An 0870 iPhone application, which could save canny callers money on premium phone calls, has been made available on the iTunes App Store after a staggering 429 day approval process.
The work of Simon Maddox, the 0870 application will change such numbers, including 0870, 0845 and 0800, into 01 and 02 calls, saving iPhone users on average 35p a minute. The application has been available on the Google Android marketplace for some time, with Maddox estimating customer savings of around £84,000 so far.
Sounds great, the only snag is why it took so long. Telegraph blogger Basheera Khan quotes Maddox’s anonymous contact at Apple when the iPhone developer queried the long and frustrating delay to get the application on the App Store.
"I was told that when we originally brought this up to O2, they had an issue with this. However, based on your message, I’ve tried to contact O2 again, and hope to have an answer early next week.
[A week and a half later]
I’ve finally gotten word from O2 that neither they, nor anyone at BT, would be happy about this service."
In a recent press release Maddox confirmed this particular struggle with big business interests did at least have a happy ending.
"After a bit more to-ing and fro-ing, O2 finally decided to allow the App in the App Store. Apple then approved the app within hours."
Available from the Apple iTunes App Store, 0870 is free and requires the iPhone 3.0 Software Update.
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