Rogers alters iPhone 3G pricing amid consumer gripes

Rogers Communications in Canada, the only operator selling the iPhone 3G in that country, has succumbed to Canadian consumer backlash over the data fees it is planned to charge. Rogers now says the customers who purchase an iPhone, which goes on sale tomorrow, by Aug. 31 and sign a three-year contract with the operator will receive 6 GB of data for $29.44 (30 Canadian dollars) per month. Rogers originally charged $75 per month, the same as AT&T in the U.S., but the price offered Canadians a third less calling time, half as many text messages, and put a cap on 3G data usage--with steep fees for users who go over their monthly limit.

Rogers claimed that it initially didn't have a lot of information about how customers wanted to use the new 3G iPhone. As that information became available, the operator said it became clear that customers were eager to use the device's data capabilities to the fullest potential, so it responded with a new price.

For more:
- check out the WSJ (sub. req.)

Related stories:
Chronicling the humiliation and anger induced by the iPhone 3G. iPhone 3G editorial
iPhone: rumors and consumer rebellion. iPhone story