During these troubling financial times it’s fairly normal for companies to resort to drastic competitive measures to ensure they keep up their numbers when it comes to customers and revenue. What we didn’t expect to hear was that Wal-Mart would be offering the just released Google phone for cheaper than anyone else around.

According to CNN money, Wal-Mart announced yesterday that it would be selling HTC’s Android-based G1 handset for over $30 less than competing retailers. Wal-Mart spokeswoman Melissa O’Brien said starting Wednesday, customers can pick up the mobile phone for $148.88 with a two year contract. This price applies to both new and existing customers who are availing of an upgrade.

The G1 has only been in stores for about a week and while T-Mobile sold a reported 1.5 million handsets during online presales in the run up to the official launch, numbers for physical sales remain a secret, although we’d be interested in seeing how many people will pick up a G1 now that they can get it for $31.11 less at Wal-Mart.

This discount is obviously going to drag in those who feel like they’re getting a top of the range, brand new product for cheaper than everyone else. however, when you look at the big T-Mobile picture, $31.11 isn’t really going to make that much of a difference to those who can afford the kind of price plan the carrier is pushing in the first place.

(Via CNN Money)