Fresh off admitting to capping 3G networks speeds, Orange is now denying hiring any actors to stand in line for Apple’s iPhone 3G on launch day.
The story of Orange hiring actors to wait in line for Apple’s iPhone 3G on launch day started spreading last week. It was being reported that in order to “generate buzz” around the device, Orange was hiring paid actors to wait outside stores in Poland on launch day.
The Associated Press is reporting that “Orange is saying rumors that the company has hired people to stand outside stores in Poland and create phony lines is untrue.”
“As part of the excitement around the launch of the iPhone, some of our team have been joining customers outside our shops. Their aim is to welcome people to the Orange shop, share in their excitement and give information about Orange tariffs,” wrote a spokeswoman from parent France Telecom Group, which owns the Orange brand,” reports Beth Snyder Bulik for adage.com. The spokeswoman added that usually Orange does not disclose figures, but that “sales are strong and we are happy.”
Some are questioning how this will affect Apple or Orange’s “image” in the press and public eye.
Orange has an extremely successful global brand, with dominating reach overseas. And Apple has one of the best brand reputations and the most amount of customer loyalty around. So, I wouldn’t bet on it that anybody’s losing sleep over the matter. Plus, both companies can spin the hell out of all of it with PR.
PS - That’s Greg Packer in that photo up there.
[via Adage]
