iPhone purchase by non-account holder

[philgilder]

I want to buy the new iphone here in the UK, but am not the account holder

I just contacted o2 and they said:

He can buy the new iPhone 3G on his own. If he wants to purchase a new contract for the new iPhone 3G, he should pass a credit check and have a bank account for the monthly Direct Debit payments. He'll also needs an email address he accesses regularly because the bills will be sent to him by email.

If he wishes to upgrade the existing contract, you'll need to contact us on any one of the above numbers or accompany him to your nearest O2 store.

does anyone understand this? because i obviously need to get a contract, but afaik activation in the uk is still done at home (according to o2 website)