iPhone 3GS buyers face activation delays

Despite smaller crowds for the launch of the iPhone 3G S vs the iPhone 3G launch, Apple and AT&T would appear to have ballsed up activation again, with widespread reports of activation delays.

iPhones require activation to work, a process done using iTunes at home (if they let you take the phone home first) or at the point of purchase, an AT&T store or credited AT&T reseller.

Fault would appear to lie with AT&T’s network, with users getting the following message

Due to current iPhone activation volumes, it may take up to 48 hours to resolve your issue. We will send a confirmation to [email address] once your activation is complete. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. You can set up your iPhone and enjoy features that do not require access to the AT&T network. To get started, please disconnect and then reconnect your iPhone.

Other messages include phones saying “Waiting for activation. This may take some time.” The problem is not limited to the iPhone 3G S, but all iPhones attempting to be activated.

You’d think they’d learn….well, given it’s AT&T, maybe not.