Vodafone secures iPhone deal for UK
Network operator is latest to offer handset following 02 exclusivity end
Vodafone has struck a deal with Apple to sell the iPhone in the UK - a deal which follows just one day behind Orange's announcement of a similar agreement.
The gaining of the iPhone for both network operators comes as 02's exclusivity period with the handset, which has been in place since 2007, draws to an end.
"Vodafone and Apple today confirmed that they have reached agreement to bring iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS to the UK and Ireland in early 2010," said a brief statement on the deal.
Currently the world's largest mobile operator by revenue, Vodafone has invited customers to register their interest online prior to the handset's availability next year. Neither it, nor Orange, has yet announced pricing details.
A spokesperson for the company told the BBC it was "delighted" at securing an agreement with Apple. They added that the phone would primarily be targeted at existing Vodafone customers - a model that differs from that adopted by 02, which used the iPhone to attract new customers.