Apple cutting iPhone 3G shipments to Rogers – Sanctions for controversial iPhone 3G rate plans
By Will Park on Monday, July 7th, 2008 at 7:33 PM PST In Apple, Financial/Corporate News, Rogers, Rumors, iPhone, iPhone OS
In what could be construed as a punitive action by Apple (NSDQ: AAPL), we’re hearing that Rogers (NYSE: RCI)’ iPhone 3G allotment has been significantly downsized just days before the next-generation follow-up to the iconic iPhone is slated to launch. Daniel Smith writes that he’s got confirmation from multiple sources, including a senior Rogers representative, that Apple has cut-down on Rogers’ iPhone 3G launch-day stock – choosing to divert a portion of Rogers’ iPhone 3G stock to European markets.
As you will most likely recall, Rogers has been the target of massive consumer backlash. Since the Canadian GSM carrier announced their iPhone 3G rate plans, an online petition has garnered over 47,000 signatures from Canadians and foreigners alike that are outraged at Rogers’ high data rates.
The petition was started with the intention of forcing Rogers’ hand and getting the carrier to re-work their data pricing schedule to fall more in line with what AT&T (NYSE: T) is offering – namely, unlimited data for at least some of the Rogers’ iPhone 3G rate plans. And, if this rumor pans out, the petition may have just done its job.
Apple, Rogers, and even RIM insiders, have apparently been tipping off Smith’s source in regards to a possible Apple-Rogers fall-out that has led to the iPhone-maker leaving Rogers with only 10-20 iPhone 3G handsets per store on July 11. With a large percentage of iPhone 3G stock being re-routed to European markets, Rogers could be left high-and-dry come July 11.
We’ll keep a close eye on this one folks. Stay tuned.
[Via: Smithereensblog]
21900 burbank 101
why would they divert them to Europe? They have different 3G bands. Maybe more are staying put in the US seeing as people are already lining up for them, while the same can’t be said for up here in Canada
If you want to understand just how poor a value the Rogers rate plans are, this site makes the case in a clear and concise manner:
http://getthefactsonrogersiphone.com/
It also draws attention to Bill C-555, which aims to make cellphone service less expensive for all Canadians.