In comparison to the U.S. market where iPhone fans have been in a frenzy over all its highs and lows, consumers in Australia are a bit more nonchalant about the Apple device, which bloggers have called the Jesus phone.
“I think its impact in the United States is probably greater than anywhere else in the world,” said Sol Trujillo, head of Australia’s biggest phone company Telstra.
“At launch it was exciting (in Australia) .. Now its back to BAU — business as usual.”
Even though the phone of all phones now supports push email, Trujillo said the Bold, a high-speed version of the BlackBerry, was creating more excitement among business users.
(Photo: Reuters)
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Comment expected from Telstra’s chief - perhaps it would create more demand and excitement in the world of Telstra if their prices weren’t so much higher than AT&T in the US.
If you want the phone to create the same buzz as in the USA (which I know Telstra don’t, given his comments on the phone when it was first launched last year in the US) then you would have to offer a virtually identical pricing package and unlimited downloads as AT&T do in the US.
Der….
I’m sure Optus are not feeling the same thing given their sales of the iPhone have been substantial because their prices are lower (but still not as low or as generous as AT&T)
- Posted by Ben JacksonTelstra is the non competive big guy. They haven’t sold as many iPhones as they could because their data rates are so bad. Australia needs a shakeup to get it’s mobile rates at a reasonably competive rate. Their arrogance that they have they largest coverage area and the fastest network is no reason not to be somewhat competitive on price too. Maybe Sol should show how much data costs in Australia on Telstra for jo-blo consumer compared with other countries.
- Posted by CDFrom my opinion who is selling iPhones, the ‘Bold’ is no answer. The Bold is ‘just another Blackberry’. We have clients galore ditching blackberries as fast as they can pull out their simcards.