It's old news to the competition, but Telstra shops in Mackay are eager to show off their version of the new Apple iPhone.

The gadget was released nationwide on July 11, but only 15 Telstra shops were shortlisted for the initial launch.

By student reporter Sarah Matheson

Mackay Telstra stores were among those on the waiting list for iPhone, and said they were ecstatic when stock arrived yesterday. "It's so good to be able to finally show people the real thing," said Telstra Kiosk Canelands Assistant, Skye Jones. "We will be taking them home and learning all the features so we can handle all the enquires!"

Local carriers have been swamped for months with online interest in the device. Vodafone's pre-registration website for the iPhone attracted about 40,000 visitors daily since opening the site, while Optus has stopped accepting advance deposits for the gadget, as it can't keep up with demand.

Telstra stores in Mackay stayed quiet as rivals gained marketing points by standing in the glow of the iPhone launch, but are now proudly selling the handset. Telstra has dominated the mobiles arena since the release of ‘Next G' in October 2006, the rare 850 Mhz frequency only Telstra has access to.

Mackay Telstra kiosk manager Hayley Nelson, said she is confident the Telstra iPhone will sell, despite her competitors headstart. "At the end of the day, people in this region need the coverage. It's something Telstra offers that no other network can."

The tiny shop in Caneland Central reaches sales each month that outshine reputable T-life stores in Sydney and Melbourne. Ms Nelson said the kiosk has exceeded sales targets every month and is the busiest regional hub in the country. Numerous staff members have won national sales awards. "I am so proud of what we can pull together and achieve in the limited space we have! The changeover from CDMA to Next G was mind blowing. It hasn't slowed much since!

With such a strong sales record, staff at the kiosk were surprised they weren't in Telstra's shortlist for the iPhone launch. "Considering kiosks with not nearly the turnover we make were in the list, it's strange. I guess it was whoever they could deliver to the quickest" Ms Jones said.

Rival carriers were happy to have the nations largest telecommunications company out of the running, at least for a few weeks. Mackay Optus shop manager Kim Bartlett was afraid of the damage Telstra would do, but believes their networks serve completely different demographics. "Most people go to Telstra when they need coverage. We offer much cheaper rates and more value for money, but many variables come into play."  

Optus stores in Victoria street and Caneland Central had stock of the iPhone well before the release date. Ms Bartlett says she is glad they had some preparation. "It's been unbelievable. I never seen a phone this popular. I just hope it lives up to the hype!"

Vodafone sales assistant Jenny Walker agrees and has already got her hands on the device. "I bought one outright as soon as they got here. I know it's a bit of a fad but I have wanted one for so long!"

While the battle of the networks continues, all of them have been learning about iphone features. Some customers may be surprised to learn the iPhone cannot MMS or take an expandable memory. The iPhone does have a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, GPRS, GPS maps and integrated Mp3 player and full touch-activated screen.

Telstra's cheapest monthly plan will be $30, paying either $279 upfront for an eight-gigabyte iPhone or $399 for a 16Gb model. Customers who do not want to pay upfront can sign up to an $80 plan for the 8Gb model or a $100 plan for the 16Gb model over 24 months.