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Canadian Apple Stores Won't Be Selling iPhone 3G [Update: Or Any Other Non-US Store]

Submitted by Edward Kirk on July 8, 2008 - 1:58pm.
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It looks like Apple is taking this anti-Rogers thing more seriously than we thought. According to AppleInsider, Apple has decided that, due to the crappy and hugely overpriced data plans being offered by Rogers Wireless and Fido for iPhone 3G customers in Canada, and the resulting overwhelming negative public response toward them, Apple will not be selling the iPhone 3G in any of their Canadian stores. The news came during a private conference call Monday evening from Apple representatives.

Calls to Canadian Apple retail stores earlier today confirmed that they will not be carrying the iPhone 3G. Rogers and it's partner company Fido will be on their own to try and lure customers in to their plan. However, Apple stores will have demo units on hand on July 11th.

When asked if the decision not to sell the iPhone was the result of the unpopular plans being offered by Rogers, the representative only stated that "We have nothing to do with the service plans. Those are Rogers' plans."

The news comes shortly after rumors that Apple had sanctioned Rogers by diverting large shipments over to Europe.

Update: Well it looks like it's time for me to put my foil hat away. While it would have been fun to think that Apple was not going to sell iPhones in Canadian Apple Stores to spite Apple, it now appears that this was not the case. It is true that they won't be selling them in their Canadian stores, but this is also true for all other non-U.S. countries getting the iPhone 3G on July 11th. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.

[via AppleInsider]

Submitted by Stephen007 on July 8, 2008 - 2:07pm.
Clever. Then when customer is unhappy with the rate plans all the pressure is on Rogers because they'll be standing in a Rogers store rather than the Apple store. I hope this puts more pressure on Rogers & convinces them to do something to turn around the bad PR they're getting over this.

Submitted by Edward Kirk on July 8, 2008 - 2:14pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen007 View Post
Clever. Then when customer is unhappy with the rate plans all the pressure is on Rogers because they'll be standing in a Rogers store rather than the Apple store. I hope this puts more pressure on Rogers & convinces them to do something to turn around the bad PR they're getting over this.
Yeah. I'm pretty sure the Rogers execs are hitting their heads against their desks.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 8, 2008 - 2:51pm.
Oh the drama.

Funny how Apple's Canadian website still have the iPhone for sale. So all they're doing is pissing off Apple customers by not allowing them the convince of picking up a phone at a nearby Apple store. That'll show Rogers huh!

Grow up people.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 8, 2008 - 2:54pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edward Kirk View Post
Yeah. I'm pretty sure the Rogers execs are hitting their heads against their desks.
Rogers execs don't even know what an iPhone is. Stop kidding yourself if you think big business can be stopped by whining people. The only thing that will change Rogers mind about price plans, is if people don't buy the iPhone. Think that's going to happen?

Submitted by Edward Kirk on July 8, 2008 - 3:20pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anonymous View Post
Rogers execs don't even know what an iPhone is. Stop kidding yourself if you think big business can be stopped by whining people. The only thing that will change Rogers mind about price plans, is if people don't buy the iPhone. Think that's going to happen?
Yes I do, because Apple has taken most of those phones and sent them to Europe.

Although it looks like I may have spoken too soon. Apple has been saying that they don't have anything to do with the rate plans (which I'm sure they really don't want anything to do with at this point). It looks like it's up to customers now.

Submitted by imagine engine on July 9, 2008 - 12:18am.
Customers can either get an iPhone through Rogers by activating through an authorized Rogers dealer or by activating through the company website www.Rogers.com or by calling in to Rogers Customer Care who can activate a new line or process a hardware upgrade on an existing eligible line. So there's no real need to stand in line at a dealer location if you're willing to wait 3-5 business days to get your device shipped via UPS.

Submitted by imagine engine on July 9, 2008 - 12:28am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen007 View Post
Clever. Then when customer is unhappy with the rate plans all the pressure is on Rogers because they'll be standing in a Rogers store rather than the Apple store. I hope this puts more pressure on Rogers & convinces them to do something to turn around the bad PR they're getting over this.
If Rogers doesn't offer unlimited data with the iPhone 3G Voice & Data plans then I do hope they at least offer 3 months unlimited data to help customers gauge their average usage and avoid unnecessary overage charges with in the first 90 days. At least with Rogers they aren't planning on charging for inbound sms unlike the news flash today where both Telus and Bell have let the media know they are going to start charging per incoming sms (text) message starting in August.