It's official: O2 get the Palm Pre

Whilst it pretty much confirmed what we already knew, O2 have today announced they’ve got exclusivity on the Palm Pre in Europe. At least that’s what the headline says. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find the beginnings of a two-track rollout.

The Telefonica O2 group operates mobile networks in the UK, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Isle of Man – so you’d expect the launch to encompass all of these countries? Nope, think again.

Spain, the UK, Ireland and Germany will get the Palm Pre in time for Christmas. Where does that leave the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Isle of Man? Nowhere, apparently. And the rest of Europe? Nothing concrete yet – although it wouldn’t be a surprise if a handful of the other operators scoop up the rest of Europe.

Still no word on pricing, the exact launch date, and how many months worth of contract you’ll have to sign in blood. However there is a set of ‘pre-notification’ pages on Palm’s website:

• UK and Ireland: http://www.palm.com/uk-pre-notify
• Germany: http://www.palm.com/de-pre-notify
• Spain: http://www.palm.com/es-pre-notify