Rumour mill: O2 and Apple hatch MacBook plan

Looking to build on its existing iPhone relationship with Apple, O2 is said to be in discussions with the company to bring the manufacturers popular MacBook laptops to its customers. Talks centre around bundling the laptops with fixed and mobile broadband subscriptions with the devices being subsidised under the scheme, but not free.

If the deal gets the go-ahead, then O2 could steal a march on other mobile operators that have signed Windows-based laptop deals, given the popularity of the MacBook range and its ability to switch people that are long-term users of Wintel laptops or desktop PCs.

Apple has historically controlled distribution of its hardware, only making the devices available through certain channels. If a deal were to go ahead, O2 would be the only mobile retailer selling Apple laptops.

Separately, O2 claims it has resolved the problem of iPhone customers not being able to get back on the O2 UK network after taking the phone overseas. The problem occurred after customers requested the roaming facility before taking the phone abroad.

For more on this story:
- go to Mac World and Mobile Today

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