iPhone 3G upgrades available and O2 website crashes due to high demand

Sooooo, the iPhone 3G finally goes on sale on Friday. More than 200,000 O2 iPhone hopefuls have already pre-registered for it and no doubt a few more thousand tried this morning, but were unable to do so due to "extremely high levels of demand" that caused the network's website to crash within the first hour of taking pre-orders. Something tells me O2 wasn't expecting such a tidal wave of applicants. What do you think?

We've been reassured the website is back up and running again. However, those who are unable to place an order online, but are still as determined as ever to get their hands on the plush handset, can still go to the Regent Street store from 8.02am on 11 July where there will be a significant supply of handsets being allocated on a first come, first served basis. It goes without saying then, that the early bird catches the worm, so make sure you get your ass down there early to avoid the shame of crying hysterically in public.

Those hoping to upgrade to the 3G model can take up O2's special offer, which is available online at ">o2.co.uk/iPhone until 11th October, terms apply. The main condition is that you must agree to an 18 month minimum term contract. As far as we know, the tariffs include the 8GB model, which will be completely free on the £45 and £75 tariffs and £99 on the £35 and £30 tariffs. The 16GB version is also free, on the £75 tariff, £59 with the £45 tariff and £159 on the £30 and £35 tariffs.

O2 aren't the only ones accepting pre-orders. Carphone Warehouse also began taking pre-orders today and said, "The number of people who had registered their interest in the 3G iPhone prior to release was ten times greater than for the old device".

Lucky and successful applicants will get their 3G iPhones delivered to them. The first batch goes out on Friday July 11th. So what are you waiting for, get ordering.

[via The Times]

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