The word on the street is that O2 is diving headfirst into the 3G iPhone launch and pulling out all the stops. We recently heard they are preordering the device beginning July 1, and now we have discovered that they plan on also selling the iPhone on a prepaid plan.

Certainly these phones won’t be cheap since no contract will be associated with the phone, but for those who cannot stand being bound by one carrier this is a great option.

O2’s website told us that the 8 GB will be available for £299.99 (US $600) and the 16 GB will ask for £359.99 ($700). However, it does come bundled with 6 months internet and WiFi access free, and afterwards will increase to £10 ($20) for unlimited data. For prepaid this is an amazing idea!

However, the pricing has been removed from the website, so we are unsure whether this means the prices are subject to change or they are just trying to be sneaky. We’ll keep our fingers crossed though!

via IntoMobile

UK tech jocks rejoice because your wish has come true! iPhone carrier O2 will begin offering the 3G iPhone up for preorder starting July 1.

The news seems to be legit, as it is appearing on O2’s Ireland website. Customers will be able to set up their contract ahead of time and be given a unique registration code; this way, all they have to do is show up to the stores and pick their phone up.

We have to say, O2 is looking pretty good with the preorders, free iPhone with contract option, and even a prepaid option. Over 130,000 people in the UK expressed interest in the new iPhone the very first week it was announced.

The opportunity to preorder will not only appease those already interested but entice others who may need a little extra persuasion (though if you’re not persuaded by a free 3G iPhone, what WILL you be persuaded by?). It will also give O2 a measure of what kind of demand to expect on July 11, and plan accordingly.

O2 stores are expected to open at 7AM on July 11, and will also be on sale at Carphone Warehouse.

via Appletell

Sprint is certainly having a busy week. First the Instinct has a record-breaking week, and now it is bringing out some WinMo 6.1 love for the touchscreen lovers who don’t have an Instinct yet.

I am talking to those who are carrying around a HTC Touch (Vogue) or Mogul on Sprint’s network. Yes, owners of either phone will be getting some nice benefits to go along with these updates.

The Moto Q9c was the first to get 6.1, now the Touch and Mogul, to be followed by the Treo 800w that will ship with 6.1 already installed in just a few weeks.

According to PhoneArena, users are reporting a quicker GPS fix and overall improvement in stability. We hope you will have the same experience as well. Head over to XDA to download it for yourself!

via PhoneArena

Sprint is overjoyed with the news that Samsung Instincts have been flying off the shelves at record paces. They announced today that Sprint’s “iPhone killer” has become the fastest-selling phone that packs EVDO in Sprint’s recorded history.

This is great news for Sprint’s marketing department, since they spent nearly $100 million in attempt to get the word out about the Instinct.

It is also great news for anyone associated with Sprint, as this news about record sales translates into more new customers. Frankly it will be considered a success if Sprint records a positive increase in new customers this next quarter, compared to the 1M it lost in Q1.

Part of the reason for the high sales could feasibly be attributed to the low price of the phone. Instead of selling for $199 as originally expected, Sprint lowered the price to $129 instead. This could have persuaded would-be iPhone buyers to get the Instinct.

via Sprint via EngadgetMobile

Last year we had a grand ol’ evening celebration when the first iPhone made its appearance. This time, however, when the new iPhone decides to come out to play it looks like we will be waking up when the sun goes down June 10 just to get in line for an EARLY morning celebration.

Boy Genius Report has reported that AT&T stores will begin selling the 3G iPhone at 8:00 AM local time on July 11. This sounds like a much better idea for everyone involved - the customers won’t have to sit around in 100 degree weather all day, and stores will have potential to sell a lot more iPhones on opening day.

BGR released this as a rumor, but has since been confirmed by our sources.

Now we just hope there will be enough supplies to satisfy all who are willing to wait in line!

The crazy thing is, AT&T won’t be the first outlet to sell the phone; New Zealand will be crowned victor in the race, as they will begin selling at 00:01 July 11 Auckland time, which is still 5:01 AM on July 10 in California.

via Boy Genius Report