<![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Canadian service providers really, REALLY need to pull their collective heads out of their collective asses. I've been working in the Canadian wireless industry since 2002 - 5 years with a Rogers dealer, FIDO for two months last summer, and recently, Bell Mobility for about two weeks - long before cellphones were a commodity.

This system access fee nonsense needs to go. 10 years ago, the system access fee was $48 annually - $4 a month. Now the system access fee on Rogers is $6.95 monthly. 10 years ago, there was a need for this charge, while the wireless companies were building up their networks. Up until about 2003, wireless was not a profitable industry in Canada. Now, it obviously is. Bell has to be the worst offender in terms of the system access fee. They charge $8.95 a month - $2 more than their competitors - claiming that the price of the system access fee is based on the quality of the network. There is a pending class action suit, I think in Saskatchewan, against wireless providers over the system access fee. They are seeking to eliminate the fee, as well as pay back whatever customers have paid in so far.

It's really a shame on Rogers' part. They are such an important part of the telecommunications industry on a worldwide level. Edward Rogers Sr. invented the first radio receiver to run on household AC. Ted Rogers pioneered cable television in Canada, and was a fundamental part of popularizing cable internet on a world level. When the TDMA standard was in a downward spiral, Rogers decided to go with GSM instead of CDMA. Without Rogers, Blackberrys probably wouldn't exist.

I don't think consumers realize how profitable wireless data is. Data transmission is a mere blip on the network compared to a voice call. If you would like an example of this, hold a GSM phone up to any device that is susceptible to interference (CDMA phones don't cause this interference). Send a text message and listen to the length and intensity of the interference. Then make a phone call and see the difference.

The state of the wireless industry in Canada is a DAMN shame. The progression 2/3.5G networks has been good, and I sincerely hope that with the release of the iPhone, which will no doubt be the upcoming 3G version, Rogers will smarten up and start offering plans that are comparable to god damn third world countries (Rwanda has cheaper data rates: [www.thomaspurves.com])

Sorry, this is a very length rant, but I've witnessed this decline first hand and it really frustrates me. I hope every wireless customer in this conversation will read this post.

DiscoRage

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @strider_mt2k: Wouldn't you agree that BSG has taken the fracking too far? Outside of Scarface, I haven't seen or heard anyone use an eff word as much as they do...

Skeezix404

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> My hope is that Rogers will offer similar voice and data plans that other carriers selling the iPhone have already done. The pricing on the voice and data plans seem to be swayed by Apple and not so much by the wireless carrier. I'm really excited to be able to get this on Rogers network with out having to pay an enormous monthly bill compared to my unlocked iPhone that's currently on a voice plan for $35.00 + an email/browser plan that cost $65.00 (1 GB data). Also having it offered officially on Rogers network means I won't have to worry about issues arising during the manufacturer warranty which is voided when the iPhone is unlocked. As for Apple picking Rogers I've found their network coverage compared to Bell and Telus to be far better, less dropped calls and coverage in areas I need when I travel across Canada. Still surprised that they still don't offer coverage in the NWT but I never travel that far North.

imagine-engine

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @NicleT:

Neither Bell or Telus have a network that supports HSPA 3.5+ G for features such as video calling. While their CDMA EVDO networks are technically 3 G it can't support voice and data streaming at the same time. Currently in Canada this is only offered by Rogers and their other owned company Fido.

imagine-engine

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Why absolutely Rogers?
Since Bell's 1X = 3G, maybe Bell will get the iPhone finally?
That doesn't mean it will be cheaper :\

NicleT

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> 'Bout frickin time. Too bad Rodgers blows goats.

Out in rural Manitoba this last weekend, I had 4 bars of reception w/Telus, and my friend on Rodgers had no reception at all. Suckers.

photophile

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> finally! and poutine is awesome!

Jad35

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @DozeUser: It happens to be very pretty and colorful

DozeUser

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @92BuickLeSabre: HEY
WE USE MONEY
I AM A CANADIAN

DozeUser

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> So I was eatin' my poutine, eh? And buddy's goin' by me and drops his iPhone in my poutine, eh?

I sez "Take off, eh? I'm eatin' here, ya hoser."

He sez to me "Calisse! Mon crisse de tabarnac d'iphone est f*cké!!!"

Or something like that.

Jim (The Canuck One)

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Hmm.. Reminds me about this kid in alberta that ended up getting charged like $85000 for data when he used his cellphone as a modem. I cant imagine the horror stories we're going to be hearing about crazy cellular bills when something as data intensive as the iphone finally gets released here... It's kinda sad... I can still remember a time when I'd atleast get a box of chocolates and some roses before getting corn-holed... And PS, our money is hella real... realer than the american dollar a few months ago if I remember correctly.

shinypants

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @CapitalC:

If that's true, Richard Branson needs to start building cell towers and putting these money grubbing hoes out of business.

dustinwwhite

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Mayor McRib: Nobodies whining about getting the iphone!

We're whining about the god damn, jerk off, son-of-a-bitch, a#@hole, pimp f*#k, skeet loving, butt licking, ball sucking, hoe bag wireless companies that gangbang Canadians on a monthly basis for wanting to have the privilege of ordering a pizza from our car on the way home from work.

I'm talking to you Roger's f*#king Wireless!!

We want the iPhone, but not the baggage that comes with it.

dustinwwhite

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> We're whining about the god damn, jerk off, son-of-a-bitch, a#@hole, pimp f*#k, skeet loving, butt licking, ball sucking, hoe bag wireless companies that gangbang Canadians on a monthly basis for wanting to have the privilege of ordering a pizza from our car on the way home from work.

I'm talking to you Roger's f*#king Wireless!!

We want the iPhone, but not the baggage that comes with it.

dustinwwhite

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> I'm not your buddy, guy!

Silver_Back

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @ANoel: That's good news except I am locked into Telus until the year 2525! :>(

Thanks!

Gary_7vn

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> "We can't tell you any more about it right
now, but stay tuned,"

It's aboot. We can't tell you anymore aboot. Get it right eh!

Thrillcekr

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Does this mean we can look forward to a bajillion iPhone posts in the next 7 months on GizmodoCanada™?

ideaman2020

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> -----> Since Fido belongs to Rogers does this mean that Fido users will also be able to get the iPhone? <-----

Saeid

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Should be "frakking" [en.battlestarwiki.org]

Joe Lencioni

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> I WANT I WANT I WANT

gskelding

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> I don't even bother with a cell because of the rates.

I don't know of this has changed in a year, but I doubt it: [www.thomaspurves.com]

WiwiJumbo

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @JoeKing: Yeah, I was just looking into a Blackberry with Rogers, and the Unlimited Mobile Internet thing for $7/mo is only available for 3-year contracts, and does not cover you for any 3rd-party non-Rogers applications (no Google Maps, ie). You get social networking, mobile Google and push email, essentially.

I'm sure part of the delay in getting the iPhone to Canada was for a deal to form between Rogers and Apple whereby Apple gets to dictate the terms of service. It will be a welcome change on the protectionist and collusive Canadian wireless market.

Topcat

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> ...and it's even loonier this time around. Meh.

Nyle

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Andwu: @dustinwwhite: Looks like I was wise to turn down that extra $7.00 add on!

As for competition and Canada, it doesn't exist for cell phones. However, I don't think I would mind just having the wi-fi/iPod (Touch) and phone together... even if I wasn't using data. At least I would only have to carry one device.

Either way, I will be eager to see how much Rogers tries to charge for data. It will probably put Canada's data rates dead last in the world...

JoeKing

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> I'll I've got to say is.. Meh.

KLanD

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Gary_7vn: Oh, probably never. SkypeIn doesn't have 911 access, which was required when the CRTC regulated VOIP telephone services.

No 911, no Canadian telephone numbers for SkypeIn.

Pretty much it. So basically the CRTC regulation has inferred that SkypeIn "Take Off".
[CRTC Page (if you're that bored)]

@strider_mt2k: I guess that means I hail from the province of W, Eh?

electrikecho

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Joe-King:

Actually that $7/month will only get you access to facebook and myspace. So if you decide to use your iPhone for data, Rogers will be ripping you a new one in no time at all : )

Rogers: Enjoy your iPhone b*tch*s!

Andwu

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Crap, now I gotta put up with this shit over here? I already know 2 people with an iPhone. Let me just hope iPhone won't be in Europe where I'm going this summer :S
I don't like looking at people who think their life is complete with this "iPhone" shit.


redrabbit

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @dustinwwhite: It's true - the data rates are outrageously expensive. I asked a Rogers rep one day when I called for an unrelated matter and her reasoning was that Rogers leases the cellular network from US companies.

I didn't get how that worked but either way, we get screwed and I too am hoping that the iPhone drops the data costs!

CapitalC

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Gary_7vn:
You can get an unlocked HTC Touch GSM phone with WiFi for a couple hundo and hookup with... ahem... Rogers no problem.


ANoel

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> My Sony Ericsson gets hijacked by Rogers. It sobs profusely on the return trips from the border. The fees. My god the fees

Kaiser-Machead's Chips Ahoy!

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> The real question is when is Canada going to get Canadian area codes for Skypein? It's bizarre, I can get an area code for just about anywhere, except Canada. Does anyone know what's up with that?

As for iPhones. I don't really care, as I heard that the reception in Igloos is really terrible. I wanted to get an HT touch phone, until I found out that the provider, Telus, had disabled the WiFi feature. There is no such thing as competition in Canada.

Gary_7vn

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Too late, most of demand has already been served, a good amount of the unlocked phone are used here. which attributes to their sales last year. I see an iphone(not touch) every other bus I take.

Besides, knowing Rogers with their almost monopoly & hidden fees skills, they will just add on what Steve is asking for + a little bonus on top of their $100/month plan.

This rogers iphone sales expectation will go down as bad as the Motorola ROKR sales expectation.

endless_x

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Ted Rogers should be knighted a Robber Baron, but since we don't have a Peerage here in Canada, perhaps he will give up his citizenship, take his bloody monopoly with him to England like Conrad Black.
Wait, that'd leave us with the Bell and AT&T... and they can go to Hell too.
Sometimes Canada doesn't seem Socialist enough.



ANoel

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Naturally.
I just bought my wife an iPod Touch, which was the coolest thing in the world since we can't get the iPhone in Canada.
Well screw it. I waited this long, I'll wait for the next generation iPhone.

blank

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Every iPhone post usually contains at least 5 whiney posts about the exclusion Canada and Verizon. Now it's going to Canada and it's not good enough. It's abooooot time you stopped whining and started trading your natural resources for iPhones.

Mayor McRib

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> the deal with poutine is... take your freedom fries, top with a scoop of cheese curds, add gravy until your heart stops

yes you can use the iPhone to buy beer. The exchange rate isn't great against the iPhone though, our beer too valuable.

but seriously... Unless Apple pulls some strings for all its good little fanboys and girls, the only reason Rogers is excited is because they are getting a product tailor made for them to rip people off with.

itwasthedog

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @92BuickLeSabre: you're jellys example is far more accurate than you may know.

we have "money" but it may as well be Canadian Tire money since it has the same intrinsic value.

But the fact that our money isn't real won't stop a bunch of yuppies from buying these.

Fierock

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Kaiser-Machead: So true. Newsflash Quebec, you're not actually European.

Living in Montreal I experience that kind of stuff everyday.

DestroyerMTL

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Mandatory_Field: Almost certainly not. My bet is that Rogers will introduce it with some kind of 1 or 2GB plan and tout it as some kind of amazing breakthrough. Joe Consumer will pay for it as Ted Rogers bends them all over...

DestroyerMTL

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @godwhacker: Began a long time ago :P

Kaiser-Machead's Chips Ahoy!

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Montreal's already sort of an Apple town, what with all the big ass iPod ads in a lot of the stations in the Metro. What's yet another iPod (with telephony capability)?

@Pope John Peeps II:

If you go to Quebec, you'll find that pompous grows on trees.

Kaiser-Machead's Chips Ahoy!

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> and the corruption of the great white north continues........

godwhacker

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> So, basically they will ship all 1st Gen iphone to Can instead of sending it to "Will it blend?" guy. And who says American dont share?

Pluton

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Joe-King: The $7.00 plan your talking about will NEVER be implemented for the iPhone.

Why would Roger's charge you $7 when they know people will pay $100? (yes, stupid people...but people non the less..)

Right now Rogers charges more then $65 a month for only 1 gigabyte of data on top of the other $50 you'll pay for airtime, voicemail, etc.....

Roger's is going to screw customers on this like they have on everything before it.

We're looking at $200 for all you can eat plans...minimum! Rogers is going to finger bang us on this deal like it has on everyone before it.

dustinwwhite

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Jesus Diaz: Lol. Good answer.

Mandatory_Field

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Jesus Diaz:
That's why you have a star AND get to work here.

strider_mt2k

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> With Rogers? An unlimited data plan will probably be $200/month.

Here's hoping it's not.

phoomp

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @JordyO: well, I did suspect but it seemed a little harsh to pass judgement like that when I've never been to Canada and don't even live on the same continent.

Step666

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> IF, and this is a big if, but IF Rogers gets the rumored 3G iPhone, it could be a very good thing for Canada, as they do in fact have a 3G all you can eat data plan that's only $7.00 a month extra on your phone bill. We're used to getting over charged for data, so yes, I was shocked when I saw the new add on. Of course it comes with limitations, like it can only be used on the handsets they say, and not on PDA style phones, Blackberrys, etc... However, it's in place, and the iPhone would only need be the exception, and we would have unlimited data at a reasonable price! It's almost too good to be true, which is why I think they will raise the price.

Joe-King

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Step666:

Prepare for the face slap... Rogers sucks. (as do all Cdn. cell phone carriers)

JordyO

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Step666: I was thinking from the Canadian's perspective. ;)

Babysealclubber

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Do Canadians even use money?
Or is Apple setting up a barter system for the EhPhone?

"That'll be 500 Jellys. Steve likes Jellys"

92BuickLeSabre

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Jesus Diaz: I much prefer this version

+ Watch video

Step666

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Mandatory_Field: I say fracking because I'm watching BSG. And the only Canadian I care about is:

+ Watch video

Jesus Diaz

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> I'm glad it's coming and I will most likely keep mine jailbroken. I'm hopelessly addicted to iZoo.

deadrobot

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Babysealclubber: don't worry, it's not advanced technology.
(Sorry, couldn't resist)

Given the timing, it seems like maybe one of two thing might be happening.
a) Rogers have held off on the current iPhone and are going to jump straight to picking up the 3G model when it arrives.
b) Rogers are going to be picking up the current iPhone at about the same time the 3G one will become available, in essence a giant slap in the face of all their customers.

Step666

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Now let's not be too racist here. Anyways I'm happy for this but I think that it may be a little too late to be finally receiving it in Canada.

Darkspirith

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> And even with Rogers offering it - most people will still buy it cracked, just to stiff those greedy pricks.

robbo

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> We're such fools! Apple should know better than to trust the Canucks with our advanced technologies!

Babysealclubber

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Yeah - but can you buy beer with it?

robbo

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> GREAT! We now have Apple's permission to be pompous in public with our overexpensive, ugly-ass phones! Thanks Steve Jobs.

Pope John Peeps II

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> It should be "Eh?", eh?

Zoidbert

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Too little, too late. Any serious Canuck who was interested in this thing would have gotten it by now. Screw you Rogers.

theboss

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Jesus Diaz: Canadians would be more likely to say "Friggin" than "Fracking", eh?: [www.cameronville.com]

Mandatory_Field

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Still don't care until it's 3G... and until Rogers has a reasonably priced unlimited data plan.

Posavoie

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> You have your precious iPhone, now live up to your end of the bargain! What's the deal with poutine?

Hiphopopotamus

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Smells like 3G iPhone to me.

Jason

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> But when are we getting the Zune?!

The Sword Master

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> @Jesus Diaz: Suspenders and a BRA????

strider_mt2k

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> What about:

+ Watch video

Jesus Diaz

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Wow, this is potentially very big. Not for the announcement of the iPhone itself, though: Does this mean that we'll finally see the introduction of all you can eat data plans, at competitive rates? If that happened it would represent a true shift to Canadian pricing models. Data use would skyrocket, and also drive a general resurgence in the industry here, which has been looking rather stagnant here of late (to me). This would drive sales of all smartphones here, not just the iPhone; and would benefit all consumers.

Mandatory_Field

]]> <![CDATA[iPhone Finally Announced in Canada]]> Quick Geography lesson...

+ Watch video

strider_mt2k

]]>