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Apple Flips Rogers the Bird A Week Before Cdn iPhone Launch?

smithereensblog.blogspot.com — "Yesterday, while the American giant slept, the Canadian telecom industry was a-buzz with information, albeit all of it internal and very hush-hush. Here are the juicy tidbits I have managed to glean from my source within Rogers (And I'll let you draw your own conclusions)..."

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  • Justin125, on 07/06/2008, -2/+16Good job doing something Apple.
  • xero9, on 07/06/2008, -6/+21How can a shipment that was meant for Canada be diverted? Wouldn't handsets at this point be locked for Rogers/Fido? The only way around this I can see is if Rogers has to take each handset and flash it with a special firmware to get it to lock to their SIMs, which I highly doubt.

    I'd love for Apple to stick it Rogers, but I'm calling ***** on this one.
    • anarchy99, on 07/06/2008, -0/+11with in store activation all it would take is a firmware flash which may happen to the device during the process anyway

      this is very possible
      not sure how likely it is
    • DelMonte, on 07/07/2008, -0/+5As far as I know, all iPhones have the same firmware regardless of the country, the only differentiation happens with activation, which will be done in-store by Rogers anyway, after they received the units, and after a client bought it.

      The different frequency settings and the carrier logo on the top left are all set by iTunes when the phone is activated, it doesn't require to flash the unit.
    • mellenger, on 07/07/2008, -4/+1Only the American iPhones are shipping with sim cards, the rest of the world has to put them in themselves. Probably only the American iPhones are locked to AT&T.
    • pedepy, on 07/07/2008, -0/+5this makes sense in the sense that Apple would be doing this not to 'get back at Rogers' but merely because the insane prices & resulting bad press is indicative that perhaps Apple will have a much better chance of selling out all of it's supply of iPhones overseas on July 11th, rather than in canadian stores.

      so say they were initially palnning to offer X amount of units for sale in Canada, well now they perhaps have cut that number in half because they dont think it'll sell as well.

      To add to the story: this was *before* plans were announced & all hell broke loose, but a Montreal FIDO customer rep in store told me she only expected to receive about 10 units on launch day. At the time I found that very odd but now this makes more sense.
    • Canuck, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1I would have to agree on the BS part. If the boxes are already assembled and ready for shipment it would mean that they have a North American power plug in them. These plugs would not work in Europe. There is always a chance that they box up everything last minute (not done yet) before shipping them, but that would also mean that they would have all the excess European equipment ready to be put in the boxes. I can't see Apple keeping that much extra stock on hand.
    • purelithium, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1As I said in the CNN one,

      This could just be clever misinformation on the part of both Apple and Rogers hopefully creating a seeming supply shortage, hopefully increasing demand to the end of countering the bad press over the past weeks.

      Or it could just be us canadians getting ***** dry even worse than we were before...

      What do you guys think?
  • Wailord, on 07/06/2008, -4/+40Well, that's odd. My friend's dad's best friend's boss's niece says otherwise...
  • smithereensblog, on 07/06/2008, -1/+32@xero9 Shipments can be diverted quite easily. Word is that the contract between Rogers and Apple didn't specify a number of promised units, only an agreement of exclusivity (as needless as that is at the moment, Rogers being the only GSM carrier.) Therefore, while Apple couldn't renege on the deal altogether without risking a lawsuit, they could very easily lower the number of allocated units to a ridiculous level, which appears to be what they've done. And firmware isn't flashed to devices until they are received by the carrier. Also, if the fact that Rogers affiliates have fired thousands of hired part time labour doesn't indicate the legitimacy of this story, I don't know what does. Finally, the more I think about it, the less I think this move by Apple will have the desired effect, because Ted Rogers is such a notoriously hard-headed, stubborn guy. We may just get doubly screwed now by an iPhone shortage coupled with high plan pricing...

    @Wailord Well my girlfriend's mother has a cousin in Tucson, who's second son goes to grade school with your friend's dad's best friend's boss's niece, and let's just say he doesn't have many positive things to say about her trustworthiness...

    But seriously, the story is legit.


    • xero9, on 07/06/2008, -3/+4"Also, if the fact that Rogers affiliates have fired thousands of hired part time labour doesn't indicate the legitimacy of this story, I don't know what does."
      Just because you say it's a fact doesn't mean it is. You repeating what your friend who works at Rogers says doesn't really carry much weight.

      In any case, this might turn out like that leaked internal memo about the $30 unlimited data option for consumers. Turned out to be 100% *****.
      • smithereensblog, on 07/06/2008, -0/+5Xero9, I never said you had to believe me. This is the Internet, after all, she of unchecked sources, made-up linkbait and ever-spiraling rumour mills. But then I haven't ever posted spam on my blog before, which a cursory read through my content would show you, so I'm not sure why I would start now.

        It does appear that initial thoughts on the firings were broader than reality and I've updated the post accordingly: it now appears that only certain dealership partners hired additional help, and only certain dealers have fired them as a result of whatever is going down backstage. Nonetheless, people were fired over this (before they even started) and that's not a BS memo, you have my word. But oh right, that doesn't mean anything on the internet, irrespective of one's reputation. I forgot. ;)
      • xero9, on 07/06/2008, -1/+3@smithereensblog,

        Don't take it personally. I'm always skeptical of everything. And I'm not saying you'd spew false information intentionally, but more that maybe your source isn't as credible as it may see. But I know nothing obviously :)

        Will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next week or two
    • shoover, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2If it is made up, it is at least made up well. And I want to believe, so I'll digg!
    • StickItToRogers, on 07/08/2008, -0/+0@smithereensblog The only way you'll get screwed by Rogers is if you go out to one of their stores on July 11, plunk down $199 for an 8GB or $299 for a 16GB iPhone, and sign up for a 3 year contract with any of their current plans.

      I have a little game to propose to you guys. Let's call it How Long 'til Rogers Caves.

      The rules are simple:

      1) Reply to my post and let everyone know at which date and hour (on the hour) Rogers will issue a press release announcing a change to their iPhone plans, along with an unlimited data plan.

      2) Sit at home and wait it out. Don't go to a Rogers of Fido store until we have a winner.

      The prize? A better deal for Canadians for your iPhone and for wireless data services in general in Canada.

      Stop step right up and post your guess!

      Good luck to all Digg members and,,,

      StickItToRogers
  • imcquill, on 07/06/2008, -0/+17If this is true, I think it would be smart if Apple depleted shipped quantities all the way to 0. Then, Apple Canada could release a press release protesting Rogers rates (a la the letter from Steve Jobs protesting music DRM), and saying that they will offer it when the rates become more reasonable. That'll put the ball in Rogers court and would totally be picked up by all the Canadian media. And it would be horrible PR for Rogers.
    • smithereensblog, on 07/06/2008, -1/+6Apple probably wanted to make a statement without risking a business-interference lawsuit from Rogers (though it may still come to that.) Depletion of units can be blamed on everything from component shortages to shipping errors. And 10-20 units per store is almost as bad as none. It might even be worse.

      Anyway, the real problem is that the wireless providers don't really care about PR anyway in Canada because there is so little competition. Especially when it comes to GSM-only launches like iPhone. What are Canadians going to do if they don't like Rogers?

      • imcquill, on 07/06/2008, -1/+2huh.. I'm not a lawyer, but can't Apple simply choose to not ship somewhere? It seems like that would be their privilege. It's their product. They aren't shipping to a whole lot of countries.
      • smithereensblog, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1It may be their product and their prerogative, but if they signed a contract saying they'd provide iPhones, there's a certain implied legal obligation for them to do so. I've heard of companies served with suits for business interference for far less than that.
  • alpha88, on 07/06/2008, -0/+10*Crosses fingers*
  • Ribbys, on 07/06/2008, -9/+4DONT MESS WITH TEH JOBS!!@$@!#$!$
  • DionRodrigues, on 07/06/2008, -7/+12Maybe Rogers should lower their dataplans.... *HINT HINT WINK WINK*
    • RSterkenburg, on 07/07/2008, -3/+7I believe it's "hint hint NUDGE NUDGE", actually.
      • DelMonte, on 07/07/2008, -0/+14You're both wrong, it's actually "Wink wink, nudge nudge".
    • Canuck, on 07/07/2008, -0/+5Rogers will turn this into a positive. "iPhone sold out in the first weekend of sales"
  • nokiaboy, on 07/06/2008, -2/+18If Apple kicks some sense into Rogers, can the Governor General give Jobs something shiny... for doing a national service.
  • MannyS12, on 07/06/2008, -9/+2It sucks, because in the end us Canadians lose out! I guess I'll have to wait for the iPhone 4G! A fair compromise would be $20 for 2G, $30 for 5G and $50 for Unlimited. Its not as great as other countries, but it would be fair.
  • elfuego, on 07/06/2008, -1/+25So, in other words... Apple realises no one in Canada wants the iPhone with Rogers, and adjusts its shipments accordingly. This probably isn't going to make a huge impact on the situation, though. Rogers isn't getting many (or any) sales with the data plans they're offering... whether there's 10 or 100 unsold iPhones sitting on the Rogers store shelf only makes a difference to Apple since they can send the other 90 somewhere they'll be sold, used, and appreciated.

    But it is good to see Rogers not even getting the chance to sell a large number of these things.
  • PinkChicken, on 07/06/2008, -2/+13To act like Apple had no idea what Rogers would charge seems a little silly.
    • MannyS12, on 07/06/2008, -2/+2How would they have know what Rogers was going to charge?
    • teamchachi, on 07/07/2008, -1/+3Apple probably knew. But they also weren't counting on the backlash that has followed the Rogers announcement. Apple really needs to do SOMETHING to separate themselves from Rogers on this one or they risk damaging their brand.
  • hit9ent, on 07/06/2008, -0/+11It's disgusting that I even worked for Rogers. I can't count how many angry customers would come into my store with horror stories and blame it all on me.
    • teamchachi, on 07/07/2008, -6/+3Now just imagine working for Microsoft!
  • AdamSnow, on 07/07/2008, -3/+5As much as we all wish - Nothing is going to change in their pricing, and they are going to continue as planned with the iPhone 3G.
    • Canuck, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2I agree. Rogers is trying to get as many people locked in for 3 years on the higher plan before the auction is complete and the results available. They know that they are over priced and they know that some people will still sign up with the higher prices.
  • brendanryder, on 07/07/2008, -3/+1some one needs to make stickers with hat thumbnail.
    • smithereensblog, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1Thanks, made it myself... inspired by the old pee-on-Ford and pee-on-Chevy trucking bumper stickers of course!
    • brendanryder, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1of course :D
  • sadmirh, on 07/07/2008, -0/+7support http://www.notrogers.com/ as well
  • davecachia, on 07/07/2008, -0/+8Wow! That is the best new's I've heard in awhile.
    Way to stick it to the man guys.

    We Canadian's have put up with too much ***** as far as rates are concerned, and Apple has realized that the market here is just not what they're looking for.

    /clap to all that were involved in this movement.
  • chubbybubba, on 07/07/2008, -7/+1Apple supports rogers high priced data plans. Just like at&t they get a cut of every service plan sold.
    • pradaaddict, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4No they dont actually. That was a two year arrangement with AT&T alone as part of the exclusive agreement. Every penny will go into Rogers coffers, even the system access fee.
  • pradaaddict, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2I Dugg you but i have my reservations. I've been disappointed before with rumors like these that claim to have come from an inside source. It also doesn't say anything about Rogers actually offering unlimited data for 30 or even 50$ a month; which is what we really want.
    • smithereensblog, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1Thanks for the Digg, but the only way you could be disappointed by this story is if you jump to your own conclusions prematurely. I just put out there what I know - that initial shipments have been reduced, that they have been diverted to Europe, that some part time help hired for the launch have been let go and that Apple backlash over pricing plans *might* be a reason. (So might shipping or manufacturing issues. Or a belief by Apple that the units would sell faster elsewhere.)

      Personally, I am doubtful that even this magnitude of bad PR will convince Rogers to offer a competitive (read: unlimited) data pricing plan. But we can dream!
  • plurk, on 07/07/2008, -7/+2ROTFLMAO.

    If this is truly the reason for the reduced shipment, all I can say is "Cutting off your nose to spite your face."

    Sure, Rogers' data rates are worse than the US' (mind, much, much better than they were a month ago), but all the complaining resulted in less phones for the Canadian market. I just find that amusing.

    Good job to all who were involved in complaining. Looking on the bright side, I won't be able to call most of you hypocrites who bought iPhones anyway. LOL!
  • cosmos411, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4I used to work as a developer for Rogers. You would be shocked to learn how incompetent they really are. The only reason they survive is because of the money and name they created for themselves back in the original days. The other thing is that they are f*cking cheap. Like I said, I was working for them and they wouldn't even give me a deal on a phone .. not even a used phone! To add insult to injury I was once given a Rogers YoYo, a chocolate bar with the Rogers logo on it and a Rogers chap stick as a gift of appreciation. What am I six years old? I remember asking my PM if the chap stick was to lube up my ass for the Rogers execs. The funny thing is that I didn't get fired for it. It's funny how you're job tends to be more secure when you don't give a turd about it. I suppose I cold have left, but a paycheck is a better than nothing.
    • billbugger, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1Sounds like XO Communications. They were a client of a company i worked for. I would never work for XO!!
  • kelpee, on 07/07/2008, -0/+6I phone Rogers once or twice a year to complain about my bill. I often tell the person on the other end of the phone that although it's not their fault, they really should be ashamed of themselves working for such a dreadful organization.

    I tried to cancel my grandmothers cable service through rogers. She had died. The person on the other end asked for a different number to contact my grandmother. The conversation ended with me screaming irrately, "what part of ***** dead don't you understand?!"

    I hate Rogers. Thankfully I'm not fond of Apple products and this release will not effect me. My Blackberry 8310 works good enough, but for the $200 + a month I pay I really believe it should be able to get me off or something. Maybe shine my shoes or make some coffee?
  • HappyScrappy, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4It just sounds to me (as mentioned above I believe) that Apple has limited supply and sees that Rogers will hav elower sales than expected due to boycotts and crappy plans in general and thus allocated those units elsewhere.
  • eltardo, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2Comment in reply to Cosmos411, stated above... "I used to work as a developer for Rogers. You would be shocked to learn how incompetent they really are. "

    No Cosmos, we wouldn't. Anybody that has ever had to deal with these no talent ass clowns are more than aware of their sheer stupidity. Anytime you can call a company and it takes you over thirty minutes on hold when you want to change your phone package, or 5-10 minutes just navigating their lame ass 'automated voice control' systems... you know you're dealing with retards. I've found the fastest way to get to a voice operator when the automated system starts, is to swear loudly. This pretty much moves you to the top of line haha. Man, they just plain suck. I can do without an iphone just fine thanks, F U Rogers, F U indeed.
  • baudbwoy, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1don't buy it
  • jirv, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1at&t plans suck as well.....69.99 starting....no texts?!?!?
  • nub4life, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3Basically, being seen with a Roger's 3G iPhone in Canada is going to be the same as wearing a dunce cap.
  • phdude, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2***** Rogers!
  • supermanKD, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1There are tons of people walking around with these ***** Blackberry Pearls paying out there assholes for a ***** plan. I am paying around $120 every month and I only get 7MB of data (I use a lot of minutes) I rarely go over my limit but that is because browsing on my pearl is about as useful as George Bush in a spelling contest. The iPhone plans are still ***** but I will still be getting one. Why be so silly you ask? I am on my 5th Pearl this year and it is broken once again, it isn't even scratched. That and I would like to be able to sync my phone with my mac. I am even disgusted with the windows blackberry software 400+mb download WTF? On top of all that my plan is still going to be the same price or less. I think the only solution here is some government regulation on Rogers they basically have a monopoly and it is *****.
  • trueenuff, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2Buried for use of Calvin image. Bill Watterson's work deserves more respect.
  • hayato75, on 07/08/2008, -0/+0posting the comment from abatrour into this:

    " The only way we're going to get cheaper plans and to stop getting screwed over by the telco's is by passing bill C-555
    Please sign this petition and contact your MP demanding that they support bill C-555. "

    http://www.davidmcguinty.com/english/Take_Action/P ...
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