Apple-Rogers falling out: A story too good to be true?
Daniel Smith, a Canadian sales and marketing consultant with an eclectic blog called Smithereens, posted on Saturday what he called “a very plausible rumour” about the launch at of Apple’s iPhone 3G on the Rogers Communications network.
The gist of the post — entitled “Apple Flips Rogers the Bird” — was that Apple and Rogers, Canada’s largest mobile carrier, have had a falling out over the negative publicity generated by Rogers’ pricing plans for the new iPhone that goes on sale Friday morning. Rogers’ plans require a three-year contract, have no unlimited data option and, compared with comparable AT&T (T) plans, offer a third of the calling time and half as many text messages. (See here for the petition for rate relief that has gathered more than 43,000 signatures and here for the Vancouver Sun editorial urging customers not to buy an iPhone.)
The net effect, Smith claims, is that “thousands” of Canadian part-time workers hired by Rogers have lost their jobs and untold numbers of iPhone 3Gs earmarked for Canada have been diverted to Apple’s European partners.
On Friday, wrote Smith, “while the American giant slept, the Canadian telecom industry was a-buzz with information, albeit all of it internal and very hush-hush….
- First, an employee of Apple Canada sends a text message to my source that says something to the effect of: “You guys are screwed for iPhone,” but will not respond to multiple replies asking for clarification.
- Next, an employee at competing handset manufacturer RIM (Blackberry’s parent) (RIMM) sends my source a text soon after saying there are rumours of an Apple-Rogers fallout.
- Then, my source receives a call notifying him that all the part-time staff who had been hired for next week’s launch have been fired without notice.
- And finally, a senior Rogers rep confirms to my source that Apple has decided to divert a large percentage of their planned Canadian shipment to Europe and that each Rogers store may now be getting as few as 10-20 units. This is ostensibly due to Apple’s displeasure over Rogers’ high data and voice rates.” (link)
Not surprisingly, given the passions surrounding the iPhone 3G release in Canada, Smith’s “plausible rumour” soon took on a life of its own. By Monday it had risen to the first page on the Techmeme news aggregator and spawned more than a dozen secondary posts.
But none of the follow-ups have been able to provide independent confirmation of any details in Smith’s story, and now Smith himself is backing away from some of his claims.
In a Sunday update he added this caveat: “Apparently, only certain dealerships took on additional staff for the launch, although most urban locations did. Also, some dealerships may not have let all their iPhone help go, but others definitely have. It’s important to clarify that any decisions to let staff go were made at the individual dealer level, and not by Rogers corporate…at least not directly.”
In a second update he replaced the phrase “ostensible due to Apple’s displeasure” with “possibly due to Apple’s displeasure” and added this:
“Although no per-store numbers can be confirmed, the verbiage used by head office is apparently that numbers will be “significantly reduced” and that stores should “exercise caution” not to over-promise. Europe has also been reconfirmed as the destination for the allegedly diverted units.”
Finally, he showed up on The Mac Observers’ Apple Finance Board to post what he called a “pre-emptive defence.”
“This could be something as simple as a shipping or production delay that’s been blown out of proportion. I haven’t ruled that out. … Something’s definitely up, whether it is indeed an Apple power play is up for debate.” (link)
Indeed.
Neither Apple (AAPL) nor Rogers (RCI) have commented on the rumors.
UPDATE: In a private message, Smith says his estimate of “thousands” of temps laid off by Rogers, which he posted in an online forum, was an extrapolation, and that on reflection “hundreds” is probably more like it. “I misspoke in that forum entry and I apologize,” he writes. “It is unfortunate because the intent of the story was not to spread untruths, and I have been trying to clarify and add to the conversation as much as possible to avoid doing so.”
UPDATE 2: AppleInsider’s Kasper Jade reported on Tuesday that Apple, “disgusted with Rogers Wireless,” has decided that that Apple’s Canadian retail stores — there are six in all — will not be selling the iPhone 3G on July 11, as previously planned. Jade says that although most of the Canadian stores he contacted were not sure whether they would be selling the phone, “one representative ultimately confirmed that Rogers and its partner stores will be the only place to buy iPhone 3G come Friday.” The Canadian Apple Stores we called Tuesday morning could not confirm AppleInsider’s report, and later that day CNet’s Tom Krazit reported that none of the Apple stores outside the U.S. will be selling iPhones this week.
UPDATE 3: In a last-minute concession, Rogers on Wednesday offered a special 6GB data plan for 30 Canadian dollars ($29.76) a month. It will be available to customers who activate by August 31 on a three-year contract and can be added to any voice plans currently available. (link) It’s not clear how many of the 57,000 who signed the original rate-relief petition will be satisfied. Rogers is betting that most will; it is opening its stores early on Friday and limiting purchases to 2 iPhones per customer. But a new petition drive has already been started under the banner: Rogers its (sic) not enough.
This is a reply to CJ, Outskirts Ontario : July 8, 2008 4:57 pm.
The dictionary definition of Monopoly is “A market in which there are many buyers but only one seller; When you have a monopoly you can ask any price”
So by everyone saying Rogers has a Monopoly on the iPhone thats exactly right. They DO. You can buy it from Fido but we all know its owned by Rogers aswell.
Now as far as you saying Rogers is a publicly traded company & not to mistake them for Charity I dont believe you’ll find even ONE person expecting them to be handing out free iPhones & free service. The actual issue is they are basically making the Canadian customer pay more then they need to & IF the iPhone had been made available for another carrier in Canada that would generate competition which would offer better pricing. Yes you can GAP has a Monopoly on GAP Khakis but you can go to Sears & get ones just like it cheaper. Why? because they want your business. We cannot go to Telus or Bell or whomever to get the iPhone.
my apologies… its shawn right?
i hope this doesn’t turn into one of those times when you rip someone for having “bad grammer” like saying your instead of you’re… which most internet nerds use to avoid the real issue and rip on someone’s misuse of the english language… those people suck
sorry for mistyping your name… i got it now…
well shawn… what’s your email/info?
thanks
maxgraham
sean please post your email, maybe some more info about you… i’m sick of anonymous people who clearly know whats up… don’t hide! show these non believers whats up
here’s my info… http://www.maxgraham.com
my email is info@maxgraham.com
what’s yours sean in peterborough?
This smells of a publicity stunt on Apple’s behalf. “Look at us, we care about our users!” If Apple is genuinely concerned by Rogers pricing in Canada, they should be doubly enraged by Vodafone’s in New Zealand.
Vodafone NZ iPhone pricing:
(monthly prices, based on 8GB model)
1. $80 (and $549 for handset): 250MB data, 120 minutes talktime and 600 SMS messages
2. $130 (and $449 for handset): 500MB data, 250 minutes talktime and 600 SMS messages:
3. $250 (and $199 for handset): 1GB data, 600 minutes talktime and 600 SMS messages
For comparison, US$1 = NZ$0.76, which makes the plans US$61, US$99 and US$190 per month, respectively.
I would hate to think how fast users would go through even the most expensive data cap using email, maps and the web. There is not unlimited data option. Vodafone NZ pricing is nothing short of ridiculous and yet Apple has not lifted a finger.
Umm, the iPhone is neither water nor oxygen. Too expensive? Don’t buy one. Odds are, you’re just not that important to even own a cell phone.
Hmmm, I don’t think I care if it’s true or not, if the end result is what we want (Rogers changing its plans, or Apple pulling the iPhone from Canada until another GSM provider is created). Rogers needs to pay for their greed. The iPhone is a gamechanger, and it’s time Rogers decided if they want to be in business, or not. They’ve been handed the Golden Goose, but they’re ringing it’s neck for Golden Eggs…
Canadians are living in a 21st century internet fiefdom. Rogers is the only choice and a horrible choice at that. Many Canadians have Rogers for their home phone, their internet AND their cellphone. The iphone is irrelevant.
Sorry to be a nitpicker, but your statement that Rogers offers “a third less calling time” than AT&T is mathematically incorrect. One third less is actually two thirds of the total. Since Rogers offers 150 as opposed to 450, the correct phrase would be “a third of the calling time”.
ex ped: Thanks. Will fix.
Vince, I talked to Fido and Rogers outlets in Victoria “before” the blogsphere of “Americans” mostly started raising a fake stink about the plans before the plan details were even made public, I was told that Rogers was forced by Apple to lower their prices more in line with AT&T. So all of this hoopla is being manufactured by the competition ie. RIM and the CDMA based wireless providers.
Most of you guys are buying into the rumors and fear mongering of Telus, Bell and Virgin mobile employees. Those other companies are scared out of their wits because the iPhone is a game changer. For the first time, you have a device that is not filled with branded crapware or features removed by wireless providers.
Since the iPhone was announced, the Apple site has only been pointing to Rogers and Fido stores under the “Where to buy” button.
Rogers probably received the bulk of their stock shortly after the plans were announced and Apple was fully aware of the details.
How are people defining te fact that Rogers is selling the iPhone as a monopoly???
That is like saying the GAP has a monopoly on Gap Khakis… VERY misleading!!
People are complaining about the price…
Fine, pay the actual hardware costs upfront and not the discounted cost and get a lower monthly plan.
Basic supply and demand will determine if the pricing model is successful. Is it wrong for a company to look to maximize their profits on a new product? I don’t think so, it is just good business. Nobody has ever referred to a publicly traded company as a charity, so why expect them to operate that way?
How come nobody is mentioning that Apple gets a cut of the monthly usage fees? If Apple wasn’t getting their ‘kickback’, then the monthly fees would be lower for the consumer.
I really wish that people would actually do a little research into these things before they start talking out of their behinds.
I decided to go around to various rogers stores in my area (victoria bc) and pose as a prospective buyer that was interested in the iphone but has heard alot of noise about not buying one.
The spin put on by every single outlet was that rogers had no choice but to offer the iphone with reduced calling time/data due to restrictions put on by apple..
sounds like rogers hq as already figured out how they are going to spin this, and put the blame on apple.
Laughable, simply laughable. Look at all of the comments by people blindly loyal to a marginalized company offereing a substandard product. If this were true it would be good news indeed, that way when the Android enabled handsets from the open handset alliance hit the streets the people here will not be drowning in all of the Iphone garbage and we cam move to the front of the (surely) inevitable wave of adoption of a truly innovative product
Rogers and Fido will not get my money. Rogers has terrible cell phone reception in most of Saskatchewan and they stiffed me on a 3 yr contract before, promising reception and delivering nothing!
Boycott Rogers and Fido
Get an ipod and install Skype that way, or wait for a newer carrier with lower rates in a year.
Do not give them any business!
I want an iphone too, but I’m not signing a 3 year deal with the DEVIL again.
NEWS FLASH!!
Rogers is cheap and Vodafone NEw Zealand is the worst rates in the world so be happy u dont live here and want an iphone
2 year contract $199 for 8gb and pay $6000 over the contract yes $250 each month for 2 years and guess what you get ?
1 gb of data a month!! yep 24gb of data over the life of the contract for $6000. that is sooo cheap.. NOT!!!
Various Rogers stores are now being contacted and told they will not be carrying any iPhones on the release date.
If you really want one, go to the 330 Bay or 130 King W locations in downtown Toronto. They will carry the lions share of iPhones. (Couple hundred each)
Canadians should not buy into this. Canada need competition. Force the issue people.
BTW if it was cheaper, I wouldn’t but one any ways. Don’t have a cell phone, don’t want one.
But I bet it sells fast im Canada. Stupid Canadians
Mark,
Um, before you start telling people they are “stupid or very misinformed”, you may want to know the iPhone IS a phone first and foremost.
Just have a look at Apple’s website - the first word they use to describe it is: it’s A PHONE. Otherwise, why would they call it iPhone, genious?
http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/
Dunno, clearly says “It redefines what a mobile phone can do — again.” And that’s on Apple’s website. Again, they identify the product as a mobile phone. It’s NOT a computer. It has mobile internet features and other stuff but the marketing people clearly describe what it is in the title: “Phone, iPod, internet, and more.” The first word they use is phone and nowhere in the description of the features does it say “computer.” It does say “internet device” - but any phone now can be an internet device. That doesn’t mean it’s a computer. It’s a mobile internet device and like I said earlier, the good stuff is coming next year (2009 and into 2010) with that new chip that will make most phones now silly:
http://news.cnet.com/nanotech/?keyword=mobile+Internet+device
So wait until next year. Why pay big bucks now for something that is clearly laid out as being not as good as what is coming (Moorestown processor)?
So care to restate your earlier assertion that people commenting are stupid? Save your money and wait for the next wave in a few months. Thank you.
Could this have anything to do with Rogers releasing the Blackberry Bold only around 10 days after the iPhone? AT&T obviously had their arm twisted to delay the Bold release (saying it was a heating issue) but maybe Rogers is being punished for not giving the iPhone the jungle gym to itself…
Most of you people are either stupid or very misinformed!
They are trying to get Rogers in line with the rest of the world in rational pricing.
Also…it is not a phone. It is a mobile computing device which also encapsulates a phone. And until another manufacturer uses OS X in their device it will always be an also ran…which means never.
Well, that’s not the point I’m making. The point I’m making is that by going ga-ga for the iPhone is exactly like when cell phones themselves came out: the hardware was expensive and the rates were expensive. Umm, stop me if any of this sounds familiar to anyone. Unlike when CANTEL and others came out with cell phones and the silly rate plans then, people are more saavy now…sort of. You wouldn’t think so with the way people are running amok a la XBOX or Nintendo, trying to get the latest gadget when it will clearly be outdone by another product…not due to technical superiority but sheer price. It’s already been established that a competitor’s offering seems to be labelled a killer for the iPhone, due to the price point marketing. What you guys seem to be missing is that, yeah, late adopting for me means I’m not going to be stupid and pay more money for the same product that will still be available next year when Fido and others will be trying to clear it out of inventory, just like every flavour of Blackberry, Palm and any other kind of phone you care to name that claim to have so much to offer. Yes, the data plans are very expensive on a wireless network and if the rates are a problem, then maybe you should go back and “enjoy your dialup modem” as one person had mentioned (again - my point: why buy the overpriced hardware if you can’t afford the other stuff either.) We existed fine without the iPhone before it came into being and we’ll do just fine if Rogers doesn’t have it. Either way, I think it’s foolish to go in right away when wireless providers don’t keep models of phones anymore than a year or two to begin with. I’m not suggesting as one fellow said to wait 6 years ha ha (that’s funny, who does that…the product lifecycle of a phone is barely 2 years.) Buy one on the grey market, it’ll be cheaper.
Hey “one laughing late adopter” Shawn, I agree, technology gets replaced every year with something better and possibly cheaper. But come on, is it sooo smart to sit on the fence for 6 years until we finally find a product worthy? The Iphone will be great device, if people want it, they will get it! If you don’t, take your smug laugh and call your mommy on your land line. I tried sitting on the fence for a while with a DSLR camera, I’m glad I just got into the game, I would have missed out on a years worth of amazing pictures waiting for that perfect product. By the way enjoy your dial up modem…something is bound to be better than that soon.
I hope this works out. I have been a BB user for 3 years and cannot wait to get rid of this device. The trackball problems make my BB useless at the worst times. It is a widespread problem. http://www.blackberryinsight.com/2007/06/13/how-to-clean-your-blackberrys-trackball/ Buy ANYTHING besides a blakcberry.
Yeah, Apple would never want another company gouging their customers, only they are allowed to do that.
I don’t think this is anything other than a lack of supply for iPhone 3G. Apple, after all, is not a charitable person, it is a corporation. Apple doesn’t give a crap if we have ridiculous plans in Canada. They themselves aren’t being too consumer friendly by pricing a phone at $599. In a strange way, Apple and Rogers are a perfect match, two companies that overcharge ridiculously for their products/services.
@Mark Dealership reps were expecting some kind of statement from Rogers today, but none has been forthcoming. Guess we wait and see…
no doubt we will hear some excuses from Rogers re: this at the press conference today.
What press conference?
@Shawn, Peterborough ON Canada:
You seem to be missing the point. The problem here isn’t the price of the phone itself (which, yes, will probably come down in price in the coming months/years) but the carrier charges. These will most likely remain constant for years. There is a history of these price plans very rarely changing, partly to avoid alienating current contract holders, and partly because there’s no need to change when you’re raking in customers and money.
You won’t be saving anything by waiting a year, or even two. You’ll still be saddled with the same rate plan everyone is complaining about.
“…its a phone”
No, it’s really a pocket computer. I’ve had mine since launch day last year. Its the best piece of technology I have ever purchased.
Rumor is true on the iPhone shipment at least.
A family member in charge of the cell phone section at Rogers has been told that there will be a total of 2,000 iPhones for the entirety of Canada.
Hence, not all stores will be carrying them on the release date.
ex ped: Source?
Everything is just speculation until 100% confirmed. I think it’s time for Rogers to clarify a lot of information like what happens to existing customers that want to upgrade but aren’t eligible under normal circumstances?
http://www.iphoneuser.ca
Dare I be so bold as to suggest that maybe Rogers and RIMM are working a plan to slow down the iPhone move into Canada. Two Canadian companies working together…
I’m all for lower data rates in general, but who in their right mind wants an iPhone anyhow???
I question why “early adopters” of technology have to whip themselves into a frenzy like this, buying new products at ridiculously high prices, when it will be obsolete next year by another must have product. Have we learned nothing from the different Blackberry type products or, worse still, every other “must have” product, like Cabbage Patch Kids and the like, where people have similarly paid big bucks and whipped themselves into buying frenzies.
People, it’s a phone. Calm down already. Other products have come before the iPhone, and others will come after it that will be technically better and cheaper. History has shown us this is true. Buying now makes you an early adopter (go read some marketing books if you’re not sure what kind of buyer you are) and, therefore, you are paying the lion’s share of the product cost, thus causing late adopters to laugh at your silly spending.
Thank you. Signed, one laughing late adopter.
If it is indeed true that Apple is angry with Rogers and is “punishing” them, this is wonderful news. Rogers has been screwing the CDN consumer with impunity for so long. Monopolies and lack of competition…the Canadian way, eh?
Why is everyone all up in arms of the iphone? It’s not the end all - be all of cell phones. In fact Bell is pushing a new rate plan with the samsung instinct, wich I feel is a way better phone than the iphone. Bell is adding unlimited data access for 20 buck a month more. now why would anyone even look at the iphone and Rogers?
Just another mobile phone. Technology evolve everyday. The problem isn’t about the expensive data plan. The problem is about Canadian mobile phone customers. Rogers know how to play with you the first time iphone officially announced in Canada. And Canadian just officially become iphone slave since they can’t get their hand on the last iphone. Well, don’t blame anyone, blame yourselves if you want that iphone so badly.
I don’t see Rogers pricing plans as Apples fault. Rogers (Fido) are the only GSM players here in Canada, so Apple has gotta go with them.
Unless Apple makes a CDMA iPhone which would work on the Bell or Telus system… what you see is what you get. Rogers pricing is exactly what you get when a company gets a monopoly on a product. No competition so the customer gets screwed.
The recent Industry Canada spectrum auction is supposed to change all that… and with it will come new GSM/CDMA players into the marketplace. And with them, hopefully, some genuine competition resulting in lower price points/plans, and more favourable terms for consumers. But as the only show in town they don’t have to, so why bother?
Who knows what contractual arrangements Apple have with Ted Rogers… but restricting product availability at will is likely not a line item.
But I have no doubt, that as a product supplier, Apple will be none too pleased if Rogers seemingly usury charges and plan conditions result in significantly lower sales in such a major market as Canada.
Your petition and mail should go to the Prime Minister. Complain to him. If he fixes it then re-elect him. Otherwise in protest Don’t buy anymore BlackBerries. Viola, Problem solved. As for Rogers, demand the goverment allow more competition so the prices will fall. Then you and the economy will further thrive…. Every letter possibly represents 100 people who feel the same but are not motivated enough.
OH ROGERS
I have been waiting for this phone since it came out in the states and being one to always ‘play by the rules’ i sat patiently and waited. Now, I am going to cancel my existing phone with rogers in protest of this trash, I’ve waited this long, I can always wait longer.
You lose Rogers
well… http://www.fido.ca/portal/promos/personal/iphone3/en/promotion.jsp
Now, is there is collusion between the olygopole and the CRTC.
Actually, the screen is very resilient. I have had an iPhone for 10 months and have not noticed a decline in the battery performance. Still though, three years is a bit excessive. I’m thinking people are going to go to ebay for their iphone 2.0 and unlock them in greater numbers because of the rogers plans. Thats why apple should care/ retreat.
I am not only going avoid buying an iPhone because of the plan but I now really think about disconnecting my home phone from Rogers. They are really overcharging and the service they give is nothing but really bad.
Too bad for Apple… and me.
This article is ridiculous! No facts and all hearsay…I’m tired of reading these editorials that are full of hot air.
DONT SIGN ANY CONTRACTS, THERE IS A NEW CARRIER COMING INTO CANADA AFTER THE WIRELESS AUCTION — GLOBALIVE, SET TO ENTER THE CANADIAN WIRELESS MARKET. SO DO NO SIGN UP WITH ROBBERS OR FIDO. JUST WAIT A BIT LONGER
Don’t buy an iPhone! Force Rogers to change their ways.
If Apple hasn’t chastised Rogers, it should chastise AT&T for being just as greedy. AT&T is an iPhone killer, as is Rogers. Apple has to put its foot down before its product suffers. If Apple is really for the consumer, it should in fact sell unlocked iPhones in its own stores and pressure greedy telecoms into signing contracts specifying this alternative.
Believe Me You’d Cry Loudest in a Depression Any poster who would like a repeat of the ‘Great Depression’ is demented.
p.s. Looks like the Canadian RIMM jobbers are out in full force today.
That company is rightfully very, very afraid…
Apple will stuff their snowshoes right up their…
Joe from Richmond VA…
I suggest you read my post again. I was talking about Rogers, not Apple.
This is a very simple issue.
I will not buy an iPhone due to Rogers greedy pricing. Sorry, Apple, you have a great product that I will not purchase this time. I bought the MacBook Pro and I bought the iPod. Pick a better business partner next time.
Imagine - running out and buying an iPhone on Friday - then having it until July 11, 2011. By then the batter will be almost dead, the screen will be all scratched etc etc. Sorry 3 years doesn’t make sense for a smart phone. My Pearl is getting old a 18 months.
Just don’t be idiots! Don’t buy one!
If you get and iPhone, you are part of the problem! This self serving generation needs to learn a little restraint! I would love to see another great depression come along now! The darwin effect would thin out this crowd of idiots real good!
I spoke to Fido and you can buy the iPhone at the $199-$299 but keep your old plan without a data plan. I’m going to do that and keep my 300 daytime minutes + evenings and weekends + unltd incoming calls for $45.
I don’t need to browse on the go, and I can just connect to hotspots for internet. I’ll wait until Rogers/Fido are forced to change their ways.
I really really really want an iphone too. but not under current plan..
————-
I really really want an iPhone, but not at the cost of getting screwed by Rogers.
I think it would be a good move for Apple to pull the iPhone from Canada altogether. It would reflect favourably on the company and potential buyers of the iPhone, like myself, would appreciate their integrity.
Posted By Robert, Toronto, Ontario : July 7, 2008 10:27 am
naht Correct at all! Man, you are some kind of confused fool. You think Apple is ‘…neanderthal, greedy, monopolistic, unresponsive…’, you are out of your blooming mind. Apple is probably the best and most humane technology firm in the universe.
Not only Rogers! ATT in the US is also a greedy and money hungry SOB of a company. Just try missing ONE monthly payment! They disconnect you!
I’m really getting tired of this. Rogers has no competition! They’re charging what they’re charging because they can. Do you really think they’re not going to milk it? Come on. I don’t know why everyone is acting so surprised with this. If you think the iPhone plans are too expensive then don’t buy an iPhone and quit whining.
Rogers has been over charging Canadians since the days cable started up here. So, this really nothing new. The Rogers empire is built on debt and over charging. Most folks up here have nothing good to say about Rogers.
I can’t believe all the commentors hoping that Apple will “pull” the iPhone from Canada. Apple isn’t that stupid.
First, Apple, regardless of their feelings for Rogers, is in business to sell product. Eliminating one of the wealthiest countries in the world from the distribution plans would be lost business (and encourage hackers to continue to try and unlock the iPhone).
Second, if Apple had said that they weren’t shipping to Canada, just as many, if not more, people would complain that Apple is discriminating against Canadians. Apple doesn’t need the headache.
Yes, it is a shame that Rogers feels the need to charge so much more for cell plans (note, I am not passing judgement on Rogers, just stating the fact). And yes, I am sure that people will be dissuaded from buying the iPhone because of such a rate plan.
But the “diversion” of iPhones may also be nothing more than Apple re-assesing the supply and demand equation and seeing better sales opportunities elsewhere.
@Red re: Incompatible plugs
In the comments to my original post, there was some discussion around this and two possibilities arose:
-Several commenters stated that when they received their first-gen iPhone, it came sans wall plug, including only a USB charger.
-It is possible that all 3G iPhones could be manufactured in one place and accessorized/boxed at the country of destination. Further, there is no carrier branding either on the unit itself or in the firmware (the carrier lock is initiated through the iTunes activation.)
Ok, I can believe that Rogers hasn’t got a clue when it comes to pricing and honestly believed that we Canadians would bend over one more time to get an iPhone at any cost. What I find hard to believe is that Apple didn’t know about Rogers pricing plans ages ago. Did Apple simply agree to do business with all these new carriers across the planet without know exactly how they were going to price their precious iPhone 3G? I doubt it. Companies the size of Apple and Rogers don’t do anything that randomly. Apple had to be aware of Rogers rates ages ago so they shouldn’t be taking it out on Canadian customers by limiting the number of devices shipped into the country. If the iPhone doesn’t sell well in Canada it will be the fault of Rogers and the lost revenue should be Roger’s problem. If, however, Canadians flock to the iPhone despite the draconian rates then we should at least expect there to be enough phones to meet the demand. What a mess. Only in Canada could something so cool as the debut of the iPhone get so screwed up.
RIMM are finished - their one-trick push email isnt enough.
Typical Canadian company - short-sighted, living in the 1960’s.
The iPhone will remain something we dream of - Rogers will never understand such a beautiful device.
Wish I lived in California……..
I really really want an iPhone, but not at the cost of getting screwed by Rogers.
I think it would be a good move for Apple to pull the iPhone from Canada altogether. It would reflect favourably on the company and potential buyers of the iPhone, like myself, would appreciate their integrity.
“Is there a more neanderthal, greedy, monopolistic, unresponsive organization than Rogers?”
Yes. Apple.
for the sake of canadian consumers this is hopefully true and in a short time rogers will realize what a greedy company they are and will lower the price of their stupid and criminal plans, it sounds like extortion to me more than a actual calling plan
So, how can iPhones for Canada be diverted to Europe if the plug-in adapters are for North America? If anything those phones would be redirected to other countries in the Americas. (It is understood that the adapters adjust to the voltage, but the plug itself is different for Europe)
Those who have commented thinking this is an iPhone vs Blackberry thing don’t have a clue about what has transpired over the past couple of weeks. I am an avowed Mac user, having used Mac computers for work and play for over fifteen years. I was looking forward to getting an iPhone until I saw the rate plans Rogers was offering. I shouldn’t have been surprised that much. I’m also forced, through geographical location, to subscribe to Rogers Cable TV. Is there a more neanderthal, greedy, monopolistic, unresponsive organization than Rogers?
I hope Apple pulls the iPhone from Canada to protect its customers from Rogers. To let this continue looks bad on Apple.
Since Canadian only love to use their own smartphone manufacture by their company but not Apple.
Just let them stay with their Canadian RIMM Blackberry which Canadian satisfy the most.
Philip,
This is a very thorough and well-written account of what has transpired so far.
I would like to make a couple points, however.
I can see the logic in your interpretation of my remarks yesterday as “backing away” from my claims. In reality however, I have only made changes and updates to the post to clarify areas that I felt were causing confusion, or to add new information that had since come to light.
In the realm of personal blogging, a double-edged sword exists, whereby we can break certain stories without having to wait for official statements to avoid libel suits, etc.
At the same time, if new information comes to light and we fail to update our blogs accordingly to reflect this, that is a failure as grave as if the Globe and Mail had posted my original article.
To wit: My added clarification about the source of the job losses came after my source at Rogers was informed that it was a dealership-only phenomenon. I felt it best to pass this along.
I replaced “ostensibly” with “possibly” because some readers either didn’t understand what the former meant, or chose not to, consistently dropping the word off the front of quotes and stating that tidbit as fact, when in reality that is the main part of the post that *can’t* be substantiated.
I thought using “possibly” might give pause to future readers and quoters who might be tempted to do the same.
Finally, I have posted on a number of forums, including the one you mention, usually to defend my integrity from vicious flamers, but also to express that I am not stupid and realize there -could- be other explanations for the diverted shipment. Even in the comments to my own post there is a lively discussion around possibilities.
In any case, no doubt we will hear some excuses from Rogers re: this at the press conference today.
But sometimes we may find that the internal rumours swirling among the ranks hold more truth than the official position ever will.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Daniel Smith
Smithereens Blog
Productivity, Persuasion and Prose
Well, good for Apple. As a Candadian forced
to be a customer of this absurdly backward
and ineffecient monopoly(Rogers Cable) its
astounding that Apple would want to have anything to do with them to begin with. Imagine if you will trying to deal with a ultilities company in the 1960’s Soviet Union. I give you Roger’s Cable.
It struck me a little odd that something like this could happen so close to launch date.
What I’m curious to see is what is the sell rate after the initial influx of early adopters.
Will people see enough value in the 3G speeds and GPS to pay an additional monthly fee to AT&T - or will more people decide to stay with their older iPhone whose style hasn’t changed and that they can update with a free iTunes download come 7/11.
Puhleeeeese This sort of rumor is what keeps investing in Apple so much fun…Can’t wait to hear the next inane item. Jobs’ health again? Hidden phones?
i meant to say scared “shirtless” when the iPhone tsunami hits! Sorry, my bad.
So who stands to gain from these ridiculous rumors?? hmmmm….i know….how about RIMMjob, the Canadian one trick pony blitzkrieg? But surely their minions are above such nonsense? Not. RIMMjob is scared shitless that they can’t even hold on to Canada with the iPhone tsunami hits!!!
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This is a reply to CJ’s stupid typical BS response.
How are people defining the fact that Rogers is selling the iPhone as a monopoly???
Well CJ i’ll tell you! Rogers is the only carrier in Canada that sells GSM technology (Which the Iphone only runs of) besides FIDO (Which is owned by Rogers!!) MONOPOLY!!(not the services but the technology GSM and the product IPHONE)!
There is no choice when you are looking for GLOBAL standard telecomunication devices.
Basic demand and supply will determine the price of the model?? Cell phones don’t run in the same fashion as stock on clothes.This isn’t Cosco.
The price is put on the phone and then after they have sold enough over an extended period of time they will change the price. (and prices vary at different locations) I actually sell GSM cell phones and it has never been the stock from my experience. It has been mostly the popularity of the devices that determined the price of HIGHER END PHONES.
Currently if you want to buy a Iphone you have to sign a three year agreement. You must have a data package, and a MSF over $45. ( but combineding the Data package with the voice package it already cost the user over $45)
The issue is not “asking for charity” we are asking for fair prices compared to GLOBAL STANDARDS. That’s it! That’s what we have been asking for before the iphone came out. I bet you don’t even know that Canadians have the highest prices plan in the world. We pay an estimated 33% more than the average cellphone user world wide. Yea that’s a lot of money they are shoveling out of our pockets.
So don’t jump to friggin conclusions as to we didn’t do our research, it’s you who needs to go google the shit out of price plans, compare and then post.
And your theory on Apples cut is bullock. WHY? because Apple is not only getting their cut from Rogers. The iphone is a global technology. They get their cut from every seller who has their product on the market. But yet suprisingly other Telecomunication Carriers can also make decent price plans that don’t ask for a yard and a half?!?!?!
Yea as I said tresearch before ***YOU*** post.