I’ve been quite amazed that considering the overwhelming success of the iPhone 4 launch on the US as the largest phone launch EVER (antenna-gate notwithstanding), and the likelihood that the iPhone 4 will also be the most successful phone launch in Australian history, there is almost a universal lack of info about specifics of getting a phone, and all this when the launch is theoretically this week. Crazy!
Some carriers have given some basic info, but nothing too specific. My own carrier, Vodafone, has been almost eerily silent on the matter. Granted, they have a banner ad on their website, with a spot to register your interest. I have done that. To date, I have not received a SINGLE email from them, not even a confirmation that I’m registered.
I visited my local Vodafone store to get a bead on the situation, and they were quick to say they knew nothing. I asked whether I could come in and buy an iPhone on Friday, the date that everyone (including Steve Jobs) has slated as launch date here in Australia, and they said they wouldn’t have any in stock. Bizarre. How could that be?! They just didn’t know anything. I’m amazed.
We’re not talking about some stupid Nokia phone here (one of 20 launches this year) or a new Motorola (one of a gazillion cheap nothing phones)… we’re talking about what will no doubt be the single best selling handset in Australian history, and no-one seems to know anything about how you can actually buy one on the launch date. Ridiculous.
In fact, I’m incredulous. I would have thought this would be the biggest bandwagon every carrier would want to get in on and exploit to the maximum, and yet there’s just a weird silence. It’s beyond strange.