The official confirmation of the eagerly-awaited UK launch of the Palm Pre has finally come from O2 - the network boasting exclusive rights for the smartphone in the country has said that the Pre will be launched on October 16.

Though the Palm Pre will be exclusive to O2 in the UK, it will also be available from Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U in an attempt to widen its high-street accessibility.

O2 has also revealed the pricing of the forthcoming smartphone, which comprises contracts similar to those offered by the iPhone 3GS.

For customers who subscribe to the sole £34.26 per month 24-month contract, the Palm Pre handset will be free; while subscribers on an 18-month contract will have to entail a monthly tariff of £44.05 to avail the free handset or £73.41 to get the Pre for nada.

The 24-month contact will bring customers 600 UK minutes, 500 UK text messages and unlimited data; and the 18-month package will bring 1,200 minutes, 500 texts, and unlimited data bundle. Meanwhile, the 18-month £73.41 contract will bring 3,000 UK minutes.

There is yet another provision for customers who wish to avail the 18-month tariff plan - whereby for an upfront cost of $96.89 for the Pre handset, the 18-month contract will entail a charge of £29.38 or £34.26 per month.

Moreover, Palm's wireless charging dock, Touchstone, will also be available and sold separately for £44.11.