Verizon iPhone Sales Set One-Day Record

Verizon Wireless says, not only did its first day of iPhone sales go smoothly, the company set a one day sales record Thursday.

At 8:10 p.m. EST Thursday, Verizon Wireless halted online orders of the iPhone 4 to existing customers after having what it called "the most successful first day sales in the history of the company." The company did not disclose how many iPhones had been ordered.

"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."

Mead praised Verizon Wireless employees, who he said worked tirelessly to strengthen and scale the company's systems, enabling what proved to be unprecedented customer orders through the company website.

A good day

"Overall, it was a very good day," he said.

Verizon Wireless apparently took lessons from AT&T's well publicized activation problems when the iPhone debuted in 2007. Many consumers who stood in line to buy one of Apples new iPhones had difficulty in getting it to work.

"Your activation requires additional time to complete," many consumers reported being told.

Normally, a mobile phone is activated by personnel in the retail store where it is purchased. But with the anticipated sales volume for the new device, Apple and AT&T devised a plan whereby consumers would activate the phones themselves, connecting the phone to their computers and using Apples iTunes to complete the process. AT&T said the system worked as planned for the vast majority of consumers but conceded some customers experienced activation issues.

Two-step process

Verizon chose only to take orders yesterday, so there were no activation issues. Phones won't be activated until they begin arriving February 10.

Mead also said Verizon 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 said it will open its more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores at 7 a.m. The phone will also be available at all Apple store locations, Best Buy, select Wal-Mart stores, and online.