Optus iPhone 3G customers left in doubt with deposits returned

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 09 July 2008 10:27

Your IT - Mobility

People who paid Optus the $100 deposit to help them secure an iPhone 3G have been left unsure of where they stand in terms of getting an iPhone this Friday. Some say their deposits have been returned without explanation.

Paying a deposit didn't guarantee an iPhone from the first batch, merely the right to join a priority queue when the long-awaited phone goes on sale on July 11.

Concern has been sparked by the unannounced refund of deposits, which some are taking to mean they are no longer able to join those priority queues at Optus stores that have stock of the iPhone 3G on launch day.

iTWire reader Temba Van Jaasveld paid his deposit on the morning the scheme was announced, receiving an receipt number in the low 1000s. Today, the $100 was credited back to his account with no explanation.

"I received two emails form Optus this morning," he told iTWire, "One stating that I am a priority customer and to bring my receipt into the shop with me for early service. And the next email stated that if I am not a priority customer, I still stand a chance to get my hands on the device, if I inquire from a store."

Nicholas Crook is in the same boat. "There was no covering letter with the refund and no note of explanation," he said. "I am still receiving emails from Optus calling me a deposit holder. It is all very confusing."

The version of the email apparently intended for those still considered to have paid a deposit includes an invitation to the launch event in Sydney on Thursday night (existing Optus Mobile customers only), to to the 7am opening at the Chadstone (Melbourne) or Queens St (Brisbane) stores.

But it turns out that receiving a refund is not a bad sign afrer all! Please read on to find out why.