AT&T hires retail temps for iPhone rush

Stephen Withers
Friday, 22 June 2007 05:49

Your IT - Mobility

AT&T has taken on 2000 temporary staff for its stores in anticipation of significant demand for Apple's iPhone, which goes on sale at 6pm on June 29.

The additional summer workers are mainly college students. In total, AT&T's sales staff have received 100,000 hours of iPhone training - that's around six hours each.

The company plans to close its 1800 stores temporarily at 4.30pm on the 29th to give staff time to prepare for the launch. They will then reopen from 6pm to 10pm.

While there has been no official announcement, Apple Stores are expected to open late that evening as well.

The iPhone will only be available from AT&T and Apple. Neither has revealed how many iPhones will be available for purchase on launch day, but there have been reports that the figure could be as high as three million. Should any particular store run out, customers will be able to purchase iPhones to be shipped to them as soon as possible.

While Apple will sell the iPhone through its web site as well as its stores, AT&T is initially offering the new device only from its company-owned stores. Sales through AT&T's web site and authorised resellers will begin later in the year.

The iPhone will sell for $US499 (4G) or $US599 (8G), plus the cost of a two-year service contract.