The iPhone Releases

The Apple iPhone 3G released today, after much hype, to long lines at many stores around the world, including here in Canada were there had been much publicized outrage at Roger's pricing plans.  Now whether in the end it will be a huge success for Roger's will be seen in the days to come.  If in fact the iPhone is as hot a seller for Roger's as it was in its first debut last year,  we might kiss any reductions in data plan rates or roaming good bye.  Then again, I guess we get to use a get phone.  (Well you do, since I'm not buying one).

Roger's Make a Concession

Engadget is reporting that Roger's Wireless, in response to the public outrage at there pricing plans, is offering a 6 GB data plan for $30 a month which can be applied to any voice plan.  Also, Roger's announced that they would be holding 8 am iPhone launch events at a number of Roger's stores, which includes breakfast. 

Now this does sound better then what was offered before, but it does come with a bit of a catch.  The offer is only available to people that sign a contract for 3 years before the August 31st deadline.  Meaning that these people may have to pay a higher price once there contracts are up. 

RuinedIphone.com has thanked Roger's for there concession, but have stated that "It's Not Enough".  RuinedIphone.com will be continuing the push for Unlimited data plans, as well as, a reduction on roaming charges.

So in the end, it appears that Roger's may have bitten off more than they could chew in trying to bring the iPhone to Canada.  We weren't happy as Canadians with the prices we pay for service and the iPhone just brought it out more into the forefront (which is a good thing).  I've wanted for years to see a decrease in the prices we pay for cellphone service, and it appears that because of the iPhone we might just get it. 

Roger's Feels the Heat

Well that's at lest according to Apple Insider.  In a recent article, Apple Insider  reported on a rumor that due to the public backlash to Roger's rate plans, Apple has decided to divert a "significant amount" of there iPhones over to Europe.  According to the article, each store could have only about 20-30 iPhones at launch here in Canada.

If this is true, it could be good for us the consumer.  If Rogers begins to hurt it might encourage them to offer unlimited data plans, which is what everyone has been asking for.  Well except for me, since I'm not planning on buying one, but I'm sure the people that are buying one will greatly appreciate an unlimited data plan for their iPhone.

AC on The Great Canadian iPhone Swindle

All is not well in iPhone Heaven

After more than a year of waiting, it was finally announced by Rogers that they would be bringing the iPhone to Canada.  All appeared to be well with this announcement, as many people were excited to finally be able to get the iPhone in Canada.  But then, something went horribly wrong as the rate plans for this device were announced. (For anyone interested, here is the link to see what the rates are in your area of Canada.)

Although the rates are the same as those of AT&T, we Canadians will receive less talk time.  According to Fortune, we Canadians will receive "... third less calling time, half as many text messages, and puts a 750 MB cap on 3G data usage — with steep fees for users who go over their monthly limit." 

This inequality that we Canadians have with our American counterparts has not been taken lightly by us Canadians, and has lead to an online petition that has gained a lot of attention from mainstream media.  RuinedIphone.com (renamed from fuckyourogers.com (pardon the french)) launched its online petition to convince Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple Inc.) to renegotiate Apple's contract with Rogers/Fido, by sending him an Open letter on July 11th, the day that the new iPhone releases.

Whether Steve Jobs will listen to this petition, I'm not to confident about it.  But I guess its worth a shot.  If on day 1, a lot of people run out and buy an iPhone at the high rates, I'm pretty certain we can kiss this petition good bye.  But if the reception is lukewarm for the iPhone, he might be more than welcome to listening to consumers. But in any case, if you would like to try and help out, just click on the image below and add your name to the petition, as I will add mine.