Verizon iPhone 4 pre-orders set new first-day record in just two hours

Verizon has announced record sales of the CDMA iPhone 4 yesterday, describing it as the carrier's most successful first day sales in history. While actual numbers of handsets pre-ordered are in short supply, CEO Dan Mead did say that "in just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history."

Despite complaints from some would-be shoppers about the stability of Verizon's website, Mead claims that "unprecedented customer orders" were placed online with them. Sales began at 3am and by 5am had already exceeded Verizon's previous first-day records.

Pre-orders are now closed and the next round isn't expected until February 9. Until then, you can console yourself with our full Verizon iPhone 4 review.

Press Release:

Verizon Wireless has Record Sales on First Day of iPhone 4

Available to General Public on Feb. 10

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — At 8:10 p.m. EST yesterday, Verizon Wireless ceased online orders of iPhone 4 to existing customers and ended the most successful first day sales in the history of the company.

"This was an exciting day," said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer for Verizon Wireless. "In just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history. And, when you consider these initial orders were placed between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., it is an incredible success story. It is gratifying to know that our customers responded so enthusiastically to this exclusive offer – designed to reward them for their loyalty.

"I am proud of our employees who worked tirelessly to strengthen and scale our systems, enabling unprecedented customer orders through our website. Overall, it was a very good day," he added.

Mead also said customers will have another opportunity at being among the nation's first to own an iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network.

"Yesterday's launch set the pace for next week when we open up sales to everyone across America."

The general market launch of the iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will occur on Feb. 10. The company will open its more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores at 7 a.m. It will also be available at all Apple store locations, Best Buy, select Wal-Mart stores, and online at www.verizonwireless.com and www.apple.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.