No free bumpers for iPhone users?

Apple apparently has a game plan for dealing with iPhone 4 reception complaints--and it expressly prohibits giving customers free bumpers.

According to a purported list of procedures reportedly leaked to Boy Genius Report, AppleCare representatives are being instructed on how to coach users about the proper way to handle the latest-generation smartphone including no free bumpers.

The latest iPhone went on sale to the public Thursday, and almost immediately users reported a tendency to lose signal strength when holding the phone in their bare left hand. Apple responded by saying this was a common occurrence with any phone and suggested that users "avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases."

That's where the bumper comes in. The Apple Store's $29 bumper is a piece of molded rubber and plastic designed to fit on the edge of the phone.

For more of this story, read No free bumpers for iPhone users? on CNET News.