Three the Biggest Loser at the Australian iPhone Launch
July 11th, 2008
The long anticipated 3G iPhone was released in Australia today, with thousands of people lining up for hours at a time to get their hands on the latest in mobile phone technology.
The three major carriers, Optus, Telstra and Vodafone have all finally released plans in an extremely competitive market.
The biggest loser today has been Hutchinson 3G Australia, commonly known as “Three“, who didn’t join the iPhone party, and as a result is bleeding customers.
Three is often regarded as the “hip” and “with-it” mobile carrier pitching their products and services at the young, affluent and tech-savvy market — exactly the same market that the iPhone appeals to.
Paul Q, a software engineer from Brisbane said: “If Three had the iPhone and a decent plan, then I’d probably stick with them.
“The fact that they don’t stock the 3G iPhone beggars belief.
“While I was waiting in the queue this morning I had to call the Three support desk to get the account details so I could churn to Optus.
“They tried to talk me out of churning by offering all sorts of deals and refusing to answer my questions so I could switch carriers.
“In the end, I got very stroppy with the Indian-accented Three Rep and demanded that they give me my account number so I could churn.
“I’m now with Optus on a 2 year plan with a total cost of ownership of about $1700.
“If Three were just a little bit smarter, they could have had that revenue.”
A straw poll at the queue outside the Optus shop in Brisbane should give Three reasons for concern. 40% the people waiting in line were Three customers wanting to churn to Optus to get their hands on the iPhone.
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