Best Buy Mobile to Carry iPhone 3G - On Sale September 7 at Best Buy Stores Nationwide
Written by Best Buy
Friday, 15 August 2008
MINNEAPOLIS- Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) announced today that it will
carry Apple's revolutionary iPhone 3G at Best Buy Mobile stores
nationwide beginning September 7.
“The iPhone has changed the way people think about their mobile phones, and we are delighted to help more customers get their hands on this revolutionary product,” said Brian J. Dunn, president and chief operating officer, Best Buy. “Our Best Buy Mobile employees have the training and expertise to deliver the best experience possible for our customers - from the initial purchase through the life of their iPhones.”
The new iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast1, built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications available through the new App Store, which is a built-in application on every iPhone running iPhone 2.0 software.
Best Buy Mobile plans to sell the iPhone 3G at the suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 8GB model and $299 (US) for the 16GB model. iPhone 3G requires a new two-year contract with provider AT&T for qualifying customers.
All Best Buy stores also offer Apple's iPod, the world's most popular music player, and more than 600 Best Buy stores nationwide carry Apple's industry-leading line of Macintosh computers including the MacBook Air, the world's thinnest notebook, and the award-winning iMac.
With the addition of Apple's iPhone 3G, Best Buy Mobile offers one of the best and the most complete array of wireless carriers and handsets available from one retailer. Best Buy Mobile offers consumers wireless plans from as many as nine carriers and up to 95 devices.
On August 6, Best Buy completed a two-year conversion of Best Buy’s 970 U.S. stores to include Best Buy Mobile, giving customers unprecedented choice of mobile phones, plans and accessories.
“Customers love Best Buy Mobile's assortment and the experiences they get in working with our employees,” Dunn said. “As we roll the concept to all Best Buy stores in the U.S., we're seeing a 10-fold year-over-year increase in smart phone purchases.”
A key feature of Best Buy Mobile is its staff. Employees, even part-time staff, undergo at least 80 hours of intensive training, as well as continuing education, on mobile phone technology and trends.
A part of customers’ purchases is the Best Buy Mobile unique Walk Out Working™ program. Walk Out Working provides multimedia and smart phone set up and personalization – such as e-mail and data transfer – ensuring the technology will be ready to use immediately.
1Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions.
About Best Buy Co. Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe and China, Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy Co., Inc. family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $40 billion annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy, Audiovisions, The Carphone Warehouse, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers, and Speakeasy. Approximately 150,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal 2008, we donated a combined $31.8 million to improve the vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy Co., Inc., visit www.bestbuyinc.com.
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