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… well that’s how it would appear, anyway. The Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) iPhone 3G and 3GS have been spreading across UK networks since O2 (NYSE: TEF) lost their exclusive right last year. First Orange got it, then Tesco Mobile, and now Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) – but what of Vodafone’s sales figures? Have they eclipsed the likes of Orange, and O2?
Well ITProPortal.com is reporting that Vodafone said they would be delivering more than 50,000 devices to consumers on launch day – which apparently is a good 20K more than Orange shifted last November. Now, I take all these figures with a pinch of salt, especially as we are talking in tens of thousands! In reality, none of the mobile operators would prefer to release directly comparable figures – so for instance it’s not clear if that 50K units from Vodafone is group, or UK only.
At any rate, it’s still a good number either way, and adds to Apple’s burgeoning profits from a single device (that has only had 3 versions) comprising their product range! Google (NSDQ: GOOG) are rumoured to have shifted 20K units globally in their first week, by the way.
In other (related news), TechDigest is reporting that Vodafone are apparently offering a Sat Nav application that is initially free, but then costs £3/month after April. I have to say, not massively compelling in my view, when you have the likes of CoPilot coming in at with a £25.99 one-off cost, and delivering what I think is the best iPhone Sat Nav app experience bar none. However, each to their own – that’s what makes the world interesting, isn’t it 
You can checkout the various Vodafone iPhone device/price options here
About The Author
Ben Robinson
Ben is a 10+ year veteran of the Mobile industry – starting his career when SMS was a still a relatively new concept for most people (!), he has now consulted on everything from bleeding-edge Mobile content, to the next-gen accessories you might view it on. As a result he has a broad and deep knowledge in numerous areas of Mobile – from network operators to device vendors, to infrastructure and middleware vendors (not to mention content delivery) – and has worked for companies in all of these areas! He is based in the UK, a hotbed of activity for mobile, and recently became a father for the second time – as oppose to in his younger years when he was happy spend time tweaking all manner of mobile devices to 'nth' degree, he now looks for services and hardware that provide the most efficient, compact, and reliable improvements to his already manic life! It’s his opinion that Mobile solutions should be there to help to make your life better – if a particular solution (be it service or device) isn’t doing this, he believes you need to ask the very important question of why you continue to use it... His focus at IntoMobile is mainly on Mobile content, services, and infrastructure, particularly as regards the UK market – and with the occasional look at devices. Additionally, using his extensive experience in the industry, he will provide commentary on the industry at large, with regular (and hopefully thought-provoking) articles.
