iPhone Demand Continues to Outstrip Supply in Canada, Says Rogers Wireless

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iPhone Demand Continues to Outstrip Supply in Canada, Says Rogers Wireless

12:58 pm on July 31, 2008 | Category: Business, Mobile Devices, Cell Phones, Multimedia

Demand for Apple’s much-hyped iPhone device continues to outstrip supply at Rogers Wireless stores across Canada, the carrier confirmed yesterday, noting that it “continue(s) to receive weekly incoming shipments from Apple thanks to pre-ordered inventory.”

Since July 11, the iPhone has apparently become the staple of Rogers’ handset line-up, with Rogers executives acknowledging that the popular multimedia phone’s launch has “slammed on the brakes” for sales of other high-end handsets, including the Nokia’s N95 model.

Rogers has apparently committed to purchasing $150 million worth of Apple iPhones, meaning that it has effectively tied its entire business model to the device for the foreseeable future.

The carrier’s CEO, Ted Rogers, says he’s confident with the decision, and expects to “do very, very well” with the iPhone, which he described as an “incredible piece of industrial engineering and design” and “a natural product for Rogers.”

And UBS analyst, Jeffrey Fan, seems to agree, saying that the iPhone will bring in tens of thousands of new customers this year alone.

“We estimate (Rogers) can add 200,000 plus iPhone subscriptions in ‘08, given the $150 million commitment to Apple,” Fan wrote in a research note.