It seems like it was just yesterday that I was talking about it being unfair on Vodafone not getting the iPhone, but in an unforeseeable turn of events, Vodafone snatched the rights to sell the iPhone in the UK, as well as Orange.

Following Orange, Vodafone announces plans to sell the iPhone in the UK

Oh wait, it was yesterday, adding to my point about loads happening in the mobile world recently. But, why did Vodafone not jump straight to the gun yesterday and tell the world of its deal with the iPhone?

The answer? Strategy. I think that both companies could have had the iPhone signed to their networks for quite some time, but neither one knew about the other. Apple probably then gave the go-ahead to both companies to announce the deal, but Vodafone may have had suspicion and held back a day. By holding back a day they were able to see Orange announce their deal but more importantly the time-scale that Orange have put on it.

How does this matter though? Well it’s really, really simple – Vodafone have said their iPhone will launch later and by doing this, it gives them time to see how Orange price the device and be able to adjust their accordingly. Cunning little plan and even if they did know about Orange’s deal and vice versa, this little strategy still stands.

So what now for consumers? Well, much, much more leverage and an even bigger price war erupting. Orange will probably now be very conscious about the fact Vodafone will be basing their iPhone pricing on Orange’s, and may compensate for that by cutting costs even more so, pressuring Vodafone into either not being able to outbid, or to have to match their plans.

This is a really good thing for business customers though. Vodafone’s network already carries millions of business users. Vodafone has stated that it is using the iPhone primarily for current customers, thus the iPhone could begin being used in many more businesses – something which Apple will not be complaining about one little bit.

If you’re interested in getting the iPhone on Vodafone’s network, then visit their website and register your interest. If not, then just sit back and enjoy the scenery: