With two weeks to go before the global launch of Apple’s 3G iPhone, mobile operators are experiencing great customer demand for the high-profile device. Telefonica told Dow Jones Newswires yesterday that the operator has received 300,000 pre-registrations in the UK and Spain, in preparation for sales throughout Spain, the Czech Republic, UK and twelve Latin American countries on July 11. According to reports, Telefonica’s O2 UK subsidiary will also offer prepay users free, unlimited Wi-Fi and data access for six months. At the end of the first six months, users will reportedly continue to be able to buy unlimited Wi-Fi and data access for £10 per month. Reports state O2 UK’s 8GB version of the handset will retail for £299.99 without a contract, while the 16GB version will sell for £359.99. Meanwhile, Vodafone India has begun taking pre-registrations, despite not yet disclosing a final release date for the device. Regional rival Bharti Airtel is expected to release it on July 11 although has also not formally announced such plans. Both Indian operators will be reliant on the 2G capabilities of the 3G iPhone, as India has not yet issued licenses for 3G services. Back in Europe, France Telecom today said its Orange unit will price the device from €149 when it exclusively launches the phone in France on July 17, almost a week after availability elsewhere.

In Australia, reports state that 3 has launched an Internet campaign encouraging their customers to “tell the powers that be at Apple” that they want an iPhone on the network. “We want Apple to see just how much our customers want the iPhone,” said director of sales and marketing, Noel Hamill. Rivals Optus and Vodafone have confirmed they will sell the device at launch on July 11, whilst Telstra will follow suit shortly afterwards. This leaves 3 as the only Australian operator not offering the 3G iPhone. 3 launched Australia’s first 3G network in 2003 and will begin its campaign to carry the iPhone tomorrow. Customers will be able to join the petition online or through SMS.