Vodafone India pre-registering Apple iPhone Customers

Hello Readers,

Its already been a tug-of-war between Bharthi Airtel and Vodafone India for the Launch of Apple iPhone 3G to India.

By this time, Vodafone India has apparently started pre-registering interested customers for the Apple iPhone which is scheduled to launch later this year.The company said that the device would be launched very soon in the Indian market. However no dates are released. Vodafone is also saying that the device would only support the 2G networks in the Indian market. Apple had hinted that all the markets would get the new 3G enabled device. The company has given out very little info. Looks like they just want to book customers so that they are not taken away by Airtel who are also going to launch the iPhone in India.

Just to be clear, Vodafone doesn't appear to be saying anything about the advance selection of iPhone 3G plans and contracts, probably because there's still no Indian launch date for the device. July 11 has been mentioned as a possible date, but I suspect Apple has its hands full already and will put off the Indian launch for a bit. The lack of a 3G network in India also complicates things a bit, since it means that the iPhone will be limited to slower EDGE speeds, possibility limiting some features.

Data speeds aside, all Vodafone seems to be trying to do with the preregistration is gauging consumer interest, and perhaps trying to get an edge on Indian iPhone 3G rival Bharti Airtel. The preregistration page looks quite similar to O2's site, as it just asks for contact information and Vodafone status. It's unclear for the moment if Vodafone will be offering contract preselection in the future, though.

Whatever, Its been a pleasure to all Vodafone India users. So, hurry and reserve a place in iPhone Indian Debut's queue.