Apple iPhone Preparation and Testing

USAToday reports on preparations AT&T is making for the iPhone launch on Friday, June 29th.

AT&T has added 2,000 extra sales people to stores in anticipation of the iPhone launch. AT&T's senior vice president of sales reveals that regions will not have equal stockpiles of iPhones:

Carter would not say which stores will have the biggest iPhone stockpiles, but allowed that iPod users are a "natural market" for the smart phone. As such, he says, stores in areas with big numbers of iPod users such as New York City, Chicago and much of California will be well stocked.

If your local store does sell out, mail orders may be placed with "devices will be shipped in 3 to 5 days, inventory permitting."

AT&T will be limiting the number of iPhones that an individual can purchase, but does not give the exact limit. Meanwhile, new iPhone specific service plans will also be announced on June 29th.

AT&T has been testing the iPhone and their network in various locations in anticipation of the launch:

In the past few months, he says dozens of AT&T technicians have been secretly testing iPhones in bars, subway stops, office buildings, rural areas and elsewhere looking for technical hitches.