Vodafone has no iPhone, Optus leading the pack

We’ve seen the official pricing of the iPhone from Optus for a day or so now, we’ve seen most of Telstra’s pricing, but we’ve still not sen anything from Vodafone? wtf

For around 20 minutes or so earlier today Vodafone had some publicly released pricing on their website but for some strange reason they removed it. At this point in time nothing has replaced it, and I doubt they will have anything public today.

At this point in time Optus has the best plans for the iPhone in Australia, followed by Telstra and well who knows what Vodfone is doing.

Here in Newcastle you’re probably better off getting the Telstra version if you want the full 3G data speed, if you’re prepared to wait until the end of the year then both Optus and Vodafone will / should have 3G in Newcastle (I heard this from Vodafone at Kotara).

How much will not having 3G effect you? Good question. I have a Vodafone Mobile Broadband account that works off of their 3G service and while it’s no where near as fast as my dsl at home I can easily browse a couple of websites whilst chatting in my instant messenger client without it being frustrating. So bearing this in mind I think you’re better off waiting for Optus / Vodafone to get their 3G tower installed in Newcastle. Not only will you not be stuck with the pain that is Telstra, you’ll also be paying less which is pretty important.

Anecdotally I’ve been informed that all of supplies of the iPhone in Australia are effectively accounted for because of the pre-sale / registration that Optus, Telstra and Vodafone have done. So for all intent and purpose the actual iPhone release in Australia wont be for another couple of weeks! Similar information is coming from the UK, NZ and other countries where Apple has delivered around 10-20% of the ordered stock. Fingers crossed I actually get mine on Friday as I’ve pre-paid for mine at Optus.

Assuming Vodafone release some pricing tomorrow, there will only be one more piece of the puzzle to be revealed……Mobile Me…