AT&T stores in the US are reportedly preparing to deal with huge crowds on Friday when Apple's iPhone finally goes on sale.
Plans for the iPhone, which combines an iPod, a mobile phone and remote internet access, were announced in January and anticipation has been building ever since.
A recent report by market researchers M:Metrics estimated that 19 million Americans have a "strong interest" in buying the new high-tech gadget.
In response to the expected heavy launch-day demand, AT&T, the official iPhone reseller in the US, has hired an additional 2,000 staff, including security personnel.
Mark Siegel, AT&T's director of public relations told ABC News: "We have 1,800 retail stores around the country. We have planned in great detail how to handle the influx of customers, including the need to work on security."
Some gadget-lovers in New York are determined to pick up the $500 iPhone on its release day and have been queuing outside shops since Monday.
There is currently no official European launch date for the iPhone.
© 2007 Adfero Ltd
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