Let the battle begin: What makes you want the iPhone?

Orange, the What Mobile Awards 2009 Network of the Year is promoting its high level of network coverage, which is sure to interest existing O2 iPhone users that have long suffered on a network with the lowest level of 3G coverage in the UK.

O2 has hit back by offering free home broadband for subscribers that take up the O2 Tethering Bolt On, while being keen to stress that is continually improving both coverage and capacity nationally.

Vodafone is trying to encourage people to wait a little longer before buying an iPhone, sending out a newsletter sent out to people who registered an interest in the iPhone on the Vodafone website. Instead of mentioning costs or special services, Vodafone merely promoted its impressive high-speed data network. The network conducted a series of tests that 'proved' the iPhone 3GS has faster connectivity when used on Vodafone's comprehensive HSPA network.

Vodafone also has the extra bonus in the form of the Vodafone Access Gateway to increase coverage and data speeds within a home or office - another benefit over O2 and Orange that it will be keen to promote.

But, even then, O2 hasn't lost the fight yet. Sky has just announced the release of Sky Mobile TV for iPhone, an extension of the existing Sky Player for PC, Mac and Xbox. £6 a month gets you access to a selection of television channels, including Sky Sports (including Premier League football), Sky News, At the Races and ESPN.

O2 users can enjoy the first three months free if they're one of the first 150,000 people to buy an iPhone before the promotion ends on February 9th 2010. New customers simply text 'SKY' to 2020 to get a promotional code that enables the free access. The service is accessible over Wi-Fi only.

As it seems clear that none of the networks are planning to start a price war, it seems the battle will come down to the more subtle things, whether that's free services and content, coverage or speed.

The question is, what's the most important thing for you? Let us know what you think by visiting our iPhone discussion thread on the What Mobile Forum.