O2's exclusive hold over the iPhone is soon to be no more as Orange has announced that it will be bringing the device to its network in the UK later this year.
No further details have been released as to exactly when this will happen, but the fact that O2 is to start selling the Palm Pre from 16 October gives perhaps a strong hint as to when the exclusivity period may officially end.
"Orange UK and Apple have reached an agreement to bring iPhone 3G and 3GS to Orange UK customers later this year. Orange globally now offers iPhone in 28 countries and territories," Orange said in a very brief statement issued this morning.
It added: "Orange, which has the largest 3G network covering more people in the UK than any other operator, will sell iPhone in all Orange direct channels including Orange shops, the Orange webshop and Orange telesales channels, as well as selected high street partners."
The mobile giant, which earlier this month announced plans to merge with T-Mobile in the UK, has also launched a pre-registration site so customers can be updated as and when more details, such as launch date and tariffs, are available.
