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Thu, October 16, 2008 |
Last Updated: October 14,2008 5:03:25 pm
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July 11th, 2008, By Scott Tavener
International iPhone Fever: 3G Takes Off
 The NewsToday, the iPhone 3G launched in 22 countries, bringing with it smart phone fever, massive queues, pricing controversy, and handset envy the world over. Behind the NewsWhen the original iPhone first entered the American market during the summer of 2007, retailers were overwhelmed with demand, leading to overnight and all-day lines, black market bidding, and a general deluge of tech euphoria. In November 2007, Apple released iPhone in Europe brokering deals with the UK, Germany, and France. Austria and the Republic of Ireland followed in early 2008. Rolling out slower than a fat Transformer, most of the world was left lying in wait.
Following Apple's May unveiling of the 3G version - a faster, cheaper upgrade to the original - International anticipation became fervent. Shortly thereafter, Apple announced plans to introduce the 3G to twenty two markets on July 11th, turning the day into Christmas in July for tech fans the world over. In addition to the original six fortunate countries, Canada, Norway, Portugal, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and a number of others finally got their fingers on the coveted handset. According to Television New Zealand, the first 3G iPhone sold at retail went to a 22 year old New Zealander at one minute after midnight, New Zealand time. The sale kicked off a selling bonanza that saw that country engulfed in an iPhone fever that continued past regular closing time. Similar scenes played out across the world, moving to Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and continuing westward to Canada, where one of the more contentious iPhone launches took place. Canada's sole carrier, Rogers Wireless, has endured a deluge of negative publicity in the weeks leading up to the iPhone release: an online petition protesting the exorbitant rates accrued over 62 000 e-signatures. Still, the controversy didn't abate mass sales, with customers - presumably vacation-day takers and the unemployed (at $199 it's an expensive purchase for the poor) - forming massive lines outside of retail outlets. Like shops across the world, Rogers introduced temporary special hours to accommodate the swelling demand. While iPhone controversy ballooned in Canada, the frenzy grew in other countries. Naturally, Apple does not mandate the price of its phones, thus there's a vast disparity in the cost of both the handset and oft-contentious accompanying data plans. Rogers Wireless fails to offer an unlimited plan while its American counterpart, AT&T has relatively affordable rates that require far less contractual commitment and internet and voice usage, including an unlimited choice. Across the globe, plans vary hugely with certain countries throwing in free 3Gs for signing a contract and others only requiring a nominal fee that's comparable to other smart phone plans. Though lines stretched through high streets and outside of malls in most markets, Reuters reported a less than compelling performance in Helsinki, where only a handful of customers line up. Regardless of a handful of underperforming areas, early reports suggest a hugely successful launch. The original 2G moved well over 6 million units and, as the fervour continues, the 3G is expected to eclipse that mark in the coming months. Now available in 22 countries, availability will eventually expand to an additional 49 (don't worry, Nicaragua and Hungary, your time is coming). Comments
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