Play offers SIM-free iPhones

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Play.com is offering unlocked iPhones via its website, the first time an iPhone has been SIM free in the UK - legally, at least.

Up until now, the phones have only been available on an O2 pay as you go or pay monthly contract from O2 stores, Carphone Warehouse or directly from Apple, but Play has opened up the playing field.

Play said on its website: “This is a genuine SIM-free mobile phone and therefore unlocked to all UK networks. It is not unlocked from a UK or European network and is available due to EU legislation ensuring the sale of SIM-free mobile phones. It comes with a full manufacturer warranty.”

However, it does come at a price. When buying an iPhone from O2 the handsets start at £342 on pay as you go, or can be obtained for free on a longer term contract. Play charges just under £550 for its 3G 8GB handset or just under £600 for the 3G 16GB handset.

An O2 spokesperson defended its exclusivity to the phone and said: “O2 offers iPhone customers a full service which includes specially trained customer service, No.1 customer satisfaction, unlimited UK data downloads and unlimited Wi-Fi access, visual voicemail, and a range of other benefits, which you may not get from an unlocked handset.”

Apple declined to comment for this story.

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