FOUR companies are in a race to be first to offer Apple’s new iPhone to Guernsey customers. The Apple 3G phone, which launched yesterday in the UK is currently available only from O2 after an exclusive deal struck last year.

CI Lighting has supplied the earlier, 2G, model and already has a waiting list for the new one. ‘We are hoping to get it in. There’s a fair demand,’ said manager Stephen Rogers.  He is in discussion with distributors but has no idea of price or when any phones might arrive.

Wave Telecom is also trying to get the device. ‘We’ll continue to be among the hundreds of operators asking Apple to follow a more customer-friendly distribution strategy,’ said MD Tim Ringsdore. ‘We are working closely with our suppliers and as soon as the iPhone becomes available to us we will provide it.’

Airtel Vodafone has said it hopes to offer the new iPhone to customers.

Sure hopes to get the phone soon. ‘One thing that we will not do is use unapproved suppliers to get the iPhone,’ said Sure’s commercial director, Mark Briers.