Rogers Feels the Recession in Declining iPhone 3G Sales

You can’t go anywhere nowadays without hearing people talk about the economy and how times are tough at the moment. During a recession people cut spending and when it comes to Rogers and the iPhone 3G, it seems as though Q4 results have echoed these exact sentiments.

iPhone 3G Sales Dip in Canada

Rogers reported only 130,000 new iPhone accounts in the fourth quarter, which typically is a time of tremendous growth for wireless sectors given the increase in holidays spending. Compare this number to the 255,000 new iPhone accounts Rogers signed up the previous quarter and you soon realize sign ups have dropped roughly in half.

We’ve all seen the massive Rogers iPhone 3G banners talking about how the phone will make the perfect Christmas gift. Well, unfortunately this year end wasn’t as favorable as Rogers thought it would be. Given the fact that the iPhone 3G is the hottest selling cellphone at the moment, it’s a surprise Rogers didn’t eclipse or match the sales from Q3. It looks like people have definitely prioritized their spending and the iPhone 3G doesn’t top the list!

Reasons For the Decline in iPhone Sales

But, of course one could argue that the first batch of sign ups originated from the die hard I-must-have-an-iPhone-3G crowd, setting the benchmark for sales to come. However, only to discover that sales in the subsequent quarter dropped by 50% is a bit shocking to me.

Owning an iPhone 3G is not cheap because you are not only responsible for a voice plan and data plan, but you’ll also be signing onto a three year contract. If you’re researching an iPhone 3G don’t forget my tips on choosing the best iPhone plan, such as the Rogers/Fido EPP in conjunction with the new data value packs.

What’s your take on the dip in iPhone 3G sales? The global financial crisis? Maybe the people have spoken against Rogers? Or are people saving and holding out for the iPhone 4G? Let’s hear it!

rogers-iphone[Globe and Mail]

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Teebs
Teebs
17 years ago

I’m in for partial reasoning of the recession and also that the people who really wanted an iPhone got theirs already. Now it’s just the stragglers which I’m assuming is now back to normal. I’d say Q4 was expected since their release craze was pretty much just finishing up- If they wanted to double their Q3 sales then they should have came out with a 32GB iPhone or anything to get the consumers out of love with their older iPhones. That’s the only way they will get the numbers again is if they come up with a new product that follows up the 3G: new colours, bigger size, smaller size, video capture- better phone functions: turn by turn, MMS, etc.

I wouldn’t say people are waiting for the iPhone 4G… maybe 1% – I don’t think there a lot of people demanding the 4G just yet. Mayb

Justin
Justin
17 years ago

Have the 30 dollar for 6G back for a month will help sell more units.

Terry
17 years ago

How many people would really give a $3000 gift to someone? LOL! Can you imagine getting an iPhone and then finding out you had to pay for the monthly plan! Talk about a lump of coal! The iPhone is something that people would buy on their own as gift for themselves, not for someone else unless it was a spouse/partner and they were willing to foot the bill.

Rogers should have concentrated on trying to pull in people on existing contracts and trying to get them to buy two phones (one for husband and one for wife) with a family plan deal.

The ads for the iPhone seemed very generic, almost as if Rogers thought the phones would “sell themselves”.

Tom
Tom
17 years ago

I want, no, NEED an iPhone. I’m in Alberta and I just can’t pull the trigger to sign a three year contract with Rogers. I had Rogers previously and got a 600 dollar roaming bill after a weekend at the Daytona 500. My fault, yes, for not understanding my rate plan…however, Rogers was no sympathetic in any fashion. Now, the phone I really want, no, NEED comes with a hefty price tag. The price tag is not the 60 a month for 3 years…the price tag is Rogers for 3 years. I just can’t seem to do it. I was even on the phone, last night, with a Rogers rep to buy two phones, but she just didn’t give me the impression that she knew anymore about the plans and phone than the website states. I wanted some human interaction.

I have an iTouch…I know about the phone…I know how cool it is. That’s why I want it so bad. I don’t give a rip about 4G or 64Megs. I have an 8G iTouch and can’t seem to fill it up the way I use it. I’m not waiting for a “nano,” because I like to use the phone for multimedia so I want the bigger screen. I don’t care about the 2MP camera…cuz it’s a phone! And 2MP is way better than the piece of crap I have now.

I’ll say it one more time for all to hear. The only reason I don’t have an iPhone (and it’s KILLING ME!) is Rogers.

Cheers!

Fred
Fred
Reply to  Tom
17 years ago

I so feel your pain man!!!

Marko55
Marko55
Reply to  Tom
17 years ago

Hey Torn…

I’ll sell you a new 3G iphone…then you dont need a “plan”…you can make your own…
I have an extra…as I have upgraded from 8 to a 16 gig. I can do it through paypal if you want. You can use it with any GSM carrier…not that there are very many other than your friends at Rogers…sorry

Graype
Graype
17 years ago

Reduce the 3 year contract to max 2 years, and modify the current value plan to include everything it has now, but with a maximum extra data usage charge of $30 per month, not $100. Two years of $17.50 voice, $30/$20 data value plan, and max $30 data overage would increase sales. I’m also assuming the $6.95 is a thing of the past for all plans in 2009. Remember competition should arrive later in 2009 with no extra profit fees.

Fred Penner
Fred Penner
17 years ago

Honestly. Is there a real reason why the Rogers iPhone plans are so expensive. I have one and I love it, but I am a tech nut and am willing to pay the price right now. But for an average user, what is with the redicluas pricing. Because Rogers is such a pig, I am gone the second someone else has iPhones in Canada (perhaps 4G will be CDMA or the like).

Really tho. Does it cost Rogers more on the network when it is an iPhone? Come on.

Its like selling a ferrari for 2$ – But (and there is always a but), it costs $1000 per KM to drive.

And BTW, the Rogers staff in no way understand Rogers plans so do not trust anything you hear from them. All they know is to tell you what you already know. Dig a bit and they are as lost as you are.

Cgyrunner
Cgyrunner
17 years ago

And let’s remember that more smartphones are coming onto the market all the time providing greater choice.

iPhone Fan
Reply to  Cgyrunner
17 years ago

Like the new Palm pre! 😉

visco
visco
17 years ago

I got the iphone without the data plan and had data disabled – Rogers will not tell you this is an option and try to fear monger you into the data plan. It is possible on any phone, but with the iphone they need to add extra blocks for data.

This essentially makes it an ipod touch with phone capabilities and saves me 30$. Of course this is only if you don’t need internet on the go. But a good budget conscious alternative.

Christine
Christine
Reply to  visco
17 years ago

I have had a 2g 4 g since July bought 3rd party its been great I to had the Data turned of
I now have just got a Refurbished iphone from Rogers $149 again no data plan I’m really happy to have a contract 250min early eve 6pm & weekends 100 LD free , free incoming ,2500 text, enhanced voice mail and a load of things I don’t even use $25 my son has the same for $20 even with all the extras systems,911,both taxes its only $34

Mikey Twit
17 years ago

It’s the plan for me that nixes it. If I could get a reasonable voice/data plan for no more than $60 INCLUDING taxes, SAF, etc, then I would do it, but as it stands after taxes and the above you end up at almost $90/mth, it’s too rich for my(wife’s!) blood, especially in these economic times.

WillieWaller
WillieWaller
Reply to  Mikey Twit
17 years ago

You should check out my post on this thread: https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/rogers-releases-new-iphone-data-value-packs/

I was able to get all you’re asking for 59,25$ monthly, INCLUDING taxes and SAF. Call Fido. NOW!!!

justin
justin
17 years ago

you don’t have to get a $90 plan. if you negotiate a fair deal, it can be really good.

mine comes in at $70 taxes included.
275mins
R2R
call ID
free after 6
100LD mins
6GB data plan

iPhone Fan
Reply to  justin
17 years ago

Agree. My initial iPhone monthly plan was $90 but now it is now $65+SAF/Taxes. 😉

Superbman
Superbman
Reply to  justin
17 years ago

My plan:
250 daytime
free after 6/weekends
1000 (yes, thousand, not hundred) CDN LD
iphone value pack (call id, 2500 txt, visual vm)
Free R2R
Unlimited incoming
6Gb data plan
Total after all discounts: $70/month, SAF + 911 + taxes all in

i’m a good negotiator 😉

h2
h2
17 years ago

^ I’ve got all of the above, but with 300 daytime PLUS free R2F as well. $70 taxes and all fee’s in. On a retention plan, no negotiating needed for me 🙂

Nasir
Nasir
17 years ago

I think Plans need to be revised to get bigger sales and as new Players coming in the market. Definately Profit access fee is the past thing now.3 year to become 2 yr and it will be better.

Mr.Metal
Mr.Metal
17 years ago

I agree with Nasir, I have been dreaming with getting the iPhone, money is not an issue, I do believe the hardware is worth it, but the plans are a total letdown. Even the other plans they announced a while back (30$ for 6GB, etc.) don’t appeal to me that much and the fact that we have to sign for 3 years with them is what completely turns me off…

We’ll see who cracks down first :p

Teebs
Teebs
17 years ago

I’m in for partial reasoning of the recession and also that the people who really wanted an iPhone got theirs already. Now it’s just the stragglers which I’m assuming is now back to normal. I’d say Q4 was expected since their release craze was pretty much just finishing up- If they wanted to double their Q3 sales then they should have came out with a 32GB iPhone or anything to get the consumers out of love with their older iPhones. That’s the only way they will get the numbers again is if they come up with a new product that follows up the 3G: new colours, bigger size, smaller size, video capture- better phone functions: turn by turn, MMS, etc.

I wouldn’t say people are waiting for the iPhone 4G… maybe 1% – I don’t think there a lot of people demanding the 4G just yet. Mayb

Justin
Justin
17 years ago

Have the 30 dollar for 6G back for a month will help sell more units.

Justin
Justin
17 years ago

Have the 30 dollar for 6G back for a month will help sell more units.

Terry
17 years ago

How many people would really give a $3000 gift to someone? LOL! Can you imagine getting an iPhone and then finding out you had to pay for the monthly plan! Talk about a lump of coal! The iPhone is something that people would buy on their own as gift for themselves, not for someone else unless it was a spouse/partner and they were willing to foot the bill.

Rogers should have concentrated on trying to pull in people on existing contracts and trying to get them to buy two phones (one for husband and one for wife) with a family plan deal.

The ads for the iPhone seemed very generic, almost as if Rogers thought the phones would “sell themselves”.

Tom
Tom
17 years ago

I want, no, NEED an iPhone. I’m in Alberta and I just can’t pull the trigger to sign a three year contract with Rogers. I had Rogers previously and got a 600 dollar roaming bill after a weekend at the Daytona 500. My fault, yes, for not understanding my rate plan…however, Rogers was no sympathetic in any fashion. Now, the phone I really want, no, NEED comes with a hefty price tag. The price tag is not the 60 a month for 3 years…the price tag is Rogers for 3 years. I just can’t seem to do it. I was even on the phone, last night, with a Rogers rep to buy two phones, but she just didn’t give me the impression that she knew anymore about the plans and phone than the website states. I wanted some human interaction.

I have an iTouch…I know about the phone…I know how cool it is. That’s why I want it so bad. I don’t give a rip about 4G or 64Megs. I have an 8G iTouch and can’t seem to fill it up the way I use it. I’m not waiting for a “nano,” because I like to use the phone for multimedia so I want the bigger screen. I don’t care about the 2MP camera…cuz it’s a phone! And 2MP is way better than the piece of crap I have now.

I’ll say it one more time for all to hear. The only reason I don’t have an iPhone (and it’s KILLING ME!) is Rogers.

Cheers!

Tom
Tom
17 years ago

I want, no, NEED an iPhone. I’m in Alberta and I just can’t pull the trigger to sign a three year contract with Rogers. I had Rogers previously and got a 600 dollar roaming bill after a weekend at the Daytona 500. My fault, yes, for not understanding my rate plan…however, Rogers was no sympathetic in any fashion. Now, the phone I really want, no, NEED comes with a hefty price tag. The price tag is not the 60 a month for 3 years…the price tag is Rogers for 3 years. I just can’t seem to do it. I was even on the phone, last night, with a Rogers rep to buy two phones, but she just didn’t give me the impression that she knew anymore about the plans and phone than the website states. I wanted some human interaction.

I have an iTouch…I know about the phone…I know how cool it is. That’s why I want it so bad. I don’t give a rip about 4G or 64Megs. I have an 8G iTouch and can’t seem to fill it up the way I use it. I’m not waiting for a “nano,” because I like to use the phone for multimedia so I want the bigger screen. I don’t care about the 2MP camera…cuz it’s a phone! And 2MP is way better than the piece of crap I have now.

I’ll say it one more time for all to hear. The only reason I don’t have an iPhone (and it’s KILLING ME!) is Rogers.

Cheers!

Tom
Tom
17 years ago

I want, no, NEED an iPhone. I’m in Alberta and I just can’t pull the trigger to sign a three year contract with Rogers. I had Rogers previously and got a 600 dollar roaming bill after a weekend at the Daytona 500. My fault, yes, for not understanding my rate plan…however, Rogers was no sympathetic in any fashion. Now, the phone I really want, no, NEED comes with a hefty price tag. The price tag is not the 60 a month for 3 years…the price tag is Rogers for 3 years. I just can’t seem to do it. I was even on the phone, last night, with a Rogers rep to buy two phones, but she just didn’t give me the impression that she knew anymore about the plans and phone than the website states. I wanted some human interaction.

I have an iTouch…I know about the phone…I know how cool it is. That’s why I want it so bad. I don’t give a rip about 4G or 64Megs. I have an 8G iTouch and can’t seem to fill it up the way I use it. I’m not waiting for a “nano,” because I like to use the phone for multimedia so I want the bigger screen. I don’t care about the 2MP camera…cuz it’s a phone! And 2MP is way better than the piece of crap I have now.

I’ll say it one more time for all to hear. The only reason I don’t have an iPhone (and it’s KILLING ME!) is Rogers.

Cheers!

Graype
Graype
17 years ago

Reduce the 3 year contract to max 2 years, and modify the current value plan to include everything it has now, but with a maximum extra data usage charge of $30 per month, not $100. Two years of $17.50 voice, $30/$20 data value plan, and max $30 data overage would increase sales. I’m also assuming the $6.95 is a thing of the past for all plans in 2009. Remember competition should arrive later in 2009 with no extra profit fees.

Graype
Graype
17 years ago

Reduce the 3 year contract to max 2 years, and modify the current value plan to include everything it has now, but with a maximum extra data usage charge of $30 per month, not $100. Two years of $17.50 voice, $30/$20 data value plan, and max $30 data overage would increase sales. I’m also assuming the $6.95 is a thing of the past for all plans in 2009. Remember competition should arrive later in 2009 with no extra profit fees.

Fred Penner
Fred Penner
17 years ago

Honestly. Is there a real reason why the Rogers iPhone plans are so expensive. I have one and I love it, but I am a tech nut and am willing to pay the price right now. But for an average user, what is with the redicluas pricing. Because Rogers is such a pig, I am gone the second someone else has iPhones in Canada (perhaps 4G will be CDMA or the like).

Really tho. Does it cost Rogers more on the network when it is an iPhone? Come on.

Its like selling a ferrari for 2$ – But (and there is always a but), it costs $1000 per KM to drive.

And BTW, the Rogers staff in no way understand Rogers plans so do not trust anything you hear from them. All they know is to tell you what you already know. Dig a bit and they are as lost as you are.

Fred Penner
Fred Penner
17 years ago

Honestly. Is there a real reason why the Rogers iPhone plans are so expensive. I have one and I love it, but I am a tech nut and am willing to pay the price right now. But for an average user, what is with the redicluas pricing. Because Rogers is such a pig, I am gone the second someone else has iPhones in Canada (perhaps 4G will be CDMA or the like).

Really tho. Does it cost Rogers more on the network when it is an iPhone? Come on.

Its like selling a ferrari for 2$ – But (and there is always a but), it costs $1000 per KM to drive.

And BTW, the Rogers staff in no way understand Rogers plans so do not trust anything you hear from them. All they know is to tell you what you already know. Dig a bit and they are as lost as you are.

Fred
Fred
17 years ago

I so feel your pain man!!!

Fred
Fred
17 years ago

I so feel your pain man!!!

Cgyrunner
Cgyrunner
17 years ago

And let’s remember that more smartphones are coming onto the market all the time providing greater choice.

Cgyrunner
Cgyrunner
17 years ago

And let’s remember that more smartphones are coming onto the market all the time providing greater choice.

visco
visco
17 years ago

I got the iphone without the data plan and had data disabled – Rogers will not tell you this is an option and try to fear monger you into the data plan. It is possible on any phone, but with the iphone they need to add extra blocks for data.

This essentially makes it an ipod touch with phone capabilities and saves me 30$. Of course this is only if you don’t need internet on the go. But a good budget conscious alternative.

visco
visco
17 years ago

I got the iphone without the data plan and had data disabled – Rogers will not tell you this is an option and try to fear monger you into the data plan. It is possible on any phone, but with the iphone they need to add extra blocks for data.

This essentially makes it an ipod touch with phone capabilities and saves me 30$. Of course this is only if you don’t need internet on the go. But a good budget conscious alternative.

Mikey Twit
17 years ago

It’s the plan for me that nixes it. If I could get a reasonable voice/data plan for no more than $60 INCLUDING taxes, SAF, etc, then I would do it, but as it stands after taxes and the above you end up at almost $90/mth, it’s too rich for my(wife’s!) blood, especially in these economic times.

Mikey Twit
17 years ago

It’s the plan for me that nixes it. If I could get a reasonable voice/data plan for no more than $60 INCLUDING taxes, SAF, etc, then I would do it, but as it stands after taxes and the above you end up at almost $90/mth, it’s too rich for my(wife’s!) blood, especially in these economic times.

Christine
Christine
17 years ago

I have had a 2g 4 g since July bought 3rd party its been great I to had the Data turned of
I now have just got a Refurbished iphone from Rogers $149 again no data plan I’m really happy to have a contract 250min early eve 6pm & weekends 100 LD free , free incoming ,2500 text, enhanced voice mail and a load of things I don’t even use $25 my son has the same for $20 even with all the extras systems,911,both taxes its only $34

Christine
Christine
17 years ago

I have had a 2g 4 g since July bought 3rd party its been great I to had the Data turned of
I now have just got a Refurbished iphone from Rogers $149 again no data plan I’m really happy to have a contract 250min early eve 6pm & weekends 100 LD free , free incoming ,2500 text, enhanced voice mail and a load of things I don’t even use $25 my son has the same for $20 even with all the extras systems,911,both taxes its only $34

justin
justin
17 years ago

you don’t have to get a $90 plan. if you negotiate a fair deal, it can be really good.

mine comes in at $70 taxes included.
275mins
R2R
call ID
free after 6
100LD mins
6GB data plan

justin
justin
17 years ago

you don’t have to get a $90 plan. if you negotiate a fair deal, it can be really good.

mine comes in at $70 taxes included.
275mins
R2R
call ID
free after 6
100LD mins
6GB data plan

Gary
17 years ago

Like the new Palm pre! 😉

Gary
17 years ago

Like the new Palm pre! 😉

Gary
17 years ago

Agree. My initial iPhone monthly plan was $90 but now it is now $65+SAF/Taxes. 😉

Gary
17 years ago

Agree. My initial iPhone monthly plan was $90 but now it is now $65+SAF/Taxes. 😉

Marko55
Marko55
17 years ago

Hey Torn…

I’ll sell you a new 3G iphone…then you dont need a “plan”…you can make your own…
I have an extra…as I have upgraded from 8 to a 16 gig. I can do it through paypal if you want. You can use it with any GSM carrier…not that there are very many other than your friends at Rogers…sorry

Marko55
Marko55
17 years ago

Hey Torn…

I’ll sell you a new 3G iphone…then you dont need a “plan”…you can make your own…
I have an extra…as I have upgraded from 8 to a 16 gig. I can do it through paypal if you want. You can use it with any GSM carrier…not that there are very many other than your friends at Rogers…sorry

Superbman
Superbman
17 years ago

My plan:
250 daytime
free after 6/weekends
1000 (yes, thousand, not hundred) CDN LD
iphone value pack (call id, 2500 txt, visual vm)
Free R2R
Unlimited incoming
6Gb data plan
Total after all discounts: $70/month, SAF + 911 + taxes all in

i’m a good negotiator 😉

WillieWaller
WillieWaller
17 years ago

You should check out my post on this thread: https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/rogers-releases-new-iphone-data-value-packs/

I was able to get all you’re asking for 59,25$ monthly, INCLUDING taxes and SAF. Call Fido. NOW!!!

WillieWaller
WillieWaller
17 years ago

You should check out my post on this thread: https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/rogers-releases-new-iphone-data-value-packs/

I was able to get all you’re asking for 59,25$ monthly, INCLUDING taxes and SAF. Call Fido. NOW!!!

h2
h2
17 years ago

^ I’ve got all of the above, but with 300 daytime PLUS free R2F as well. $70 taxes and all fee’s in. On a retention plan, no negotiating needed for me 🙂

h2
h2
17 years ago

^ I’ve got all of the above, but with 300 daytime PLUS free R2F as well. $70 taxes and all fee’s in. On a retention plan, no negotiating needed for me 🙂

h2
h2
17 years ago

^ I’ve got all of the above, but with 300 daytime PLUS free R2F as well. $70 taxes and all fee’s in. On a retention plan, no negotiating needed for me 🙂

Nasir
Nasir
17 years ago

I think Plans need to be revised to get bigger sales and as new Players coming in the market. Definately Profit access fee is the past thing now.3 year to become 2 yr and it will be better.

Nasir
Nasir
17 years ago

I think Plans need to be revised to get bigger sales and as new Players coming in the market. Definately Profit access fee is the past thing now.3 year to become 2 yr and it will be better.

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