3G Operator, 3 UK has confirmed that it is offering the iPhone 3G to its customers who decide to leave the operator. This was rumored last year but now its been confirmed by 3 UK. We hear at 3G.co.uk, first heard details of this via our 3G Forum where members were reporting they had been offered a free iPhone 3G if they stay with 3 UK.

This raises the question of where exactly are 3 obtaining the iPhones from. It appears they are being sourced from Europe as a “carrot” to stop high value customers leaving ( to keep churn levels down ).

 However, it does not seem likely that 3 will add the iPhone 3G to its mobile phone portfolio unless as Pay As You Go only. We can not see it being offered on contract as a main stream product because it simply doesn't  fit well with 3’s focused strategy of offering handsets which take advantage of the full 3G mobile internet services.