UK phone operator O2 is said to be close to securing the rights to sell the iPhone in the United Kingdom.

A BBC report states that O2 is set to sign an exclusive contract shortly and should have the iPhone on sale in the UK in time for Christmas.

The iPhone is expected to retail in the UK for around £300. There was no indication as to whether the iPhone sold in the UK would be the same model as sold in the United States, or a 3G model.