O2 set to clinch UK iPhone contract
Updated on 05 July 2007
O2 is set to clinch a deal to be the exclusive UK partner for Apple's iPhone, according to reports.
The mobile phone firm would supply the UK network for the must-have gadget.
Beating other mobile network operators to win the Apple contract would be a major coup for Spain's Telefonica, which owns O2.
The iPhone launched in the US last week, prompting thousands of fans to queue for the first available handsets.
Apple's latest offering is an all-in-one mobile phone, widescreen iPod and web-browsing device.
A spokeswoman for the California-based firm refused to comment on Thursday's reports. She said: "We haven't released or announced anything. We won't comment on rumour or speculation."
An O2 spokesman said: "There is no deal in place between us and Apple. Every operator has been speaking to them."
The iPhone is due to launch in the UK before the end of this year but Apple has not yet released an exact date or retail price.
The handset's US price tag is $499 (£247) for a 4-gigabyte model and $599 (£297) for an 8-gigabyte version.
In addition, customers pay a minimum $59.99 (£30) a month for a two-year service plan with AT&T Inc, the phone's exclusive US carrier.
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