Vodafone set to roll out iPhone

Vodafone Ireland today announced it will begin selling Apple's iPhone from March 25th.

The company said it will offer a range of different tariffs for customers. However, many subscribers will likely be disappointed at the news the mobile operator requires them to sign an 18-month contract - as is also required by rival O2.

The iPhone 3G 8GB device will be free for all qualifying upgrades and new customers on its Perfect Choice Access 500 and 700 plans - which start from from €80 per month.

The iPhone 3GS 16GB device is free for customers using the Perfect Choice Access 700 plan. However, it will cost up to €199 to purchase it with the most basic price plan.

The iPhone 3GS 32 GB version retails from €49 to €299, depending on price plan.

Vodafone, the world's largest mobile operator by revenue, announced it would join Telefonica's O2 in selling the iPhone in Ireland last September.

We are thrilled to offer iPhone and showcase its outstanding features on the country’s number-one network," said Vodafone Ireland CEO Charles Butterworth.

"Vodafone’s 2.3 million Irish customers will enjoy great value with a range of compelling plans including free Vodafone-to-Vodafone calls and texts as well as 2GB of data per month across all plans," he added.

When launched in 2008, the original eight-gigabyte iPhone model from Apple and O2 sold for €399 and the 16 gigabyte model for €499.

However, just four months after the iPhone was launched, a 3G version was introduced at prices between €49 and €229, depending on the model purchased and the tariff customers sign up to.

Prices have since fallen further, and many consumers are hopeful Vodafone's decision to sell the device will help drive a price war between the two operators.