Canada back on 3G iPhone radar: Rogers Wireless alters rate plans following consumer, Apple outcry

Canadians gasping for air after finding out that Apple Inc.’s iPhone may not be crossing its borders can take a breather. The new 3G iPhone will be released in Canada this Friday and the accompanying rate plans will be lower than anticipated.
Rogers Wireless Inc., the only communications company in Canada set to sell the 3G iPhone, has announced new data pricing plans resting at $30 per month for 6 gigabytes of data transmission, quite different from the company’s original pricing. After news that Rogers was pricing the data and voice plans for the 3G iPhone ranging from $60 to $115 per month, Apple responded by pulling devices and not allowing Canadian Apple Retail stores to sell the new iPhone. More than 50,000 angry Rogers customers and loyal Apple customers made a blatant response to the steep pricing by signing an anti-Rogers petition at ruinediphone.com. Both efforts likely opened the eyes of the Canadian communication company and pushed them to offer a new, lower price. However, Apple retail stores in Canada getting the phones back is still up in the air. Apple was unavailable for comment on the matter.
The new, lower price data option can be added to in-market voice plans, but is only a promotion and will not be around forever. To take advantage of the $30 price tag, customers must agree to a three-year contract and activate their new phone and plan before Aug. 31.