Public Petition for iPhone
By Techgirl
Apple’s iPhone has been one of the most successful digital devices in history earning it billions of dollars. Its latest version, the 3G iPhone, is faster and uses GPS and hundreds of other applications to make life easier for its users. In India, the iPhone will be offered by both Bharti Airtel and Vodafone. As a matter of policy, Apple does not allow more than one or two telecom companies to sell their iPhone in any one country. This exclusivity has added to the aura of the iPhone.
In Australia, only two telecom companies Vodafone and Optus were contracted to sell iPhones. Other Australian telecom players like 3 and Telstra (the dominant Telecom player) missed out on the opportunity to sell the iPhone.
In what must be a world first, the 3 mobile network in Australia has launched a public petition today to get Apple bosses to change their mind, and give them a contract as well. 3 has set up a website three.com.au/iphone which went live today to get people to convince Apple to give 3 a chance. When techgoss checked out the website today more than 700 people had left comments urging Apple to give 3 an ‘opportunity’.
Whether 3 succeeds or not, one has to admire its clever marketing strategy. In Australia, 3 have built a credible reputation with quality broadband and 3G products.
Next, expect managers from Aditya Birla Group’s Idea Cellular holding a peaceful demonstration outside Apple offices to pitch for the iPhone. If that does not work, how about a hunger strike outside Apple offices at Vittal Mallya Road in Bangalore? Come to think of it, with all wining and dining done by Telecom managers, an occasional hunger strike can only be a “win-win” situation.
Techgoss note: Apple has teamed up with 3’s parent company Hutchison in Chinese Hong Kong and Macau.
Techgoss note: Techgirl is a senior Tech journalist who reports on the IT, BPO and KPO Sectors for a leading media house. In her spare time, she dabbles in satire in her blog
http://techgirltalk.blogspot.com/
(6/27/2008) |