Confirming reports from employees earlier this month, Wal-Mart says it will begin selling the Apple iPhone 3G at nearly 2,500 stores beginning Sunday, December 28, 2008.
The retailer will offer the black 8 GB iPhone 3G model at a price of $197, and the 16 GB model in black or white for $297, with a new two-year service agreement from AT&T;, or a qualified upgrade.
Wal-Mart said its price match policy also allows stores to match the price of any local competitor's advertised store price on the same item within the same promotional period.
"We are delighted to bring customers this ground-breaking mobile technology," said Gary Severson, senior vice-president, Entertainment, Wal-Mart. "Our electronics associates have been preparing for many weeks for the arrival of the iPhone 3G. We are excited to now help new customers learn more about the features and services that make the iPhone unique."
The new iPhone 3G, introduced in July, combines all the features of the original iPhone plus 3G networking that is promoted as twice as fast, built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.2 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and runs over 10,000 third party applications available through the new App Store.
The retailer said it will set up iPhone 3G kiosks located at the Wal-Mart Connection Center in the Home Entertainment department of participating stores.
The company says its associates have received iPhone training and are ready to assist customers with purchase questions, demonstrations and activation.
