THE Hutchison arm of recently merged VHA has reaped the first rewards from its marriage to Vodafone Australia, after finally securing the rights to sell Apple's iPhone.
3 will start selling Apple’s latest incarnation of its popular handheld device, the iPhone 3G S, from July; pricing is yet to be announced.
Hutchison had been trying to secure rights to sell the iPhone since its Australian launch a year ago, but the telco's efforts proved fruitless.
A VHA spokesperson said Hutchison had been in discussions with Apple to secure the rights, but it was only after the merger of VHA that a deal was signed.
VHA chief executive Nigel Dews said he hoped to replicate Vodafone's success with local iPhone sales.
"Vodafone achieved outstanding sales and a fantastic customer experience with the iPhone that was launched last year, and we'll be looking to replicate this success across both the Vodafone and 3 brands this year," Mr Dews said. "Our commitment is to provide competitive pricing for the iPhone 3G S, giving customers the great value they deserve."
Vodafone, Telstra and Optus have been selling the iPhone since last July; Virgin, a wholly owned subsidiary of Optus, has been selling the phone since August.
The three main players will begin selling the iPhone 3G S, which features a better camera and advanced video features, on June 26. However, they are also yet to reveal prices.
VHA is directing consumers interested in purchasing the iPhone through 3 to register their details at www.three.com.au/iphone.
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