Hey Canada, You Think Your iPhone Deal Sucks?

I feel a bit sorry at the moment, watching Mark Rushworth squirm on Campbell Live trying to defend an indefensible position. Unfortunately, I can only hear the phrase “our plans provide great value” so often before I switch off.

For those new to the game, iPhone 3G is a new device produced by Apple. It’s a second generation product but it’s the first time that Kiwis will be able to get their hands on it fully supported by a telco. In NZ, that telco is Vodafone. The offending plans are here. A run-down on other countries far more reasonable plans are here. Sweaty geek outrage can be found here.

Obviously, Vodafone have the freedom to take their iPhone resale privilege wherever they like, although it seems that Apple did not look to kindly on providers who upset their customers over the much drooled-over device. So in this instance, if the Herald “Your Views” section is to be believed, Vodafone has used their freedom to walk off a cliff and spell the end of their business (Isn’t the crowd a fickle beast? Hard right when it suits them, socialist comrades when it’s something they want, plain frothing insanity the rest of the time).

Not quite.

This is an obvious occurrence of the “early adopter fee”, notoriously common with Apple products. In six months there will be a multitude of phones that will match the iPhone for features and ease of use. Microsoft are planning a release of their new Windows Mobile OS, Nokia will bring the goodies with their new N96 and series of other phones to build on where they left off. Of more importance, Google plan to launch Android alongside the HTC Dream. Definitely a duo to watch out for.

Also, don’t forget that Telecom will be launching it’s GSM network later this year (or was it last year?) which should stir up a little bit of competition in the 3G GSM space!

So yes, the iPhone is awesome, and it sucks that Vodafone have crippled it with their plans. But in the scheme of things, the iPhone plans are in-line (actually a little cheaper) with all of Vodafone’s other pricing in New Zealand. It’s just a shame that they don’t stack up globally.

I recommend that all those interested in a shiny smartphone, save your little pennies, make your current model go that extra couple of months and see what the future will bring. And if you do end up buying an iPhone, don’t buy it from Magnum Mac.