Competition is back. Orange is set to attract a few more customers this Christmas by selling the Apple iPhone 3G and 3G S from November 10, a mere 24 hours after O2’s exclusive distribution deal ends.

The move is rumoured to stir a bit of a price war in the lead-up to the holidays, although Orange’s iPhone rates haven’t yet been released.

The Orange iPhone tariffs are expected to include unlimited data usage and access to Wi-Fi hot spots across the UK.

Over 200,000 people have registered their interest on Orange’s pre-registration website indicating that there are more than a few people who haven’t exactly been won over by O2.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, all Orange stores are expected to go all out with in-store launch parties and will operate extended hours where able to, so you won’t need to forego your lunch-time latte to stand in a long orange-coloured queue.

If you don’t have a local store, the iPhone on Orange will be available from Carphonewarehouse and Phones4U.

T-Mobile is also expected to stock the iPhone before long, but has managed to keep its launch date more tightly under wraps.