Bravo O2, bravo. Not content with Carphone Warehouse messing up the launch of the original iPhone, Apple’s carrier partner in the UK went one better yesterday. Despite knowing something the level of demand (having sent out thousands of text messages to people who had registered interest), both the ordering system and O2’s PR went titsup.
It’s not entirely O2’s fault. They probably don’t have the stock to cope for the launch of a highly anticipated product that is in massive demand globally. But that aside, the ordering website – for upgraders at least – was woeful, and had clearly not been properly load-tested. For upgraders, this was especially frustrating as they were only allowed to buy iPhones online. That website is now not accepting any upgrade orders.
Cue massive discontent on both O2’s Customer Forums and Apple Discussions, and many emails to Matthew Key (O2’s CEO).
O2 then performed an about-face for upgraders – they now will be able to buy 3G iPhones in-store (see the Press Release from O2’s Media Centre).
As far as I know, upgraders cannot buy an iPhone at Carphone Warehouse SMSTextNews says upgrades can be had at CPW. It’s also unclear whether Apple stores will be selling iPhones, and whether these will be available to upgraders. O2 will release some more information regarding availability on Thursday.
The question remains though – will there be enough stock to satisfy demand? Personally, I’m after a 16Gb iPhone, and if this commenter’s information is accurate, then O2 only has 4,500 16Gb iPhones available.
Factor in the number of 16Gb models sold online yesterday, plus that they are sure to distribute more of these to larger flagship stores, and you’re left with my local, small store having very, very few (if any) 16Gb models at all.
So much for a lie-in on Friday…