Updated: Apple Will Not Sell iPhone 3G In Its Canadian Stores In Protest Of High Service Fees

This isn't exactly the biggest protest that Apple ( NSDQ: AAPL) could have waged against Rogers Wireless, but it's getting a ton of attention. Reports today are claiming that the iPhone-maker will refuse to sell the new 3G version of the phone in Apple retail stores on Friday because it is protesting the higher-than-average service plans for the device that Rogers intends to charge. AppleInsider.com reports that "Apple, disgusted with Rogers Wireless for dumping egregious service plans on would-be iPhone 3G buyers, has decided that its Canadian retail stores will have no part in helping the carrier market the new handset to customers." AppleInsider said it got this information during a late phone call with Apple last night; representatives from Rogers have not yet responded to emails seeking comment. As an example of the plans Rogers has set for the iPhone 3G, it will require customers of its Fido division to sign a 3-year contract, and require a minimum payment of $60 for only 150 minutes, 75 outgoing text-messages, and 400 megabytes of data. Initially, AppleInsider said as punishment Apple diverted a shipment of iPhones from Canada to Europe as retribution. This seems like a more solid approach, however, Apple is in this business to sell phones, and wants to do so in as many countries as possible. Although a full withdrawal may be more successful, it is unlikely.

UPDATE: So, it turns out that Apple may not be holding out on Rogers. CNet reports that the Apple isn't selling the iPhone at many of its retail stores outside the U.S. So, it's not just Canada, but also the U.K., Italy, Australia and Japan. In those countries, customers will have to rely on Apple's carrier partners to purchase the iPhone 3G on Friday.