So we’re now T-MINUS 24 hours until the 3G iPhone release in Australia and all of the companies who currently have contracts to distribute it have released their plans (Sorry 3!). Although Vodafone have still not officially released theirs.



I don’t quite understand why they are delaying the release of their plans so dramatically. They’re currently my network and I’m planning on moving to Optus just because Optus have given me enough time to think about it - not the 24 hours or less that Vodafone seems to think is appropriate. It just reminds me of the tricky technique the movie studios pull on critics when they know they’ve got a pile of shit on their hands. Don’t hold preview screenings until the release day so you can get as many filmgoers through the door as they can before word spreads.

Telstra has also made finding their plans pretty difficult, but I think that’s more because Telstra really isn’t terribly fussed over the whole gadget. Its one of those things that “kids” use to “mybook” each other while they’re busy graffiting public property.

Optus is by far the best candidate so far, and have done the best job of letting people know everything they need to in order to arrive cashed up on Friday morning. Their plans are a little disappointing in comparison to some we’ve seen out of the US - with quite reasonably priced unlimited data plans - but they’re still not too terrible. I’m also sure that release of the iPhone will create far more consumer interest in 3G services ingeneral - hopefully leading to much better plans by years end.

Such a change would also have stark consequences for other industries who use the internet as a distribution pathway.

You can see Optus’s offerings here, Telstra’s here, and Vodafone’s (possible) plans here.

You can also read about what each company is doing to “celebrate” the launch.

• BROWSE / IN TIMELINE
• « A Tome For The Ages
• » Seven’s TiVo Ad Rips Apple’s Original Nano Advertisement like crazy

• BROWSE / IN Apple Australia Technology
• « A Tome For The Ages
• » Seven’s TiVo Ad Rips Apple’s Original Nano Advertisement like crazy