Aussie resellers will get iPhone

The much-hyped iPhone, once limited to being sold within the flagship stores of Apple and its exclusive carrier partners, will be far more widely available once its 3G model launches on 11 July.

The reseller networks of Optus and Vodafone are expected to have access to the device, as will Apple's traditional reseller channel, conditional on them meeting various requirements set by Apple.

"Our working assumption is that the iPhone will be available for our network of resellers," a Vodafone spokesperson said. "Apple has a pretty stringent process to agree on channels it will be available to, but it's fair to say that our intention is to make the iPhone available to as many customers and outlets as we possibly can, provided we can assure the appropriate customer experience."

Vodafone is also expected to sell the iPhone online.

Traditional Apple resellers will also have access to iPhone stock but in a move sure to disappoint some of the vendor's longest standing sales partners, they will only be able to sell the iPhone via an arrangement with one of the two telecommunications carriers and not directly via Apple.

"Apple resellers will be able to sell the iPhone on the launch date should they have arrangements in place with those carriers," says Joshua Maynard, general manager of Apple reseller Digital Appeal in Erina, NSW.

"Since on Apple's website it directs all interest direct to carriers' websites, it may prove a little difficult for us resellers to let people know that many of us are working hard to continue to provide this great product to our long-standing customers."

"Many resellers feel a little let down by Apple's decision not use the standard forms of distribution in the Apple retail channel."

Vodafone's spokesperson said the operator would be happy to take on these new relationships with Apple channel partners: "If it makes sense for them and it makes sense for us, then we would be open to talking to them."

Apple declined to comment on any details regarding the distribution of the device.

The spread of available purchasing options suggests Australia won't be subject to the contract lock-downs being forced in the US, where AT&T insist that the new iPhone 3G can only be activated "at point of sale when the device is purchased in store".

Both Vodafone and Optus have said that the device will be available via pre-paid plans as well as contracts — giving some continued relief to those who wish to unlock the device to make it carrier-neutral.

But users can expect a standalone price for an iPhone to be greater than the US$199 tag announced by Apple and AT&T at the product's launch, advertised in the context of a 24-month plan.

Ovum telecommunications analyst Nathan Burley said pre-paid users should expect to pay far higher. "I can only assume they would charge more like five or six hundred dollars," he noted.