1 million iPhone 3G units sold but UK customers still struggling

by Stevie Smith - Jul 15 2008, 13:02

Widening the market saturation value of its iPhone brand certainly appears to by paying dividends for Cupertino-based Apple Inc., with the Californian computer and gadget maker today revealing that it has sold a massive 1 million units of the second-generation iPhone since it was launched on July 11.

Apple thrilled at opening weekend sales of 1 million units for the new 3G iPhone. Image: SBaker/Flickr.

While the original EDGE-network iPhone initially launched in just the United States back in June of 2007 (with a gradual roll out across select European regions), the new iPhone 3G has been made available to a total of 21 countries at launch, and Apple is reaping the near-instant rewards.“iPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend” trumpeted Apple CEO Steve Jobs in an official statement. “The new iPhone 3G is clearly off to a great start around the world.” Jobs also took the opportunity to outline the advantages of increased market exposure by noting that the original launch saw Apple needing “74 days to sell the first one million original iPhones.”The burden placed on the United States at that time has now been negated thanks to the newly revamped iPhone also arriving simultaneously throughout Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. France will take receipt of the 3G model on July 17.However, despite Apple’s massive international sales boost, not every region is currently wallowing in unbridled iPhone joy. Specifically, angry customers in the UK have been left out in the cold with their shiny new iPhones after surging launch-day demand brought carrier O2’s network to its knees.The Telegraph reports that some UK customers are demanding their money back from retail outlet Carphone Warehouse due to their handsets being little more than expensive doorstops some four days after stores began selling Apple’s trendy smartphone.With massive customer demand blamed for causing O2’s network to buckle beneath the pressure on Friday morning, many UK customers have subsequently been left unable to register their service contracts and activate their SIM cards, which means they are presently unable to use their iconic devices to perform simple integral functions such as placing telephone calls, sending messages or browsing the Web. “The vast majority of customers who purchased the iPhone 3G on Friday have had their account activated successfully,” commented an O2 spokesman regarding the persistent situation. “We are aware that some customers are still waiting for their SIM card to be activated and apologise for this continued inconvenience… We are working as quickly as possible to resolve this issue and activate these remaining accounts.”

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Tim BantingJul 16th, 2008 - 21:12:19

I queued like others to be the proud owner of an iPhone. I spend 4 days trying to get it activated. I had numerous calls into O2 customer service, I got transfered to Apple, I got another SIM card, I visited the store 3 times- no joy.

I have a faulty iPhone, along with many others when you look on internet. I get a SIM card error stating that a valid and unlocked SIM card needs to be installed. It is both valid and unlocked as I checked it with another handset.

Unfortunately o2 have no stock- so now I have an expensive door stop, no idea when replacement handsets will be in store- and O2 say iPhones will be on a first come, first served basis- despite me being a new customer to O2! Appauling customer service.

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Steven D.Jul 17th, 2008 - 17:27:14

I knew I wanted one, but with all the reports I thought I'd be waiting months. However wandering into the Glasgow store yesterday, I walked out with a fully operational, not a problem, it was that easy? iphone 3G. And I'm loving it.

Simple.

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1 million iPhone 3G units sold but UK customers still struggling

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