Orange claims iPhone users not downloading
Twitter feed confirms streaming services not blocked
By Nick Spence | Macworld UK | Published: 10:20, 06 November 2009
Orange claims the average iPhone user uses less than 200MB of data per month. Responding to the so-called "unlimited" 750MB monthly deal, which will be introduced when the provider starts offering the iPhone from next Tuesday, a company employee cited user data from other European iPhone markets.
Conor Maples, who works in the comms team at Orange UK, has used his Twitter feed - @ConorfromOrange - in recent days to answer and clarify points raised by potential Orange iPhone customers.
"We have had iPhone in other European countries for a while now & research shows the average user uses less than 200mb per month," Conor Tweeted.
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The Orange employee also defended the 750 MB download limit. Since Monday, Orange has been soundly criticised by potential customers for limiting its "unlimited" data plan to just 750MB per month.
Reacting to claims that Orange may ban or limit use of online streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Spotify, as well as popular sites such as Facebook, Conor wrote: "...I can confirm that popular streaming services will not be banned for iPhone users."
Updated: Conor added further comments later on Wednesday: "average users only use 200mb per month. My understanding is if you go over we'll contact you to suggest tethering..." and "for those who continue to go over there are certain network controls we can put in place to stop from happening."
He also confirmed "an SMS bundle available at £7.50 per month."
From Tuesday 10th November, the iPhone will be available in all 402 UK Orange stores, its online shop, telesales channels, and its Orange HMV concessions, as well as through Apple Retail Stores, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and other selected high street partners. Orange claims to be "the UK's biggest 3G network, covering more people than any other."
