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A telecom marketing company based in the United Kingdom is calling for sales of the new third-generation iPhone (News - Alert) will surpass Apple’s stated goal of 10 million sold by year’s end.

 

According to officials from Informa (News - Alert) Telecoms & Media, sales will pass the 12 million mark.

 

“Added to the estimated 2.2 million 2.5G versions sold in 2008, this brings a cumulative total of 14.4 million for the year,” officials at the firm say. “The signs are good for 2009, particularly if Apple can secure deals to Chinese and Russian operators before the end of 2008, but Informa Telecoms & Media (News - Alert) believes next year’s iPhone 3G sales will not exceed 20 million at best.”

 

Gadget-lovers and devoted Apple (News - Alert)-ites flocked to stores before dawn today to purchase the much-hyped mobile device.

 

Today, 22 countries are getting the 3G iPhone first, at the same time: July 11. The 16-gig model will cost $299, and will be available in white, he said. The price compares favorably for consumers with the first iPhone’s hefty $599 price tag (News - Alert). An 8-gig model now will sell for $199.

 

Informa officials say those 22 countries will spark global interest in the device.

 

“The launch of Apple’s eagerly awaited iPhone 3G has attracted hot interest from consumers as it went on sale in operator and Apple stores in 22 countries today,” officials there say. “By the end of 2008 this will be expanded to over 70 countries, including Brazil and India. In London, Apple’s Regent Street store had 150 eager customers queuing before 8 a.m., while other central London operator outlets reported queues of between 20 and 70.”

 

Although called the iPhone 3G, the devices uses a technology called HSDPA which is at least twice as fast as WCDMA 3G devices, which first went on sale five years ago, company officials say. What it delivers is faster Internet access and faster downloading, delivering a true mobile broadband experience, officials say.

 

“Global demand for advanced applications and high speed internet access is now significant,” Informa officials say. “The iPhone 3G clearly delivers on that point. But many markets have had 3G or faster devices for a number of years. The sophisticated subscribers in these markets are well attuned to what high-end smartphones and their myriad associated applications can offer.”