Optus' iPhone elites get upgrade discount

update Select Optus iPhone customers have been offered a 40 per cent discount on to-be-determined "early upgrade fees" for Apple's new iPhone 3GS.

Some Optus iPhone customers were sent this message this morning:

"We know you are only partway through your 24-month plan so because you pre-registered for iPhone info we're offering you the chance to upgrade to the new Apple iPhone 3GS and we will discount 40 [per cent] off your early upgrade fees from your current mobile plan when you take up a new 24-month iPhone plan."

Exactly what the 40 per cent will amount to, however, is yet to be determined. The telco has outlined iPhone pricing for new customers, but is yet to release upgrade pricing.

The offer, which was made to select Optus customers via email and text message today, may be applicable to non-recipients however who will need to pass an in-store assessment by qualified staff, Optus spokespeople told ZDNet.com.au.

Criteria include the length of time the customer has been with Optus, time left on an existing contract, and current spend, the spokesperson said.

The offer comes on the eve of the new device's launch. Optus announced yesterday that it will open city stores at midnight tonight in aide of the device's launch.