Vodafone, Orange, O2 'compete over Apple iPad'

Tuesday, March 9th 2010

UK networks are set to hold talks with Apple over the rights to carry the iPad.

Vodafone, Orange and O2 are all set to compete for the chance to sell the Apple iPad.

According to a report in the Times, executives at Apple will fly into the UK this week to decide which operator will be given the rights to sell the sought-after mobile internet browsing handset.

Sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper that preliminary talks have already been held between the manufacturer and Vodafone, Orange and O2, although nothing concrete has yet been agreed.

Rather than selecting a single network to sell the gadget – which Apple opted to do when it gave O2 exclusivity over the iPhone in 2007 – it is expected that multiple carriers will be chosen for the new device.

It is perhaps unsurprising that the Apple gadget has created such interest from the networks.

Despite the fact that the technology giant takes a 30 per cent share of any data revenues generated by its mobile phones and other handsets, the iPad still has significant earning potential.

This has been fuelled by the hype surrounding the release, with celebrity Apple fans such as Stephen Fry proclaiming their love for the device when it was unveiled in January.

The Apple iPad will go on sale on April 3rd 2010 in the US and will be available in the UK later in the month.