Vodafone Australia takes 'mystery' sign-ups for iPhone 5
updated 01:15 pm EDT, Mon September 26, 2011
Vodafone Australia gets ready for iPhone 5 early
Vodafone Australia has posted a not particularly subtle sign-up page for the iPhone 5 to get customers involved. Calling it only "this year's biggest smartphone release," the carrier asks users to sign up for notifications. Simultaneously, it invites customers to get a SIM-only smartphone plan so they can switch phones without having to pick a plan at the same time.
The special page conspicuously has a help section for iPhone and iOS 4 support that rules out any Android or BlackBerry phone.
Vodafone's gesture isn't the only one this year to make an unusual attempt at getting customers early for the iPhone 5 without having concrete details. T-Mobile Germany began taking pre-orders early this month simply on the assumption that the new Apple handset would be ready soon.
The first-ever fall release of an iPhone may have spurred on the carriers, many of whom might have seen customers holding off on upgrades and could be eager to lock them in before they switch carriers or opt for device that's less lucrative to the business.
