iPhone 3G Protest: Rogers Wireless Pleads Insanity Defense
July 1, 2008
The new iPhone 3G is scheduled to launch in Canada on July 11th, but most Canadians are unhappy with poor data and voice plans offered by Rogers Wireless. All plans require a long term three-year contract with less than favorable terms. Rogers Wireless announced in April that it had an exclusive deal with Apple to sell iPhones in Canada.
Canadians have long bemoaned high cost of wireless service compared to those in other countries. When compared to AT&T’s plans, Rogers Wireless’ $75/month plan offers about 30% less airtime, 50% less text messages, and caps usage at only 750 MB.
In a discharge of anger, tens of thousands of Canadians have signed petitions to express their dissatisfaction with the expensive iPhone 3G voice and data plans. The largest protest petition, and the one Palluxo! endorsed, can be found at Ruined iPhone web site. So far, 22,494 people have already signed the petition, and the number of supporters is growing every minute. “Take another look at international plans offered. Its embarrassing when Mexico has a better data and voice plan than you do Rogers,” - wrote one petitioner.
Rogers defended its plans by pleading insanity defense to Electronista. According to Rogers Wireless, “Unlimited plans could end up costing customers more for what they don’t use. Our iPhone plans more than accommodate the vast majority of customers.”
Even Apple employees are at odds with Rogers Wireless. According to CBC, a manager in a Toronto-area Apple store said the staff there were “very disappointed” upon learning of the rates on Friday. The manager said all customers complaining in-store were also being told to call Apple’s customer service phone line in the United States.
In response to consumer complaints, Rogers Wireless sent out a notice to customers telling them they can now sign up for any data plan, bringing the current score to 1:0 in favor of Canadian iPhone fans.
Last year, the federal government ruled that the Canadian wireless market was uncompetitive, resulting in high prices and poor services for consumers.
rogers calbe has now blocked its customers viewing ruinediphone.com
Rogers including other Canadian Wireless carriers are ripping off the Canadian consumer with whopping profits because of their higher rate.
My point is all US carriers offers the no roaming charges
they charges $15 for unlimited data plan15 .
I have T-Mobile for the North-American plan with no roaming charges in both both States & Canada with unlimited data plan and 300 daytime minutes/mth which is $70/mth whereas the Canadian wireless carriers would charges over $120. Our Canadian government also should be responsible for the higher rates as well.