPhone for the first time (like me!). We still have to upgrade (form our old phones) and had no luck whatsoever. I sent my details 3 or 4 times while the site was on failover then when the flash (flash!!) order system was up again I spent all morning trying to get to the end of the process. Have tons of upgrade code texts but never made it past selecting a phone and.. crash Grrrr

July 08 2008 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
niknak

Yes, you're right. Point taken. But the number of people with 1st gen iPhones bitching (not just here) about not getting their guaranteed upgrade on friday is ridiculous.

July 08 2008 at 5:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
TC

According to the display in the Haywards Heath store on Saturday, the PAYG version won't be available until September.

July 07 2008 at 4:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
PaulN

O2 have been texting existing loyal iPhone users for weeks, telling them they would be first to have the "special early upgrade". Just register and we will reserve your iPhone!!

Today it looks like they shafted the existing loyal iPhone user base in the UK. Texts amouncing the launch appear to have been sent to just about everybody, regardless of if you registered or not, were an existing iPhone user, or even an O2 user.

Trying to order an iPhone has been almost impossible with no stock left being announced on the O2 website, so much for my reserved iPhone.

July 07 2008 at 3:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Adrian vG

Not going well? I would say it went extremely well and TOO well! If many people want it, then the sales are good, n'est pas? :)

July 07 2008 at 2:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
That Fender Strat Guy

It seems like O2 gravely underestimated their web server's ability to cope with the excitement.

As a happy 2G owner (bought in the price-crash), I'm just looking from the outside, and am amazed by it all - it certainly would have been better to sign up in store. Imagine lost orders - some customers recieving their iPhones, others delayed... there will be a call for blood, and heads will roll!

July 07 2008 at 2:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ben Ward

Great to see o2 are looking after their old customers whilst new ones are having some difficulties...

Wait...

July 07 2008 at 2:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gg

Whats the big fuss? It's pre-orders no? So just wait a couple of weeks and then get one. Avoid the rush.

July 07 2008 at 1:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ron

You say it's not going well, when they are sold out online??? Being sold out is something of a success if you ask me...

July 07 2008 at 1:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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