The Captain's Blog ™

Three / 3 today became the latest UK mobile network to launch sales of the iPhone 4, focusing on the 32GB Black version.

The much anticipated handset has been flying off the virtual shelves at the network’s online shop. Following some initial uncertainty, the network has just confirmed that stock levels are sufficient for the iPhone 4 to remain available to buy online over the course of this weekend.

So if you’ve been waiting for this handset to launch on 3, it might be best not to delay in placing your order.

The iPhone 4 is currently available from 3 on the following (24 month) pay monthly price plans:

» £189 + £30 per month – Internet Texter 500

» £189 + £35 per month – Internet Texter 900

» £149 + £40 per month – The One Plan

» £89 + £45 per month – The One Plan

These tariffs include allowances of 500 to 5,000 inclusive calling minutes (anytime, any network), 5,000 text messages, 1GB of internet browsing and 5,000 minutes of calls to other customers 3′s network.

Folks who order online before midday on Monday should receive their iPhone 4 on Tuesday (delivery is free). This timing is, of course, subject to stock availability – so, on your marks, get set, go!

Scottish Power Online Energy Saver 10 has just launched, replacing the utility supplier’s Online Energy Saver 9 tariff and maintaining the company’s position as one of the UK’s cheapest utility providers.

The new online-only gas and electricity tariff guarantees prices at least 2% lower than Scottish Power’s standard prices for customers paying by monthly direct debit (actual monthly payments may vary depending on energy usage). The guarantee runs until 31 October 2011.

» Get an online quote direct from ScottishPower

» Compare online dual fuel tariffs with uSwitch

Scottish Power Online Energy Saver 10 is available for customers taking just electricity or both gas and electricity from the utility provider (there’s no gas-only option).

Customers on the new tariff will also receive up to two further discounts from Scottish Power:

- All customers will receive the Online Energy Service discount, which is currently worth £15.75 per year including VAT;
- Those signing up for dual fuel will also receive Scottish Power’s Gas and Electricity Offer discount, which is currently worth £16.80 a year including VAT.

Any customers who cancel their contracts or switch to other tariffs before the guarantee expires may incur cancellation charges of £30 for electricity or £50 if signed up for dual fuel, though these charges will be waived for customers who are cancelling due to moving house.

In return for the savings, payments must be made by monthly direct debit and customers must also provide meter readings and access their utility bills online – as well as using the internet for sending any account-related corresponendence to Scottish Power.

Consumers whose gas is supplied by an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) can still benefit from the tariff subject to paying an extra IGT premium, currently £42 including VAT per year.

Scottish Power Online Energy Saver 10 is offered with limited availability and may be withdrawn at any time wihout notice.