Balls up: Vodafone iPhone pre-registration

So I pre-registered for the new iPhone 3G on June 17 through Vodafone, my carrier.

On June 20 I received the following ...

"Hi Ben,

Here at Vodafone, we’re eagerly counting down the days until the launch of the new iPhone 3G - and we bet you are too!

We are keen to make sure that we can give you the very best deals on your new iPhone 3G and we are putting the finishing touches to these offers.So, what next? Since you have taken the time to pre-register, you are now at the front of the line.

We will be rolling out these exciting offers very soon, so make sure to keep an eye on your inbox to stay ahead of the game.

Stocks will be limited so you will need to be quick.

Regards

The Vodafone Direct Deals Team"

Soooo ... the iPhone comes out tomorrow and since June 20 I have received NOTHING from Vodafone.

Maybe they're so busy "eagerly counting down the days until the launch" they have forgotten about the people who have pre-registered.

I have kept"an eye on (my) inbox to stay ahead of the game" to no avail. iPhone launches tomorrow and right now I have no idea whether I can get one.

I don't think Vodafone realises the magnitude of the situation. I work in advertising - to remain smug and self important I need to throw down on the table a 3G iPhone in every meeting, brainstorm, public event and interaction to show that I am, indeed, well versed in the digital space.

Quips aside - I think Vodafone could have handled it all a little better. Why ask people to pre-register and sell the dream of getting special treatment when in reality, you haven't been able to execute anything. I get that the iPhone launch is a big deal and there's probably 20,000 other smug, self important people who may or may not work in advertising that want to be able to strap it next to their belt buckle so catering for demand may be troubling logistically ... but cmon.

Or maybe I take along to my local Vodafone store the above email and demand that I go straight to the front of the line. According to that "you are now at the front of the line."

Bang!

iPhone 3G: In AU July 11

iPhone 3G hits AU on Friday 11 July.

http://www.apple.com/au/iphone/

No word on pricing as yet. Right now in the US you can get the 3G iphone for $199 upfront on a 24 month contract.

Jobs keynote - http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/wwdc08/