O2 refuses to confirm exclusive Pre deal

UK mobile operator O2 is playing down rumours it has sealed a deal with Palm to become the exclusive carrier for the US company’s long-awaited Palm Pre smartphone. Rumours published in the Guardian claim O2 is lined up to be the only seller of the Pre when it hits UK shores towards the end of the year. O2 is currently the exclusive carrier of Apple’s iPhone, but Apple is expected to broaden the number of operators it deals with in coming months.

The rumours appeared to back up claims in the Spanish press in March that O2 owner Telefonica had won exclusive rights to offer the Palm in Spain, the UK and Latin America. However, O2 is remaining tight-lipped on the Pre, saying: ?We don’t comment on rumour and speculation, and have made no announcement on this particular handset.? Pal has so far announced deals with Sprint in the US and Bell Mobility in Canada. Palm is pinning its hopes on the Pre to ensure its survival as revenues from its existing phones dry up.