The Apple iPhone coming through Orcon to New Zealand?

Is it possible that New Zealand ISP Orcon is working to bring the Apple iPhone to New Zealand? There are rumours going around about this possibility.

Not sure about this one… very much just a rumour, but interesting none the less.

(Via geekzone.co.nz)

Back in May 2007 Orcon signed a wholesale agreement with Vodafone New Zealand to launch a GSM mobile service. Originally promised for October, this launch has been delayed.

The original agreement established Orcon as a wholesale operator, meaning they would be offering an Orcon branded set of products delivered over the existing Vodafone network infrastructure.

Then the Apple iPhone rumours started. I first heard on the streets. Then now I am reading in one of the Geekzone discussions:

“So someone suggested something to me yesterday re an official iPhone release in NZ, and putting the various pieces of info together… it almost seems obvious who’s going to officially bring the iPhone to NZ. Anyone care to speculate?”

And in a subsequent reply:

“It may explain TradeMe’s hostile position towards iPhone listings (Orcon have “close” ties with them). Maybe Vodafone’s EDGE slip up wasn’t really a slip up, but a sign of things to come? Could explain Kordia’s interest in mesh wifi. Could explain Oron’s (sic) delay in launching their cell operation.
Would be an excellent product to launch a cell operation with. Plenty of priceless free media exposure and hype.

If it’s true, it’d be a cunning move I think.”

See original article by Mauricio Freitas here.