IT HAS arrived. After a long wait, the iPhone 3G is here.
At 12.01am today, SingTel launched arguably the world's most-coveted consumer device.
At 10.50pm yesterday, there were at least 300 people queuing at SingTel's Comcentre in Exeter Road.
SingTel - the first carrier of the iPhone 3G here - said it already had 'tens of thousands' of reservations on its iPhone website as of Sunday. The site was launched on May 12. my paper understands from an industry source that at least 70,000 people have reserved it online.
On coping with the demand, Mr Chia Boon Chong, deputy director of SingTel's corporate communications, reassured customers that they have sufficient stock.
Queues started forming since 12.30pm yesterday, with Mr Joel Pan, 27, a manager of an interactive-marketing services company, being the first person in the queue.
On Tuesday, SingTel unveiled its pricing plans ahead of rivals, M1 and StarHub, which say they will be releasing the iPhone 3G by year-end.
Catering to new subscribers, SingTel has launched three new plans - iFlexi Value, iFlexi Plus and iFlexi Premium - with one plan offering the iPhone 3G for free, but there is a $205 monthly subscription. Customers, however, will not be able to buy the phone without signing up for a plan.
On the advantage SingTel has over its competitors, HardwareZone technology writer Aloysius Low said: 'The price is pretty affordable. However, if a consumer wants the iPhone at the lowest cost, then he will have to keep an open mind.
'There might be more opportunities to get the best value for money when the other two companies fight for a share in the market.'
