It wont be long now before the iPhone is available for purchase in South Africa. This begs the question, how will it become available? What will the rules for getting one be?

If Vodacom are the only providers to have initial exclusivity, then there could only be a number of ways in which a user would be able to get a phone.

We already know that users can fill out an online web form to be “called” once the iPhones become available, but this doesn’t guarantee you a phone.

There is still mystery surrounding whether the iPhone will be available on contact only (which I fear might be the case) or whether it would be available for over-the-counter-purchase. If this is the case, expect long lines at the Vodashops in the malls or around city blocks with midnight camp-outs and thermos flasks of hot drinks.

Either way, what should be considered is that initial numbers will be limited. Regardless of pricing, I still believe that there will be a huge deficit which will not meet the demand for consumers. Once stocks are sold out, it is very likely that they will take a couple of weeks, or near a month to replenish. You have been warned !

What are your thoughts on securiting an iPhone, do you have any special tips for being one of the first to get it when it arrives, or one of the lucky ones to secure a unit before they are all gone?
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