When Rogers announced pricing plans for the Apple iPhone 3G in Canada, Canadians were outraged and started mass online protests. The Canadian iPhone fiasco continues, as reports now say Apple will not carry the iPhone 3G in its own stores.
Digital Journal -- The Internet is awash with rumours that Apple is not happy about Rogers' proposed pricing plans for the iPhone 3G, due for national release on July 11.
Recent reports indicate, "A blogger claims from confirmed sources, including a senior Rogers representative, that Apple is punishing Rogers for its expensive data plans by giving the Canadian wireless company fewer shipments of the iPhone 3G."
The rumours suggest Apple will only give 10 to 20 units per Rogers store.
In new reports from AppleInsider.com, Apple is apparently so "disgusted" with Rogers Wireless for its service plans it has decided not to carry the iPhone 3G in its Canadian retail stores. In a private conference call Monday night with Apple, AppleInsider.com says Apple's "...Canadian retail stores will have no part in helping the carrier market the new handset to customers."
When the iPhone 3G is released, AppleInsider.com says Rogers and Fido stores will be the only place to buy an iPhone. The phone costs $199 if you lock yourself into a three-year contract and the basic plan includes 150 minutes, 75 text messages and 400 MB of data.
We followed up with Canadian Apple stores who said they were unaware of this news and that stores would be carrying the device. However, Apple Canada's site lists Rogers and Fido as the only places where the iPhone will be available.
A Fido dealer we contacted confirmed that Rogers and Fido corporate stores will be the only place to buy an iPhone 3G, saying dealers will not carry the unit right away.
AppleInsider.com asked Apple reps if the decision to pull the iPhone 3G from its Canadian stores was a result of Rogers' steep pricing plan, to which the rep only said "We have nothing to do with the service plans. Those are Rogers' plans."
When we contacted Apple for comment, Canadian spokesperson Simon Atkins said, "As you know, Apple doesn't comment on rumour or speculation. Regarding iPhone 3G availability, the iPhone will be only available on July 11th from Rogers and Fido."
So far more than 50,000 people have signed a petition against Rogers at RuinediPhone.com. The site has also created a petition where Rogers customers can pledge they will cancel their Rogers plans; and published a YouTube video explaining Canadians' frustration:
RuinediPhone.com has become so popular it was recently acquired by OilChange.com.
At time of publishing, Rogers did not return DigitalJournal.com's requests for comment.
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