It appears the new Verizon Wireless iPhone is in high demand. It took only 17 hours for the phones to sell out nationwide. Locally, Verizon Wireless officials told CNY Central by phone today, there aren't any exact figures out, but the demand was huge.
"This was an exciting day," said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer for Verizon Wireless. "In just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history."
The company started taking online orders at 3 a.m. Thursday morning, and they were sold out nationwide by 8 p.m. that night. Verizon says they saw record sales. Verizon Wireless hasn't said exactly how many iPhones were ordered. They will resume taking online orders at 3 a.m. next Wednesday.
"When you consider these initial orders were placed between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., it is an incredible success story. It is gratifying to know that our customers responded so enthusiastically to this exclusive offer," Mead said.
Right now, only current Verizon subscribers are eligible to order the phone. It will be available to the general public next Thursday at Verizon Wireless stores, Apple stores, Best Buy, select Wal-Mart stores and online.
Until now, AT&T has been the exclusive carrier of Apple's popular iPhone in the U.S., activating 15.2 million of them last year. Analyst estimates for Verizon iPhone sales this year vary widely, from 5 million to 13 million. Analysts expect sales to be strong, but the real test is whether AT&T users will abandon ship and switch carriers for this new iPhone.
Last month, when I wrote a story about the new iPhone, many of you responded with your thoughts about the new device. One person wrote, "No I will not get one. They're too expensive for me." Yet another said, "Hooray for competition!!! I have loved Verizon service on my cell phones in the past. I may just consider getting an iPhone now."
What do you think about the new iPhone? Will you get one? Do you have Apple's version? Will you switch carriers now? Leave your thoughts below.
