Australian retailer, JB Hi Fi is no longer selling the 3G model of the PS Vita in its stores.
Consumers who pre-ordered the PlayStation Vita via JB Hi Fi received the following email:
Hi Guys,
We have just been advised that ‘PLAYSTATION VITA CONSOLE (3G/WIFI) [PRE ORDER BONUS HEADPHONES + DLC]’ is no longer available for order through the JB Hifi Online Store.
Unfortunately, we have now been forced to cancel this item from your order, or cancel the order if it was a single item order (this may take up to 24 hours to update in your order history).
However, you can still order the Wifi Version. I have included a link below for your perusal.
http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/game/ps-vita/playstation-vita-console-wifi-pre-order-bonus-headphones-dlc/658866
Please note – We only process payment when an order has been dispatched out from our warehouse. You have not been charged for this order.
We do regret any inconvenience that this has caused you.
Kind Regards,
The JB Hi-Fi Online Team
JB Hi Fi will still be selling the Wi-Fi only model of the PlayStation Vita as mentioned in the email above.
The reason why JB Hi Fi is not selling the the 3G model is because the retailer made an agreement not to stock any Vodafone products because they are Telstra dealers. Vodafone is the preferred 3G provider for the PS Vita in Australia and New Zealand and 3G PS Vita models come with a Vodafone sim card.
Some people think that this is an odd decision considering the PS Vita is not tied to only one network provider. Nevertheless, JB Hi Fi stores in Australia aren’t selling the 3G model and it’s likely the Wi-Fi only model will be the most popular model in the country.
No word if JB Hi Fi stores in New Zealand aren’t selling the 3G model either. It’s possible they will still sell the model considering Telstra doesn’t exist in New Zealand and Vodafone products are sold in JB Hi Stores across New Zealand. Vodafone is the number one 3G service provider in New Zealand followed by Telecom and then 2 Degrees.
Source: Kotaku
