RSSAll together now: iPhone and Palm Pre, likely to both grace O2's UK portfolio
By Tim Conneally | Published July 2, 2009, 1:37 PM
European wireless network operator O2 has reportedly reached a deal to exclusively carry the Palm Pre in the UK. O2, a subsidiary of Telefónica, is Britain's largest wireless carrier, and has a similar exclusivity agreement with Apple for the iPhone.
UK paper The Guardian reported last May that O2 was vying for an exclusive agreement with Palm for the Pre, and that competition with rival carrier Orange was fierce.
Palm is expected to announce the alliance next week, along with pricing and availability of the device. Betanews is awaiting a statement from Palm about these reports.
"largest wireless carrier" - where did that statement come from?
All 4 networks in the UK use the same technology, O2 and Vodafone both have been around since 1985, and have approximately the same number of subscribers.
Before the iPhone normally all handsets were available on all networks within 6 to 8 months of launch - because in remote areas of the UK, only one network will build towers. Coverage is important.
Some people who would like iPhones or Pre's won't be able to get them due to lack of O2 coverage, for no good reason. Unlike the CDMA / GSM technology hurdle in the USA.
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