Wal-Mart begins pilot iPhone 3G program

Wal-Mart has begun a pilot program to sell Apple's iPhone 3G in its stores, according to an internal Wal-Mart document that appeared on the blog Engadget.

The document states that beginning Dec. 28, Wal-Mart stores will sell the iPhone 3G. The prices will be $197 for the 8GB model and $297 for the 16GB model along with 2-year service contracts from AT&T Mobility. There is no mention of a $99 4GB model, which was rumored to be sold at Wal-Mart.

The pilot program stipulates that 488 stores will get 5 iPhone 3Gs that will be sold to Wal-mart employees, who, if they would like to be one of the five, will enter their names into a raffle at each store. Each store must sell all five of the phones during the pilot program. The phones must be sold at full retail pricing and with an AT&T contract.   

Wal-Mart has consistently said that it has made no official announcement that it is selling the iPhone 3G. If Wal-Mart begins selling the phone, it will be the second large retailer in the United States to do so. Best Buy began selling the phone in September.

For more:
- see this article [1]

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