 Telstra and Optus are even fighting for iPhone customers, pulling out all the stops including offering a $450 payout to customers to dump their current plan, free data and phone upgrade in 12 months.
Optus fired the first shot on Monday, offering new (and existing) customers up to $450 credit if they switched from a rival plan to their network, offering to cover the cost of contract breakage fees of $200 and another $250 for a trade in of their old phone.
‘Huge season’
The deal is in anticipation of the new, larger iPhone 6’s which goes on sale here September 19. Optus spokesperson predicted “a huge season in the lead up to Christmas” for phone purchases, with iPhone 6 and new devices from Samsung, Sony et al, launched in IFA electronics fair in Berlin, last week.
Then just yesterday, Telstra offered an identical deal to Optus’ available from 16 September jsut three days before the big launch.
“Many Australians are frustrated by their current mobile provider and we’re making it easier for them to trade up to a great mobile experience,” it said in a statement, plugging its advanced 4G network.
“Telstra will help Australians switch to the nation’s largest and most reliable mobile network by offering credits of up to $450 when they incur contract breakage fees and trade in their old phone.”
Telstra, like Optus, are even throwing in 1GB extra data or $1000 free calls to customers taking on a Mobile Accelerate Plan over $70.
Virgin Mobile and Vodafone too announced it will offer iPhone 6 and 6 Plus September 19 and opened pre-registrations today, online.
Telstra are also extending ‘new phone feeling’ offering a new phone in a year’s time for no additional charge (normally $10/mth). But, then you have to sign up to a new 24 month mobile plan.
‘High demand’
Scott Browning, Director at JB Hi-Fi anticipates there will be “high demand” for the long awaited upgrade, given the last iPhone 5s and 5c was released a full year ago.
However, ‘6’ is not a category changer, like previous iPhone releases but “for Apple customers the timing is right for an evolution.”
The retailer is looking forward to the launch, and new iPhone release always has a “positive impact on our stores and flow of traffic” especially in the lead up to Christmas, Browning told CN.
It also get consumers excited about tech again as they look to upgrade other devices, from laptops to home devices, TVs as well as buying iPhone accessories.
“The iPhone is always a big part of the Apple ecosystem.”
But, sales will be dependent on available stock from Apple.
The new Watch is not yet on retailers’ radar screens, and not being tipped for release until 2015, but Browning says it’s indicative of where the market is going, where tech companies are increasingly focusing on wearables and companion mobile devices.
So, basically, watch this space.
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