O2 UK have yet again managed to annoy the crowds of iPhone fans loitering around city centres for a mere scrap of information by pulling the plug on pre-credit checks which were due to take place from today the 4th July.

In an email to all O2 stores they have made clear there will be no pre-credit checks and that customers must simply turn-up from the 11th July in the hope that they might get one. Some members of O2 Store staff have also been quoted as saying the PAYG version of iPhone 3G will not appear in-stores on the 11th July which is a further blow to anyone who fails an actual credit check on the day as this would be the only other viable alternative of getting the handset.

It appears from reports that O2 are receiving a much lower number of iPhones that they were expecting which would explain why on O2’s website now has a message stating the following

“We are now no longer allowing customers to pre-register their interest for iPhone 3G. iPhone 3G will go on general sale on 11 July 2008 in all our stores.”

Let’s hope O2 come to their senses this coming week and garnish us with further details.

SOURCE: mobiles4u.net

UPDATE 7th July 08: As suspected O2 have now released a statement on their website which states ” iPhone 3G for Pay & Go will be available later this year.” which makes an 11th July launch very unlikely. The way O2 have dealt with the situation is appalling and I hope Apple are watching this for when it comes time to renew O2’s exclusive deal.