U.K. iPhone sales in the "tens of thousands"

Peter Erskine, CEO of U.K. operator O2, is working to dampen some of the more optimistic sales projections of the new Apple iPhone. iPhone sales are in the "tens of thousands," the CEO said, below the rampant estimates of 100,000.

Peter Erskine, CEO of U.K. operator O2 said it's "early days" for the iPhone in the U.K.--and shot down some of the larger sales numbers being touted for the device.

The iconic Apple iPhone, which took the U.S. market by storm, went on sale in the U.K. and Germany on Friday evening. But early reports suggest there wasn't much hoopla in these markets. Most O2 and retailer Carphone Warehouse stores had ramped up their staffs, only to find foot traffic a bit disappointing.

For more about the iPhone launch in Germany and the U.K.:
- read these pieces from The Register and telecoms.com