Verizon Wireless just published a press release claiming “record sales” on yesterday’s ViPhone pre-order day, CEO Dan Mead saying that things were “exciting” and that “In just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history.” Well, duh!
Sadly, Verizon didn’t offer any hard numbers on overall sales which suggests that availability will be wildly limited on the first day of general sale. Considering no other phone flew off the shelves like the ViPhone – ever – Verizon should be sending fruit baskets to Steve Jobs right now full of fruit and miniature giraffes.
Press release after the jump.
VERIZON WIRELESS HAS RECORD SALES ON FIRST DAY OF iPHONE 4
Available to General Public on Feb.10
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – At 8:10 p.m. EST yesterday, Verizon Wireless ceased online orders of iPhone 4 to existing customers and ended the most successful first day sales in the history of the company.
“This was an exciting day,” said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer for Verizon Wireless. “In just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history. And, when you consider these initial orders were placed between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., it is an incredible success story. It is gratifying to know that our customers responded so enthusiastically to this exclusive offer – designed to reward them for their loyalty.
“I am proud of our employees who worked tirelessly to strengthen and scale our systems, enabling unprecedented customer orders through our website. Overall, it was a very good day,” he added.
Mead also said customers will have another opportunity at being among the nation’s first to own an iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network.
“Yesterday’s launch set the pace for next week when we open up sales to everyone across America.”
The general market launch of the iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will occur on Feb. 10. The company will open its more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores at 7 a.m. It will also be available at all Apple store locations, Best Buy, select Wal-Mart stores, and online at www.verizonwireless.com and www.apple.com.