Experian credit rating and orange mobile?

[simplesimon]

I recently applied for a phone via the CarPhone Warehouse, and whilst being accepted by all other networks was declined by Orange (who had the cheapest contract). Unsuprisingly nobody could tell me exactly why this was, other than a "credit issue".

I have signed up with Experian (who do oranges credit checks) and am apparently in the "Super Prime" range, so don't know what more I can do? Can anyone shed any light on this? In particular?

* Is there a minimum score orange needs as standard (on Experians 1-1000 scale)?
* Is it possible that the sneaky Car Phone warehouse decided to say this happened to try and get me to pay more a month for my contract?
* If I apply again do I risk hurting my credit rating with multiple searches against it?

Many thanks!