Apple could offer iPhone to multiple operators

Orange and T-Mobile will be allowed to sell iPhones in the UK, as Apple ends its exclusive deal with O2 in six weeks' time, according to a new report.

Industry web site Mobile Today reported that the two network operators, which sell the device in other countries, could be given the green light as early as September, when O2's two-year deal comes to an end.

However, as reported yesterday, O2 will be given exclusive rights to sell the faster iPhone 3GS model.

Orange and T-Mobile declined to comment on the story, labelling the news as "rumour". But Mobile Today said that T-Mobile's contact centre staff have already started telling customers that the firm may begin stocking the Apple device.

The practice of device manufacturers offering exclusive deals to network operators has recently come under scrutiny from the US Department of Justice, which has begun an anti-trust investigation into the telecoms industry.