Well, there is lots of excitement and anticipation in the air as Apple releases their 3G iPhone on Friday. I don’t even know what 3G is, I just know it’s better. Many Americans and weighing their options, deciding whether or not to upgrade.
Here in Canada, it’s a bit different. First, the iPhone is coming to Canada for this first time. (I know some Canadians already have one, unlocked and working with their provider, but that’s different.) So… that’s exciting. But something is raining on the iPhone parade. Rogers Wireless. That is the service provider for the iPhone, here in Canada.
Traditionally, Canadians have one of the most expensive wireless plans in the world. Notoriously bad. I think that the hope was, as negotiations wore on between Rogers and Apple, the result would be improved rates all around, for everyone. However, a couple of weeks ago, Rogers released the iPhone plan pricing. And all hell broke loose. It sucks, to put it plainly.
The main things that I notice are – required 3 year contract and very limited data plan. Bad. Expensive. Unfair. You can read a more in depth analysis of the problem here. Canadians are in an uproar. Rogers now has a major PR problem. There are rumors that Apple is pissed, and has is diverting some of the shipment to Europe, because they anticipate poor sales. And people are not only planning to boycott the iPhone through Rogers, but they’ve started petitions as well.
I’ve been going back and forth about the iPhone. I want one. I really really really really want one. However, I don’t need one. And the plan upsets me. I’m on some kind of waiting list at a Roger’s outlet. But I honestly do not know what to do. I don’t think the rates are fair (do American cell phone companies charge a monthly $6.95 access fee? Or does this just seem outrageous to me?). And , when it boils right down to it, I don’t need to be spending money on such things.
But I want one. I really really really want one. Which side will win out? Hedonism or Practicality? You know me, what do you think?
Time will tell.
PS I really want one.
EDIT TO ADD. What I forgot to mention is, as bad as the Canadian plan is, Australia’s is actually worse. Where exactly does The Man live? Because I think we need to stick it to him on this.
You’re preaching to the choir over here. I seriously want one but don’t need one at all. And the pricing sucks.
Apparently, they made the rate slightly better today, but so far, it’s only introductory.
Good research, Jodi.
3G stands for third generation, meaning this is the third version of the iPhone to be introduced to the buying public. Sometimes my brain knows things, but usually not.
I’ve always thought “really really really” was the ultimate suggestion of need. Three ‘reallys’ is a lot. At one point you have a string of four put together.
I really really want one, so I’m more on the fence than you are. I don’t need one either.
This comment, I suppose, isn’t so much to offer advice than to let you know I feel your pain.
The iPhone 3G is really nice. But it is an investment. And Rogers Wireless is really being unfair. To purchase the iPhone 3G and use it on their network is to condone treatment that you think is unfair. One of the best ways for the consumer to vote and show dissent is through the refusal to purchase any product or service that is thought of as unfair or unjust. By that logic, I would say that you just avoid purchasing the phone until Rogers serves up a fair, affordable plan.
By the way, “3G” is the moniker for the 3rd generation standard for cell phone technology.
1G was analog.
2G introduced digital transmission of information at 28.8-53.6kbps (kilobytes per second).
2.5G upped that to 144kbps.
3G upped that further to 144kbps-several megabytes per second.
Ha! This is why I hate the iPhone. It’s not as bad, but the whole AT&T bollocks here is pretty nazi-esque.
Apple used to be cuddly! When did they turn into the hipster Microsoft?
Thanks for the comment on my blog, by the way. Martin gives you a wave!