iPhone in Canada in 2 Weeks?

[colincampbell]

Attention friends to the Great White North: the Apple iPhone could be on its way to Canada sooner than expected, and rumor has it you might be carrying around the coveted cellie by the middle of this month. But wait just a minute here. Put on your ******** detectors, readers.

The leak is said to come from an insider at Canadian fashion specialty department store Holt Renfrew, and neither that store, Rogers (the Canadian cellphone provider that's rumored to be the one to carry the iPhone), or Apple are saying anything about the release of the supposed 8GB GSM iPhone, which will reportedly sell for $799. What a rip—double the price of the iPhone in the U.S.! Hm. Something's fishy, because Holt Renfrew is not known for selling electronics of any kind.

Link: http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/probably-bs/iphone-headed-for-canada-this-month-307091.php

Enjoy. :)

Don't shoot the messenger, just posting what I read. :o

[notjustjay]

Doubtful.

Though not the part about Rogers wanting to sell for double the price. I don't put anything past them. :mad:

[mrhockey123]

lol at the rumor...
Would you like an iPhone with that $300 scarf?

If they priced the iPhone at 799 and Ted Rogers allowed it, he would be lynched by the CRTC let alone 30 million canadians. At least with the iPods you're only mildly getting ripped.

Wait maybe $799 was what your monthly wireless charges would be with iPhone? seriously, if Rogers wants the iPhone, they will have to lower data rates. No consumer is going to pay that much.

My Touch can do everything an iPhone can (except EDGE and camera / bluetooth) without a big rogers anchor.

[colincampbell]

Yes, and since the Canadian dollar is higher than the US dollar, it would be insane to pay this much for the iphone in Canada. But that is just the retail price. With a 3 yr contract might be cheaper. Maybe $299? Who knows...

[Eric Lewis]

According to wild rumors (and we do mean wild), Canadian "luxury retailer" Holt Renfrew -- the Barney's of the Great White North -- will begin carrying a Canuck version of the beloved iPhone in about two weeks, for the deliciously low price of $799. The rumor apparently emanates from an "insider source" at the company, though the store's reps won't confirm the news. If you believe the leaker, the retailer will carry an 8GB, GSM version of the phone (obviously, as no other version exists), and it will arrive on store shelves in mid-October. Sure, this sounds enticing, but why would a department store which specializes in high-end goods be the first the carry the iPhone, and where is the announcement (or even rumblings of an announcement) from a carrier in Canada? All intriguing questions which we'll be sussing out answers to... by force. Just kidding.


UPDATE

One of our readers claims to have been contacted by Holt Renfrew in regards to the iPhone rumors, and here is what they supposedly had to say: "Thank you for your inquiry of the Apple I Phone. I regret that the I Phone, originally planned for our store this fall will no longer be available at Holt Renfrew. In fact, due to other obstacles, the phone will not be here any earlier than January 2008." Of course, we're not buying that Holt Refrew's rep doesn't know how to spell "I Phone," but that's just us.

via engadget

http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/04/iphone-coming-to-canadian-retailer-holt-renfrew/

what is ur opinion?

[GRB]

Someone already posted this, though I think the update is definitely a lie. I don't like the "I Phone" spelling nor the bad grammar.

[James L]

Holt Renfrew...no.

$799, when the Canadian dollar is currently at par, or even worth more than the USD... no.

If and when Rogers and Apple ever agree about a package, Rogers has hundreds, if not thousands, of retail outlets the iPhone can be sold at.

This isn't going to happen.

1) $799 Canadian when the phone is $399 USD isn't going to happen.

2) Holt Renfrew isn't going to happen.

3) In reference to one of the comments above, Apple hasn't allowed subsidizes yet, so I doubt they will in Canada.

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Digital Journal (http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/236409/Exclusive_Holt_Renfrew_Insider_Says_iPhone_Coming_to_Canada_in_Two_Weeks) claims that they have inside information that luxury retailer Holt Renfrew will carry the iPhone by mid-October throughout Canada.
The Holt Renfrew source says the 8GB phone will be a GSM phone, retailing across the country for $799. Anyone familiar with the GSM market in Canada knows that Rogers is the leading GSM provider in the country.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/10/04/iphone-in-canada-in-2-weeks/)

[Eric Lewis]

this has to be fake? reasons why its fake!

A) why wouldnt rogers sell it...theres like 12 holt vs like thousands? (or close to a thousand) rogers in canada..

b) why would it be 799? when its 399 american? makes no sense

[Spanky Deluxe]

I call fake. $799?? You have to be kidding me. Unless for some reason they're going to sell it unlocked - hence the random store and unbelievable price hike. I guess that could be Apple's way of selling unlocked phones, release it in a small market (that's very close to the States) unlocked at a sky high price so that it doesn't tread on the toes of AT&T and so that they make loads of money off of all the US people who are willing to spend double to get it unofficially unlocked (there would be thousands of people willing to spend this money).

[Eric Lewis]

i just got off the Phone with holt from the one in yorkdale mall!

and they said its going to be $499 at rogers ($799 with a expensive case at holt) for rogers canada...kinda unlocked the man said(but only for rogers) and there will be no special iPhone plans at all he said...basically you can just use it on rogers thats it...nothing special...and he said end of october

he told me this on the phone...so i guess it could be real

[nawk]

Gawd! This is probably the WORST iPhone in Canada rumour I have heard to date.

[hob]

i just got off the Phone with holt from the one in yorkdale mall!

and they said its going to be $499 at rogers ($799 with a expensive case at holt) for rogers canada...kinda unlocked the man said(but only for rogers) and there will be no special iPhone plans at all he said...basically you can just use it on rogers thats it...nothing special...and he said end of october

he told me this on the phone...so i guess it could be real

Really?

Maybe they're just sick and tired of getting calls from people who read MR/Gizmodo/etc. :p

"Would you like an iPhone with that $300 iPhone case?"

[Stella]

BS.

At $799 I'd want the iPhone to be gold plated!

[GRB]

BS.

At $799 I'd want the iPhone to be gold plated!
How about a Louis Vuitton case? (see above)

[eRondeau]

I don't believe it. For starters, the iPhone's launch in Canada will be every bit as big as its launch in the states. And it sure as hell won't be Holt Renfrew, or The Bay, or LaSenza that premieres it. And when it finally arrives, it better not be anything close to $799. With our loonie trading equal to (or better than) the US dollar, it had better sell for pretty close to $399 Canadian. I for one am sick and tired of being ripped-off by retailers and blaming it on the dollar. Sure, when a loonie was worth $0.63 nobody noticed a few percentage points here and there, and I'm sure retailers made lots of hidden profits because of it. But for retailers to still discount our dollar vs the US dollar to continue to sneak a few extra profits points is criminal in my mind, and hopefully the market will drive them quickly out of business.

[monke]

The $799 price point is possibly the biggest joke I've ever heard.

a) Our dollar is worth more, the should be nearly equal
b) I could have bought one for $400 and have it unlocked the other day
c) Nobody would buy it, and it would bring down Apple's name

Apple better get up here soon, there's already loads of people with unlocked iPhone's here, they might be too late though.

[BlueRevolution]

This has to be the least convincing rumour since the Powerbook G5.

Holt Renfrew is a fashion store. Like hell they would stock the iPhone.

"Anyone familiar with the GSM market in Canada knows that Rogers is the leading GSM provider in the country."

Well, I guess some things are relative (http://www.shoprogers.com/store/wireless/services/voice/navigate-mobile-internet.asp).

I do not expect an iPhone in Canada in the next five years. Or possibly ten. That's how far behind our wireless networks are, and there is no competition at all - only the illusion of competition to keep people spending money. If the iPhone were offered here, every web-aware application would be grayed out, and when you tried to open them you'd get a message saying, "Screw you, Canuck!"

This is a very, very bad joke.

[nigrunze]

What's up with this. This is absolutely ridiculous. Who'd pay twice the price for the iPhone? Especially since the value of the Canadian Dollar is now higher than the American Dollar.

$800 for a phone! Come on, I think the most anyone would pay is $650. Are there even any phones that cost $650ish. Maybe a Windows Mobile smartphone. I dunno.

[queshy]

799$? Are they nuts?

I would get an iPhone w/ Rogers only if I didn't have to get a data plan...no way I'm paying like 100$ a month for that. Wifi all the way...do you have to even get it with a data plan?

[GRB]

Holy cow you guys aren't reading this thread. According to this phonecall, which is just referenced up the page,
its going to be $499 at rogers ($799 with a expensive case at holt)
If that's true, then you won't have to pay $799 if you don't want to -- only if you want some fancy case.

[brewno]

lol. 799$? Even at 499$ it makes more sense to cross the border to get the american version.

[flopticalcube]

$499 w/ $100/month data plans? I don't think so.

[GRB]

About those plans, just the other day Rogers came out with 1GB for $65 data plans. In theory they're only for PC Cards, but so far they've been giving them to phones too with no problems.

Nowhere near unlimited for $20, but still much less of a joke.

[ventro]

This rumor doesn't even deserve to be discussed. If it was true it would have surfaced in may other places than holt, lol.

[g.c.]

Hmm... interesting... Should the phone actually make it's debut here in Canada, would I be able to load the Rogers specific firmware do you think? I mean I have my iPhone unlocked now on the Rogers network. I just want a working iPhone, so I just don't want to wait for Rogers, but I wouldn't mind not having to worry about software updates should the phone actually make its way to the network? Maybe if I iphonesimfree unlock it and put the rogers firmware and activate it on iTunes through Apple and Rogers. (Maybe I'm just rambling and getting ahead of myself here)

[philbeeney]

It's an interesting rumour, but I can't see Apple selling the phone through a luxury goods specialist. Having said that, if Rogers are totally being a PITA about selling the iPhone in Canada, perhaps this is Steve's way of getting back at them.

Imagine the scenario where Holt Renfrew sell half a million iPhones at a hundred bucks more than Rogers would have sold them for if they didn't dick around in the first place. Is that a plausible scenario.?

Whatever, I shall purchase an iPhone once they land in Canada. :D

[bketchum]

Warning: Speaking out my backside on this one... Perhaps Apple is frustrated with the progress of negotiations with Rogers and has decided to sell the iPhone as an open product. If that were the case, they'd want as many retail outlets as possible on board, and Holt Renfrew just happens to be the first to leak. The high price might be Apple's attempt preserve margins, as they won't get a cut of the service price.

[BillyShears]

Warning: Speaking out my backside on this one... Perhaps Apple is frustrated with the progress of negotiations with Rogers and has decided to sell the iPhone as an open product. If that were the case, they'd want as many retail outlets as possible on board, and Holt Renfrew just happens to be the first to leak. The high price might be Apple's attempt preserve margins, as they won't get a cut of the service price.

That actually kind of makes sense. Also, other electronic stores might be inclined not to carry the unlocked iPhone for fear of Rogers retaliating against them somehow (e.g. by pulling all Rogers phones from their store?) I am not sure how this market works, though.

Also, if Holt Renfrew got the iPhones exclusively before Christmas and sold them at $799, people might actually be inclined to pay that ridiculous amount.

[Stella]

Good theory.

But, since Rogers is the only GSM Provider... Rogers will be happy with this anyway. No other network the iPhone could be used on in Canada.

Warning: Speaking out my backside on this one... Perhaps Apple is frustrated with the progress of negotiations with Rogers and has decided to sell the iPhone as an open product. If that were the case, they'd want as many retail outlets as possible on board, and Holt Renfrew just happens to be the first to leak. The high price might be Apple's attempt preserve margins, as they won't get a cut of the service price.

[LastZion]

Ya good theories, but still doesn't totally make sense. I mean they would be selling the phone unlocked then right. If they are going around the backs of Rogers then they would ship the phone unlocked, if thats the case then every retail outlet in the USA would be all over it to. Cause heaps of people would buy the phone for $800 to have it officially unlocked by Apple... regardless I am interested to see where this goes, if anywhere

[twoodcc]

dang, that price is kinda crazy. not sure if i believe that

[jonny]

Good theory.

But, since Rogers is the only GSM Provider... Rogers will be happy with this anyway. No other network the iPhone could be used on in Canada.

Yes. Maybe Apple had to change their business model on this one. Perhaps this is what happens when a greedy company tries to deal with an even greedier one. Friggin' Rogers. If there were a gsm alternative to them, I think a lot of Canadians would be getting in line for it.

[notjustjay]

Yes. Maybe Apple had to change their business model on this one. Perhaps this is what happens when a greedy company tries to deal with an even greedier one. Friggin' Rogers. If there were a gsm alternative to them, I think a lot of Canadians would be getting in line for it.

Yeah. I am with what WAS the alternative -- Fido. It was great. Billing by the second, low rates, CHEAP long distance and roaming fees, no contracts, customer service open all hours of the day, voice mail was just a few bucks, etc. They'd offer you free new phones to upgrade periodically just for being a good customer. Everything you'd want "the good guys" to be.

Alas, Rogers took over and one by one, slowly but surely, services got canceled, hours got pulled back, fees went up and up and up, ... now I feel as shafted as everyone else.

[BillyShears]

Now that I think of it, wouldn't they have to deal with Rogers in some way, anyway? Visual Voicemail and all that. I guess it could be done in the software.

It seems more likely, if this has any truth to it, that either:

Holt Renfrew is going to be one of many stores carrying it;
Holt Renfrew is going to carry it exclusively until Christmas (gouging!)


It seems evident they will be tied to Rogers if it's coming in the near future.

I had originally thought they were working on a CDMA phone, so they could play Rogers against Bell. But if the phone is coming out soon, maybe Rogers caved? They probably really want those Christmas sales.

[The Stig]

I cry myself to sleep every night because I want an iPhone, but there is no way I'm paying $799 for a 8gb iPhone. 32gb iPhone, yeah for sure. 8gb no way.

I don't even want an iPhone to come out in Canada until they have a newer version. I'll want the new one and I don't want to wait when I could have another one! I want a 16gb at least. 32gb would be GREAT, but it will be a while :(

The Stig

[colinmack]

What might have happened is that while Rogers already had obvious exclusivity for the network, Apple wanted certain terms in order to give them exclusivity for the phone sales as well.

Rogers probably didn't feel like they needed to play along, so Apple decided to offer phone sales to other outlets (their only bargaining chip against Rogers' monopoly). So Rogers ends up with a monopoly over the monthly fees, but not the phone sales - which is probably pretty decent coin.

[11thIndian]

I've been saying for a while that there's only 2 ways that the iPhone will be coming to Canada.

1. A smaller company buys bandwidth in the next auction, creates a GSM compeditor for Rogers and gives Apple the same leverage that they seem to have had to deal in the European markets. This, of course, relies on legislation that keeps Rogers from just gobbling up the new bandwidth (or companies like Fido) like they have before. In this instance I can't see us getting the iPhone for another year...

2. Apple comes out with a CDMA compatable phone, thus putting Bell into a competition with Rogers over who gets the handset. In this instance we have to wait for Apple to release the new phone, which probably won't happen for another year.

of course, there is an option 3.

3. Neither Bell or Rogers decide the revenue generated from the iPhone market is enough to offset reducing their over-inflated price structures.

[BigMacIain]

...of course, there is an option 3.

3. Neither Bell or Rogers decide the revenue generated from the iPhone market is enough to offset reducing their over-inflated price structures.

I'm inclined to go with that option. Can Rogers or Bell support the Visual Voicemail feature? I heard "No" back in May WRT Rogers. Anyone know if they have been working on that since?

[KD7IWP]

I wouldn't put it past Rogers to charge $799. Look how many things still cost so much more in Canada. I bought a Scrabble dictionary today and on the cover it said $7.50USD $9.90CAD. What's up with that? It's been soooo many years since the exchange rate was that much different, and it was a very new edition of the dictionary. Look at the price difference Canon charges too.

[slicecom]

I hope Holt sells it! I can pick one up along with my $300 socks! :D

[quigleybc]

This rumor is down right mean, and ill willed.

I've been sick with with Envy about not getting the chance to own the best gadget ever.

and now, some sick ****** comes up with a rumor like this.....

Might as well of said Burger King will offer iPhones in kids meals....i mean it is that far fetched...

My Rogers contract expires In the first week of the new year. If there is no iPhone in Canada by then, i'm saying F it and canceling my contract and just going back to a land line.....I resent my cell phone too much to even use it now let alone start a whole new contract.

Stupid rumor. absurd

[Scottyk9]

This is from an ehMac.ca thread, posted this morning (take it for what you will):

"This is the reply from personalshopping@HoltRenfrew.com...

Holt Renfrew will not be carrying the iphone. I would check with your
local cell phone dealer.

Holt Renfrew
Personal Shopping, Bloor Street416. 960. 2554
50 Bloor St. West
Toronto, ON M4W 1A1"

I have been able to avoid a lot of the angst that others seem to have in this thread, through a therapeutic purchase of an unlocked iPhone which I have been enjoying for 2 weeks now... (not gloating, just suggesting this an an option for those who cannot stand the wait anymore).

[notjustjay]

I have been able to avoid a lot of the angst that others seem to have in this thread, through a therapeutic purchase of an unlocked iPhone which I have been enjoying for 2 weeks now... (not gloating, just suggesting this an an option for those who cannot stand the wait anymore).

I have an opportunity to do so next month, but I'm going to wait and see what becomes of the whole cat-and-mouse unlock fiasco. Sadly, a new phone isn't tops on my list of priorities anyway.

quigleybc: have you checked out Virgin mobile? You'll never be able to run a GSM phone on their network, but they seem to have much better pricing and options than the Big Guys.

[Bruce Patterson]

lol at the rumor...
Would you like an iPhone with that $300 scarf?

If they priced the iPhone at 799 and Ted Rogers allowed it, he would be lynched by the CRTC let alone 30 million canadians. At least with the iPods you're only mildly getting ripped.

Wait maybe $799 was what your monthly wireless charges would be with iPhone? seriously, if Rogers wants the iPhone, they will have to lower data rates. No consumer is going to pay that much.

My Touch can do everything an iPhone can (except EDGE and camera / bluetooth) without a big rogers anchor.

It also can't allow you to add notes, or manually enter iCal information or call anyone...

[chuckles:)]

My unlocked iPhone works great on rogers. except for the data plan i bought for it. $15 for 1.5 megs! and as you buy more data, the plan gets more expensive per byte! i loaded one web page yesterday on EDGE and used a quarter of my monthly limit. Plus, thats with a 3 yar contract. still love my iPhone though, and it dosn't make a huge differance since i have wifi everyewhere anyways.

[Scandals]

My unlocked iPhone works great on rogers. except for the data plan i bought for it. $15 for 1.5 megs! and as you buy more data, the plan gets more expensive per byte! i loaded one web page yesterday on EDGE and used a quarter of my monthly limit. Plus, thats with a 3 yar contract. still love my iPhone though, and it dosn't make a huge differance since i have wifi everyewhere anyways.

I also have an unlocked iPhone on Rogers and it works great! Got tired of waiting. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. As for the Holt-RenScrew deal, I highly doubt it. Seriously, do they think we are that dumb? It's kind of insulting, actually.

$15 for 1.5MB?? There is a $10 for 10MB plan that you should look into. Still super crappy, but better than the one you have.

[jonny]

I also have an unlocked iPhone on Rogers and it works great! Got tired of waiting. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. As for the Holt-RenScrew deal, I highly doubt it. Seriously, do they think we are that dumb? It's kind of insulting, actually.

$15 for 1.5MB?? There is a $10 for 10MB plan that you should look into. Still super crappy, but better than the one you have.

i got a $5 for 10mb plan. rogers vision corp. it's supposed to be for 3g video phones but has EDGE fallback. i'll use it outside of the city.

I too appreciate my unlocked phone.

[Clipse79]

Stop toying with my emotions. Get us the the dang phone already Rogers and get your heads out your azzes and get a good data plan so we can catch up with the rest of the world....I`m sensitive....

[Myles123]

i got a $5 for 10mb plan. rogers vision corp. it's supposed to be for 3g video phones but has EDGE fallback. i'll use it outside of the city.

I too appreciate my unlocked phone.

1GB for 65$ with Rogers

[jonny]

1GB for 65$ with Rogers
sadly. 65 dollars for 1gb of data is an ass-R-ing rip-off. Especially when our neighbors to the south can get an entire phone plan with unlimited data included for less. Rogers can drink my post-asparagus piss if they think I'm going to shell out more than my phone plan for that crap.

[mbalson]

I've said it before and I'll say here.
I won't buy an iPhone until it's $150 or less with a contract.

[Myles123]

sadly. 65 dollars for 1gb of data is an ass-R-ing rip-off. Especially when our neighbors to the south can get an entire phone plan with unlimited data included for less. Rogers can drink my post-asparagus piss if they think I'm going to shell out more than my phone plan for that crap.

I know I know, but before October 1st, 500MB data plan was 210$. It is still an improvement in their rates. Finger crossed for something even more interesting in the beginning of 2008.

[vanmacguy]

Personally, I believe this rumour was true. I don't pretend to know how they were going to do it, but I think Rogers has something up their sleeves, and can honestly see a store like Holt Renfrew carrying the phone at least initially.

People need to read the posts though, is not 799, that's with a case. It's 599.

I just paid close to that for my unlocked one.

But as others have said, Rogers needs to dramatically drop the data prices before it will take off. I think this is why it's taking so long. I bet Apple are trying to force them and Rogers won't budge.

Buy one from the states, unlock it and use it on wi-fi. It's a truly fantastic device. That'll only cost you your $30 a month for voice. Give Rogers the big bird!

Cheers.

[jonny]

I know I know, but before October 1st, 500MB data plan was 210$. It is still an improvement in their rates. Finger crossed for something even more interesting in the beginning of 2008.

agreed and agreed ::)

[maestrokev]

Better question is how many Canadians have enough iPhone lust that they'd pay $799 for it, sign a 3yr deal and pay the current data rates. All of Rogers/Fido's so called high-end phones are sold like that.

[wiseguy]

Watch the Rogers website next week or the one other after, their will be new rates or plan fir data... stay tuned

[daze]

1GB for 65$ with Rogers

Very interesting. I reckon I might get that... But sheesh, my current costs are... <goes to calculate>

$20 for 200 minutes
$10 for My 5 Faves
$10 for 10MB
$10 for Caller ID + 125 TXT messages
$6.95 for "System Access Fee"
$.50 for 911

$65.5 Total (incl. %14 taxes)

It's already quite high. I think I'll stay where I am for now... and maybe wait for Rogers to officially support it here. Maybe not.

[dontwalkhand]

Very interesting. I reckon I might get that... But sheesh, my current costs are... <goes to calculate>

$20 for 200 minutes
$10 for My 5 Faves
$10 for 10MB
$10 for Caller ID + 125 TXT messages
$6.95 for "System Access Fee"
$.50 for 911

$65.5 Total (incl. %14 taxes)

It's already quite high. I think I'll stay where I am for now... and maybe wait for Rogers to officially support it here. Maybe not.

"System Access Fee" Wow, thats all I can say, just wow.

[ds252]

There's actually a lawsuit against rogers and bell mobility currently for them still charging access fees. They did this at the beginning to set up communications but now they are more than done and still charging us. Expect that you will maybe receive a credit for your money lost.

[yzp]

wtf about holt renfrew??????

[ttutsch]

Sounds bogus to me. Why would Rogers give up all that extra store traffic and the halo that the iPhone could generate for them. On a similar note, I also can't believe that Rogers and Apple Canada will willingly give up the Christmas season and wait until January. I still expect something before then.

:apple: Canada, where is our iPhone and downloadable TV shows?? Why do those service stop a the border? :( I'd buy an Apple TV and maybe even an iPhone, if you would only get your act together.

Scribbles (http://timtutsch.ca/scibbles.htm)

[Dustman]

Rogers' data rates are too crazy here to have an iPhone me thinks. For just airtime alone we usually just go over the 400 min. limit and pay around $110.00. Start adding data rates to that and you'd have to be Bill Gates to afford that.:p

[X5-452]

this rumour takes the cake and official title as my favourite, outlandish, rumour of life.

[notjustjay]

"System Access Fee" Wow, thats all I can say, just wow.

Wait... y'all don't get charged $6.95 a month on every cell phone carrier network on top of the fees and monthly plans?

*rummages for pitchfork*

[daze]

Wait... y'all don't get charged $6.95 a month on every cell phone carrier network on top of the fees and monthly plans?

*rummages for pitchfork*

Every phone carrier chrages the system access fee here. It's a wasteland.

[007inMTL]

Holt Renfrew...no.

$799, when the Canadian dollar is currently at par, or even worth more than the USD... no.

If and when Rogers and Apple ever agree about a package, Rogers has hundreds, if not thousands, of retail outlets the iPhone can be sold at.

This isn't going to happen.

1) $799 Canadian when the phone is $399 USD isn't going to happen.

2) Holt Renfrew isn't going to happen.

3) In reference to one of the comments above, Apple hasn't allowed subsidizes yet, so I doubt they will in Canada.

------

1) You haven't been to Canada lately - $ 799 sounds probably right. When I lived there, it cost me $ 800 to buy a Moto Q, while the same model was less than $ 300 in the US. Canadian mobile phone companies are ripping off their customers in a major way.

Some examples are the Canadian "unlimited" blackberry or mobile data plans that are capped at 25 Mb, and then can cost $ 0.02 per additional kb, and plan termination fees that can cost $ 850. Not to mention various taxes that can add up to $ 18 per billing cycle. My current monthly iphone bill is about $ 80 to 100 in the US, while for comparable use I would be charged between $ 800 and $ 950 each month in Canada.

I suspect Rogers (or FIDO) will have issues with unlimited data packages and visual VM.

2) Holt would surprise me, Roger is the likely bet.

3) Agree.

4) One thought is that RIM may give incentives to Rogers to delay the approval process for competitive reasons.

[James L]

1) You haven't been to Canada lately


Only for my entire life...34 years so far.

[Darkroom]

Holt who?

as many have said already, a $799 iPhone in canada is the dumbest thing conceivable... $CND is worth more than $USD... and Rogers eats fat ones...

[nawk]

------

1) You haven't been to Canada lately

What the H-E-double-hockey-sticks are you talking about. Canada sucks for data rates, but please quote something reasonable.

I have an unlocked iPhone I am using on Rogers. I have just swtiched to a $80/500MB per month plan. This is more than enough to keep me happy when I'm not in reach of Wifi (at EDGE speed, at least).

[quigleybc]

the title of this thread taunts me......

[Dogbiskit]

I called BS when I first read this rumour and now Digital Journal has quashed it:

"An update for all DJ readers.

We have received word from Mario Manza, Executive Director of VIP Services at Holt Renfrew, that they will not be carrying the iPhone for now. He said he confirmed this information with the buyers this morning and apologized for any misinformation on behalf of the company.

It sure is a weird scenario: Yesterday we placed cold calls to their accessories department and they were telling everyone the iPhone would be there in two weeks. They were even going so far as taking down phone numbers of people who called, informing them they will call back when it arrives in two weeks. They even quoted the exact price of $799.

Yesterday we also received a panic-sounding call from Holt Renfrew's PR team saying this deal was not confirmed "yet" -- "yet" being the operative word.

If you call today, however, the same employees are now saying they are no longer getting the iPhone anytime soon. Digital Journal's insiders are now saying the same thing.

As we mentioned, and as most people agreed, Holt Renfrew sounded like a very unlikely place for the iPhone to be launched in Canada. But the retailer does carry expensive Nokia, D&G and Prada phones, and they have carried iPods in the past.

So rumour is quashed, for now (according to Mario Manza). Holt Renfrew insiders still say Rogers will have it in January but they say it's not clear why a potential Holt Renfrew deal fell through. We'll see if we can get more information on that.

We'll keep you posted if we learn anything new."

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/236409/Exclusive_Holt_Renfrew_Insider_Says_iPhone_Coming_to_Canada_in_Two_Weeks

[briantoronto]

I have an unlocked iPhone I am using on Rogers. I have just swtiched to a $80/500MB per month plan. This is more than enough to keep me happy when I'm not in reach of Wifi (at EDGE speed, at least).

Why pay 80$ for 500 MB when you can pay 65$ for 1GB

http://www.shoprogers.com/Business/Wireless/Services/dataemailplans.asp

Go to the bottom of the page, and ignore the "PC card" bit. I just put this on my account for my iPhone.

[Myles123]

Why pay 80$ for 500 MB when you can pay 65$ for 1GB

http://www.shoprogers.com/Business/Wireless/Services/dataemailplans.asp

Go to the bottom of the page, and ignore the "PC card" bit. I just put this on my account for my iPhone.

Hi,

I went at Rogers last Friday and I asked for 1 GB data plan. I got told, after the rep phone his tech, that it wouldn't work since I had a voice plan. In other words, this option could not be matched with a voice plan and the best he could do was to give me a 500MB plan...

[appleisbetter]

This is simply ********. I can't believe anyone could believe such a story actually made it to MacRumors!

[briantoronto]

Hi,

I went at Rogers last Friday and I asked for 1 GB data plan. I got told, after the rep phone his tech, that it wouldn't work since I had a voice plan. In other words, this option could not be matched with a voice plan and the best he could do was to give me a 500MB plan...

Sounds like you did this in store. I (and a number of friends) just called up Rogers and asked them to do it. No problem at all. The quote from the phone rep was "Just tell me what plan you want, and I will give it to you"

-Brian

[Myles123]

Sounds like you did this in store. I (and a number of friends) just called up Rogers and asked them to do it. No problem at all. The quote from the phone rep was "Just tell me what plan you want, and I will give it to you"

-Brian

Good to know! I will do so. Brian, I have another question: At 65$, is it for data only or does it include the voice plan...

[paquetja]

Rogers is one of the great evils in the country. I can't say enough bad things about them to paint an accurate picture of how truly evil and greedy they are. I can't wait for the day they finally get what they deserve (which might be never the way this country works)

[tutubibi]

Rogers is one of the great evils in the country. I can't say enough bad things about them to paint an accurate picture of how truly evil and greedy they are. I can't wait for the day they finally get what they deserve (which might be never the way this country works)

So true.

In 10 years, Canada will be renamed Rogersia or Rogersland (at least we can keep same flag coluors) :D

[ingenious]

<snip>
My Touch can do everything an iPhone can (except EDGE and camera / bluetooth) without a big rogers anchor.

That's exactly why Apple released the iPod touch in all iPod markets, even those without the iPhone. Consumers saying things like that are good leverage against the cell phone companies.

[havok416]

Here's an article from CBC claiming the delay is due to trademark issues with Comwave. This definitely casts doubt on the possibility of the Canadian iPhone coming any time soon.

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/10/11/tech-iphone-trademark.html

[The Stig]

Here's an article from CBC claiming the delay is due to trademark issues with Comwave. This definitely casts doubt on the possibility of the Canadian iPhone coming any time soon.

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/10/11/tech-iphone-trademark.html

I hate them. I will make sure I or anybody I know buys a product or service from comwave.

The Stig

[LouTreize]

Rogers is one of the great evils in the country. I can't say enough bad things about them to paint an accurate picture of how truly evil and greedy they are. I can't wait for the day they finally get what they deserve (which might be never the way this country works)

I'm with you on that one. I'm allll over what you're saying. You know we laugh but eventually things are going to happen with our telecommunication market. Just like it's happening right now with our automotive industry (the whole drop 8-10% on MSRP and better built quality on cars sold in Canada, and so on (http://www.leftlanenews.com/automakers-to-face-canadian-class-action-lawsuit.html)...their's lots of other articles out there too). Things are getting messy here in Canada. And guys like RIM aren't liking it either.

[maestrokev]

Here's an article from CBC claiming the delay is due to trademark issues with Comwave. This definitely casts doubt on the possibility of the Canadian iPhone coming any time soon.

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/10/11/tech-iphone-trademark.html

Interesting, just read article. So who's heard of this Mom and Pop operation, Comwave and who uses their product?

"The force they put into marketing would quickly make the brand Apple's and not ours," he said. "It's a case of hijacking the brand. If I asked people on the street who owns the iPhone trademark in Canada, they'd all say Apple. And their product isn't even in the market. So co-existence is not possible."

Whether Apple's iPhone comes to Canada or not I doubt anyone who has a cell phone is going to think iPhone, hey, that's Comwave!

[MacinDoc]

Interesting, just read article. So who's heard of this Mom and Pop operation, Comwave and who uses their product?

"The force they put into marketing would quickly make the brand Apple's and not ours," he said. "It's a case of hijacking the brand. If I asked people on the street who owns the iPhone trademark in Canada, they'd all say Apple. And their product isn't even in the market. So co-existence is not possible."

Whether Apple's iPhone comes to Canada or not I doubt anyone who has a cell phone is going to think iPhone, hey, that's Comwave!
I Googled "iPhone Canada (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=iphone+canada&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8)" and went through 9 pages of results before I saw the first reference to Comwave.

[ebouwman]

Holt Renfrew...no.

$799, when the Canadian dollar is currently at par, or even worth more than the USD... no.

If and when Rogers and Apple ever agree about a package, Rogers has hundreds, if not thousands, of retail outlets the iPhone can be sold at.

This isn't going to happen.

1) $799 Canadian when the phone is $399 USD isn't going to happen.

2) Holt Renfrew isn't going to happen.

3) In reference to one of the comments above, Apple hasn't allowed subsidizes yet, so I doubt they will in Canada.

every time i check the dollar it's just bellow the USD
$799 Canadian might still happen, i wouldn't say it's impossible, if the iPhone does go for that much here though, uggg. If i would have pay $799 for a damned iPhone it better not be locked to Rogers.
Is it true thought that rogers is the only carrier that would work with the iPhone??

[maestrokev]

every time i check the dollar it's just bellow the USD
$799 Canadian might still happen, i wouldn't say it's impossible, if the iPhone does go for that much here though, uggg. If i would have pay $799 for a damned iPhone it better not be locked to Rogers.
Is it true thought that rogers is the only carrier that would work with the iPhone??

Just take a look at the official GSM site for Canada (http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_ca.shtml) and who else do you see that offers GSM?

Has Rogers ever offered a phone on contract that wasn't locked to their network? I doubt it.

[ebouwman]

I Googled "iPhone Canada (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=iphone+canada&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8)" and went through 9 pages of results before I saw the first reference to Comwave.

Comwave iPhone ??? I'd never heard of it before it was in the news, also calling it "i"Phone just is playing off of apples image and they know it. :rolleyes::D

Just take a look at the official GSM site for Canada (http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_ca.shtml) and who else do you see that offers GSM?

Has Rogers ever offered a phone on contract that wasn't locked to their network? I doubt it.

I just don't know that much about cell networks, i really wish it would come to telus or bell though!:( its such a big let down.

[notjustjay]

Whether Apple's iPhone comes to Canada or not I doubt anyone who has a cell phone is going to think iPhone, hey, that's Comwave!

Besides, I thought iPhone was Cisco (http://www.linksys.com/iphone/)'s product. :)

[RoboCop001]

Isn't Comwaves iPhone just a service and not even a device? I always see those commercials with that blond woman knocking on the TV going "Hello? Hello!?"

Why would they even call their service iPhone? That's like calling a taxi service iDrive. lol :P

Those crazy Comwave people. I know they want an iPhone too! There's no denying that! :P

[daze]

Besides, I thought iPhone was Cisco (http://www.linksys.com/iphone/)'s product. :)

It is a Cisco product, the iPhone. I guess Cisco didn't register iPhone in Canada, hence allowing Comware to take up the trademark here.

Yes, nobody's heard of Comware. But they did try to capitalize on the brandname when Apple's iPhone was launched. I remember seeing ads on buses saying, "iPhone is here. Comwave."

Comwave wants to see the brand to Apple. Let's see what happens. If Apple could convince Cisco, then Comwave is nothing but a walk in the park.

[LastZion]

It is a Cisco product...

Comwave wants to see the brand to Apple. Let's see what happens. If Apple could convince Cisco, then Comwave is nothing but a walk in the park.

The Cisco think took only a few weeks, this is getting ridiculous. If this is in fact the problem, which I doubt it is the whole problem. Come on people, make it work!!! Just do what you have to do and get the iPhone out!

[James L]

it's a collection of things, to summarize what has been discussed:

1) Canada is a small market, compared to Europe and parts of Asia. From a pure profit point of view, it's not a high priority.

2) Rogers is the only GSM network in town, and currently has high data fees. Apple won't sign a deal that is ultra crappy for its customers.

3) name trademark issues.

4) ????

I wouldn't hold my breath. I would say this time '08 personally, though I would love to be proven wrong.

[pennsive]

Enjoy. :)

Don't shoot the messenger, just posting what I read. :o

Real Pricks:
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/10/11/tech-iphone-trademark.html

[MacinDoc]

It is a Cisco product, the iPhone. I guess Cisco didn't register iPhone in Canada, hence allowing Comware to take up the trademark here.
Comwave doesn't even own the trademark, it is disputed, and both Apple and Comwave have applied for registration. Comwave started using it before Apple, but Apple applied for registration before Comwave, so who wins the application is anyone's guess.

Edit: Pensive beat me to it with the above link.

[quigleybc]

Has it been two weeks yet? sure can't wait for my Holt Renfrew iPhone.....

[Eric Lewis]

it has been 2weeks! fake

[JonHimself]

it has been 2weeks! fake

Not quite two weeks yet, it'll be two weeks on the 18th. Not that I don't think it's fake, but I suppose they still have a couple od days for it to be made true

[ebouwman]

t probably wont come come out for another month, just in time for holiday season, or else they'll wait till the summer imo.

[Clipse79]

More no Iphone in Canada links


http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/why-iphone-wont-make-canada

[dbater]

The $799 price point is possibly the biggest joke I've ever heard.

a) Our dollar is worth more, the should be nearly equal
b) I could have bought one for $400 and have it unlocked the other day
c) Nobody would buy it, and it would bring down Apple's name

Apple better get up here soon, there's already loads of people with unlocked iPhone's here, they might be too late though.

I don't believe that it will be too late and a lot of people have iPhones in Canada. When the iPhone reaches the great white north it will sell well to our limited population.

[quigleybc]

I don't believe that it will be too late and a lot of people have iPhones in Canada. When the iPhone reaches the great white north it will sell well to our limited population.

I like your positive thinking....

eff it....iPhones in Canada in TWO WEEKS!! starting......now! :p

[Djspice]

1) Canada is a small market, compared to Europe and parts of Asia. From a pure profit point of view, it's not a high priority.


I would, respectfully, disagree with that statement.

We have 4 of our own Apple corporate stores and will soon have Apple mini-stores in many of our Best Buy's. I don't think that we're necessarily "low priority". And Best Buy does carry Fidos' phones, so launching these new stores with a splash like the iPhone right before the holiday's would create a lot of brand interest.

The Holt-Renfrew rumour did seem a little far fetched, though.

[quigleybc]

How bout now....

[mambodancer]

Just got back from Switzerland and read an article showing a picture of SwissCom president using an iPhone. Speculation is that SwissCom may be in negotiations with Apple for the phone.

[HowEver]

Just got back from Switzerland and read an article showing a picture of SwissCom president using an iPhone. Speculation is that SwissCom may be in negotiations with Apple for the phone.

Cool.

Do you have anything related to Canada to add?

[Consultant]

Just got back from Switzerland and read an article showing a picture of SwissCom president using an iPhone. Speculation is that SwissCom may be in negotiations with Apple for the phone.

Maybe he unlocked that iPhone himself =)

[MacinDoc]

Apple estimates there are 250000 unlocked iPhones. With its close proximity to the U.S., I suspect that many of those are in Canada. This should motivate Apple to bring the iPhone to Canada, but I don't know how motivated Rogers will be, and there really is no alternative.

Why, oh why did the CRTC allow Rogers to purchase Fido? The wireless industry in Canada desperately needs some competition.

[deasine]

Apple estimates there are 250000 unlocked iPhones. With its close proximity to the U.S., I suspect that many of those are in Canada. This should motivate Apple to bring the iPhone to Canada, but I don't know how motivated Rogers will be, and there really is no alternative.

Why, oh why did the CRTC allow Rogers to purchase Fido? The wireless industry in Canada desperately needs some competition.

Unfortunately the did... which is why prices for phones in Canada are so high... especially when there is no other major GSM market across the nation...

And just to let all of you know, Rogers next big move is not the iPhone, but the introduction of 3G services (American 3G unfortunately) to almost all major city centers. It is rumored to be annouced in November. The next phone announced should be the HTC Touch.

[RevHelix]

Something tells me that Stevie will want to get as much of the market as possible (and stick it to RIM), thus he will probably make some arrangements to get the iPhone services cost closer to par as possible with the US.

Apple wants to compete, they want an iPhone in as many hands as possible, as opposed to a Nokia.

Apple must know that at $500 we will pony up for the phone (even if that is more than the US version in straight up exchange), but the voice and data plans are going to be the Achilles heal.

With a $50 US plan from AT&T, things don't look all that bad because that is voice and data, not 2 separate plans. For Apple to be able to truly compete in Canada they will have to finagle as much as possible otherwise there is no real deal here, no real motivation aside from a pretty device that business types have.

If there is no equilibrium with the plans, hacked iPhone ahoy! or just keep my current virgin phone, and get a iTouch . Apple gets my money, but Rogers get NADA!, doesn't work out for Rogers or any other carrier; I somehow have ears over at Telus (as in Tell Us We Suck) and something came out that Rogers *MAY NOT* (OH PLEASE GOD!) be getting the iPhone, don't take that as scripture but it is what I heard 3rd party.

What regular consumer who can't write off the expenses of an iPhone is going to buy the device and pay out the nose? Lets put a little practical thought here. Not every 17yo can afford an iPhone, even fewer can afford the cost of ownership. I look at it this way, the people who spend the most on cell phones and cell phone plans are (this may be an oversimplification, but it is how I see it):
1)Business types (Avg bill I hear from my boss types is around $300-500 a month with their RIM devices)
2)Teenagers and Students in general -- Nuf' said.
3)Pretty much everyone else, casual to low usage.

So ...
Group 1 will happen; but slowly since they probably already have a RIMjob and only halfway through their 10 year contract, unless it is important for them to look trendy. Slowest turnover (unless they are like my one ex-boss who constantly broke his phone).
Group 2 - The quickest market to generate revenue; high turnover; can't live without a phone.
Group 3 - Don't really care too much about the iPhone. Slow turnover.

So I think Apple is going to make a strong push somehow to make the iPhone somewhat affordable to use.

I have a little hope for fairness... just a little.

[quigleybc]

How bout now....

nnnnnnnnnow?

aaaaa forget it.....i'm gettin a land line....:rolleyes:

[BKKbill]

I really hate to be be bearer of bad news it has been 20 days now and no iPhone not even a mention. But we all knew that right. You know Rogers, Comwave ad nauseam. It's just not going to happen this year. You can only hope next year and that doesn't look too promising.

[D3nZ]

At least it will give me anough time to finish up my contract with another company. Although I really hate Rogers Wireless.

[kis]

it's a collection of things, to summarize what has been discussed:

1) Canada is a small market, compared to Europe and parts of Asia.

Europe isn't a market. Europe is a continent, consisting of a whole lot of very small markets / countries - most of which are much smaller than Canada.
The iPhone, for now, will only be available in the only major economies in Europe (France, Germany and England). All other countries can continue to hope that some day Apple will be willing to sell to them as well.

[kis]

Just got back from Switzerland and read an article showing a picture of SwissCom president using an iPhone. Speculation is that SwissCom may be in negotiations with Apple for the phone.

There's no need to speculate - if you had read the article in its entirety, you would have learned that Swisscom's CEO (Karsten Schloter) bought the iPhone on his recent vacation to the US and is using it with an AT&T contract, paying roaming fees in Switzerland.

Schloter's whole family lives in the US - and he used to as well until he accepted the post as CEO.

His having an iPhone is totally meaningless in terms of iPhones in Switzerland (despite the fact that there's a 99.9% chance that IF the iPhone is every sold here, it will be sold by Swisscom, which has a total monopoly in terms of mobile communications, very much like Rogers in Canada).

So, that was totally off-topic. Sorry about that.

kis

[The Stig]

Check out appleinsider. Looks VERY promising.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/10/24/intel_chief_a_mac_user_leopard_retail_teaser_iphone_in_canada.html

The Stig

[ac6789]

Saw this in google news:

Link (http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=1d77ed41-6982-413f-b8c7-3d802a216d8d&k=15535)

The main points:
- iPhone is valued at $800.00 (not including network subscription)
- Carrier is Rogers (knew that already)
- contest only open to residents of Quebec :mad:

[Myles123]

Saw this in google news:

Link (http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=1d77ed41-6982-413f-b8c7-3d802a216d8d&k=15535)

The main points:
- iPhone is valued at $800.00 (not including network subscription)
- Carrier is Rogers (knew that already)
- contest only open to residents of Quebec :mad:

iPhone have been removed from Molson's contest.

[vanmacguy]

iPhone have been removed from Molson's contest.

Nope, I was just on the site. It's still there. Watch the prizes go by and it's right after the iPod.

Cheers.

[Myles123]

Nope, I was just on the site. It's still there. Watch the prizes go by and it's right after the iPod.

Cheers.
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=1d77ed41-6982-413f-b8c7-3d802a216d8d&k=15535

[LouTreize]

Oops...nevermind, read the above posts...

[Consultant]

When Apple release the iPhone, they will do it like everywhere else.

Announce that the iPhone which will be shipping later at another date
Announce the price and phone plans

And no, iPhone will NOT cost $800 in Canada.

[The Stig]

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=1d77ed41-6982-413f-b8c7-3d802a216d8d&k=15535

Say it isn't true :(

TS

[JamSandwich]

Still, all eyes on Rogers this week:

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/business/story.html?id=b9281239-cf2e-4548-a96a-f5e1d1d05270

However, a planned announcement by Rogers tomorrow is also fuelling expectation it is about to carry iPhone service.

Hopefully it's not just hype...

[Finally64bit]

Looks like we have to wait longer. Nothing about the iphone, only their upgrade to the network is mentioned.

Rogers' press release from today Oct. 26th:

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1510268550&view=5804-0&Start=0

I would guess this is their 'big announcement that the previous article mentions.

[juliuspleaser]

The #1 delay for the iPhone not comign to canada yet is that in Canada someone already own the name iPhone. Unlike in the US where Linksys owned the name iPhone and they and Apple came to a reasonable amount for use of the name, the canadian company is a small useless firm that is just looking to cash in on the name and wants a retarded amount of money and is not working much with Apple to come to something more realistic.
So until that legal battle eventually settles, Canada is in limbo as Apple is not going to release the "iPhone" everywhere else in the world and give it another name in Canada.
The Canadian company is Comwave and they are located in Toronto.

[notjustjay]

The Canadian company is Comwave and they are located in Toronto.

We should start a hate mail campaign.

Seriously. Remember in grade school when the teacher said that you'd all stay after class if you weren't all quiet, and then the one kid just wouldn't shut up and spoiled it for everyone?

[Clipse79]

I agree....I`ll take my time to make a fake email addy...They should all be like WEWANTIPHONE1, 2, 3 so on......

[notjustjay]

I agree....I`ll take my time to make a fake email addy...They should all be like WEWANTIPHONE1, 2, 3 so on......

Well, no, we should be reasonable, and not be immature. When the kid spoiled it for everyone, we all ganged up on him and told him we didn't like what he did, we thought it was stupid and counterproductive, and if he kept it up we weren't gonna be friends with him or play with him anymore.

What does the company think it's going to accomplish? So they use the term "iPhone" for a lame VoIP phone service. Assuming they didn't INTENTIONALLY pick that name to capitalize on Apple's success (not saying they did or didn't, as I haven't looked that closely at the timeline), they're holding up technological progress on a HOT item for the ENTIRE COUNTRY because they insist they have trademark rights to the name.

So best case scenario for them, they win the suit, get to keep using "iPhone" for their lame VoIP, and Apple is locked out of Canada? This is what they think consumers want?

We need to tell them that we don't give two farts about what they call their service, and to stop impeding progress for the entire country.

[ebouwman]

Well, no, we should be reasonable, and not be immature. When the kid spoiled it for everyone, we all ganged up on him and told him we didn't like what he did, we thought it was stupid and counterproductive, and if he kept it up we weren't gonna be friends with him or play with him anymore.

What does the company think it's going to accomplish? So they use the term "iPhone" for a lame VoIP phone service. Assuming they didn't INTENTIONALLY pick that name to capitalize on Apple's success (not saying they did or didn't, as I haven't looked that closely at the timeline), they're holding up technological progress on a HOT item for the ENTIRE COUNTRY because they insist they have trademark rights to the name.

So best case scenario for them, they win the suit, get to keep using "iPhone" for their lame VoIP, and Apple is locked out of Canada? This is what they think consumers want?

We need to tell them that we don't give two farts about what they call their service, and to stop impeding progress for the entire country.

Sounds good, we need some sort of petision or something...

[ebouwman]

I just looked it up and all there is is this contact page with a couple of phone numbers, no email adress that i found, but then again i didn't really look to hard.


http://www.comwave.net/CDN/company_contacts.htm

[Jdot]

Yeah. I am with what WAS the alternative -- Fido. It was great. Billing by the second, low rates, CHEAP long distance and roaming fees, no contracts, customer service open all hours of the day, voice mail was just a few bucks, etc. They'd offer you free new phones to upgrade periodically just for being a good customer. Everything you'd want "the good guys" to be.

Alas, Rogers took over and one by one, slowly but surely, services got canceled, hours got pulled back, fees went up and up and up, ... now I feel as shafted as everyone else.

Okay now lets see here I hate to make a canada joke but when your wireless carrier is charging for voicemail its time to relocate

[James L]

Okay now lets see here I hate to make a canada joke but when your wireless carrier is charging for voicemail its time to relocate

Sounds good. Where do you suggest? With the USD heading towards the Mexican peso there would be some good deals down south for Canadians I would imagine.

[ingenious]

Sounds good. Where do you suggest? With the USD heading towards the Mexican peso there would be some good deals down south for Canadians I would imagine.

es el nuevo peso ahora.

:D

[Jdot]

Sounds good. Where do you suggest? With the USD heading towards the Mexican peso there would be some good deals down south for Canadians I would imagine.

Yeah but the money i save in not paying for voicemail prolly makes up for the difference =D <3

[Jimmery]

Well, Bell just put out a iPhone competitor, complete with a $7 per month unlimited wireless data plan: the HTC Touch.

http://www.howardchui.com/2007/11/16/htc-touch-released-on-bell-mobility/

[MacinDoc]

Well, Bell just put out a iPhone competitor, complete with a $7 per month unlimited wireless data plan: the HTC Touch.

http://www.howardchui.com/2007/11/16/htc-touch-released-on-bell-mobility/
Well, that may just force Rogers' hand on the iPhone. What a killer data plan from Bell! If Rogers doesn't come out with the iPhone and a reasonable data plan soon, I might have to switch!

[epicwelshman]

as has been mentioned before, Rogers needs to get some decent data plans in place, otherwise it won't make a difference whether they offer it or not - people won't buy it.

I'd say just to go for the Touch - as functional as the rest of the iPhone and with wi-fi becoming more prevalent, there's not as much need for EDGE.

[Stella]

Well, that may just force Rogers' hand on the iPhone. What a killer data plan from Bell! If Rogers doesn't come out with the iPhone and a reasonable data plan soon, I might have to switch!

The cost of data rates have halved in the past 6 months which is great for consumers. This is down to increased competition between the cell phone carriers. Rogers is still lagging.

http://www.thestar.com/article/277267
http://www.thestar.com/article/277964

Well, no, we should be reasonable, and not be immature. When the kid spoiled it for everyone, we all ganged up on him and told him we didn't like what he did, we thought it was stupid and counterproductive, and if he kept it up we weren't gonna be friends with him or play with him anymore.

What does the company think it's going to accomplish? So they use the term "iPhone" for a lame VoIP phone service. Assuming they didn't INTENTIONALLY pick that name to capitalize on Apple's success (not saying they did or didn't, as I haven't looked that closely at the timeline), they're holding up technological progress on a HOT item for the ENTIRE COUNTRY because they insist they have trademark rights to the name.

So best case scenario for them, they win the suit, get to keep using "iPhone" for their lame VoIP, and Apple is locked out of Canada? This is what they think consumers want?

We need to tell them that we don't give two farts about what they call their service, and to stop impeding progress for the entire country.

yes, we need to be reasonable. If another company has got the iPhone trademark then its their right to keep the name - they shouldn't automatically be expected to give it up for Apple. Its an obstacle that Apple needs to work on. Maybe they need to rename iPhone to something else for Canada...

I can't see the trademark 'iPhone' preventing the Canadian release, its more like Rogers and its skyhigh data charges.

If Rogers had been prevented from taking over Fido then maybe the iPhone would have already been here. FIDO used to have great prices on Data.

[galstaph]

You can now buy the iphone in canada, iphonenow.ca is selling them, for use on rogers/fido, but at 699 it is such a ripoff, these are obviously hacked as well... I almost want one but then I loook at the us and they're only 399:(

oh well maybe 2008, or 9 or when iphone rev. 2 comes out (and we get rev. 1 of course:rolleyes:)

[goosnarrggh]

His having an iPhone is totally meaningless in terms of iPhones in Switzerland (despite the fact that there's a 99.9% chance that IF the iPhone is every sold here, it will be sold by Swisscom, which has a total monopoly in terms of mobile communications, very much like Rogers in Canada).

Well, if you go by the raw number of subscribers among the 3 largest service providers, there are 6.8 million subscribers combined on the Rogers/Fido networks, 5.9 million Bell Canada subscribers, and 5.1 million Telus subscribers. So I'd hardly call it a total monopoly by any one carrier.

If you break down the market into the various regions, you'll find that Rogers+Fido is often in 2nd or 3rd place locally (with Bell and Telus splitting the difference for the #1 spot, and there can be additional competition due to some smaller regional carriers) but it all adds up to Rogers+Fido hitting the #1 spot nationally.

In terms of the GSM portion of the marketplace, you're right, they have absolutely no competitors with a nation-wide presence. But for most customers the GSM/CDMA distinction is irrelevant, because most of the "desirable" phones are available with versions for both CDMA and GSM networks.

[Teddy's]

We should start a hate mail campaign.


Comwave is USING the iPhone name since 2004. It reminds me of the "use it or lose it" deal. And yes, they are trying to get money from Apple (can't find the source of that... sorry) Pretty bad for the once I thought good company.

es el nuevo peso ahora. :D

In 1992 Mexico changed to a "nuevo peso" -> 1000 Pesos = 1 Nuevo Peso. In time they dropped "new" from the name. As of today USD $1 = $11,000 Old Pesos = 11 (new) Pesos

[notjustjay]

I'd say just to go for the Touch - as functional as the rest of the iPhone and with wi-fi becoming more prevalent, there's not as much need for EDGE.

That's actually what I ended up doing, in a way.. I bought a Touch the other day while it was on sale, and have been playing with it for a while. I've jailbreak'd it and installed all the iPhone apps. Almost as good as the real thing.

I've decided that this form factor makes a great iPod, but I'm not so convinced I would want this to be my phone anymore. I treat the iPod Touch with utter care, and I'm constantly wiping it down and checking it over. Meanwhile, my current cell phone sits in my pants pocket where it gets crushed together with my car keys all day long. The iPod Touch would be too big to fit in that pocket (not that I'd want it there anyway) so where would I put it?

Perhaps the iPhone isn't for me, after all. I'll keep the Touch in a jacket or shirt pocket when I want the music or other tech gadgetry, and the ol' rough and tumble cell phone will stay in my pocket.

[ebouwman]

yes, we need to be reasonable. If another company has got the iPhone trademark then its their right to keep the name - they shouldn't automatically be expected to give it up for Apple. Its an obstacle that Apple needs to work on. Maybe they need to rename iPhone to something else for Canada...

I can't see the trademark 'iPhone' preventing the Canadian release, its more like Rogers and its skyhigh data charges.


No i think it is the hold up, there are enough iPhones in Canada that there obviously is a market for it even though rogers sucks.

Now is it unfair for comwave to have to compete with the APPLE iPhone? Probably yes, but at the same time puting that i in front of a name is just stealing apples thunder and they know it.

I just ended up getting a touch as well, it's really nice i must say.

[Stella]

No i think it is the hold up, there are enough iPhones in Canada that there obviously is a market for it even though rogers sucks.

Now is it unfair for comwave to have to compete with the APPLE iPhone? Probably yes, but at the same time puting that i in front of a name is just stealing apples thunder and they know it.

I just ended up getting a touch as well, it's really nice i must say.

Erm, how is Comcast stealing Apple's thunder? This is a typical Apple Fan Boy response. As the poster above stated, Comcast has been using the iPhone name since 2004... WAAAAY before the iPhone. Apple didn't 'invent' the i<something> either... they jumped on the same bandwagon as everyone else.

Comcast should not be blamed for holding up the iPhone in Canada - its their trademark that they are actively using and should not be expected to give it up. Apple could rename the iPhone to something else for the Canadian market and be out tomorrow if that was the 'only' reason.

[MacInTO]

You can now buy the iphone in canada, iphonenow.ca is selling them, for use on rogers/fido, but at 699 it is such a ripoff, these are obviously hacked as well... I almost want one but then I loook at the us and they're only 399:(

oh well maybe 2008, or 9 or when iphone rev. 2 comes out (and we get rev. 1 of course:rolleyes:)
LOL, they bill themselves as, "Canada's Source for Purchasing the iPhone in Canada".

I thought Craigslist was!

They charge a small 'premium'. They probably charge tax on top of the $650 or whatever they are charging. You can get on on CL for about $500-$550 (all in).

Better yet, if you happen to be going to the US, you can pick one up for about $430 (including tax). If you get charged taxes on the way back into Canada, the worst case is $480 (actually worst case is if you don't declare it and get caught and they confiscate it).

You can unlock it in an hour or so.

Yes, I agree, I'd wait for future phones. I had one for about two week and sold it. It's a glorified iPod with a phone; but it was very cool!

[xStep]

Now is it unfair for comwave to have to compete with the APPLE iPhone? Probably yes, but at the same time puting that i in front of a name is just stealing apples thunder and they know it.
You people pissing on Comwave have nerve. Check this article (http://www.voip-news.com/blog/20070115/comwave-takes-iphone-in-canada/) from just days after Apple's iPhone announcement. Clearly Comwave had it first in Canada and had actually been using the name. Sure they are small, but why should they give it up. Just because Apple wants it. Give me a break.

Apple needs to direct some of its creativity to a global name for the device. I'm getting tired the iNames anyway.

[MacinDoc]

You people pissing on Comwave have nerve. Check this article (http://www.voip-news.com/blog/20070115/comwave-takes-iphone-in-canada/) from just days after Apple's iPhone announcement. Clearly Comwave had it first in Canada and had actually been using the name. Sure they are small, but why should they give it up. Just because Apple wants it. Give me a break.

Apple needs to direct some of its creativity to a global name for the device. I'm getting tired the iNames anyway.
That article is erroneous. Apple applied for the Canadian trademark in October 2004. Comwave claims that it started selling the iPhone in June 2004. I have not yet seen any evidence that Comwave started selling its iPhone in June 2004. Further complicating the matter, Ocean Telecom, which has a history of acting on behalf of Apple, applied for the same trademark in July 2004. Ocean also applied for the trademark in the U.S. in December 2003. Under Canadian trademark law, date of filing in another country can be used as the de facto date of application in Canada. In other words, Ocean applied for the trademark well before the date Comwave claims to have started using the name. Out of all of the interested parties, Comwave was actually the last to submit an application for the trademark. It was just the first to use the name for a product on the market.

I might note that Comwave is not a particularly scrupulous company, and there is little about it that is Canadian. It is fully owned by a Chinese international investment conglomerate, Founder Group, and it is currently using the TM indicator in association with its iPhone products, even though it has not been awarded the trademark.

[xStep]

MacinDoc,

That was some very interesting information. If true, that changes my opinion.

[MacinDoc]

MacinDoc,

That was some very interesting information. If true, that changes my opinion.
Thanks. Here is a summary (http://evans.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2005/7/5/997503.html) of the VOIP services that were available in Canada in July 2004. There is a notable absence from the list.

The Canadian trademark dispute is expected to take 2-3 year to resolve, by the way.

I should credit this article (http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/10/11/tech-iphone-trademark.html) for much of the information in my previous post.

[ebouwman]

That article is erroneous. Apple applied for the Canadian trademark in October 2004. Comwave claims that it started selling the iPhone in June 2004. I have not yet seen any evidence that Comwave started selling its iPhone in June 2004. Further complicating the matter, Ocean Telecom, which has a history of acting on behalf of Apple, applied for the same trademark in July 2004. Ocean also applied for the trademark in the U.S. in December 2003. Under Canadian trademark law, date of filing in another country can be used as the de facto date of application in Canada. In other words, Ocean applied for the trademark well before the date Comwave claims to have started using the name. Out of all of the interested parties, Comwave was actually the last to submit an application for the trademark. It was just the first to use the name for a product on the market.

I might note that Comwave is not a particularly scrupulous company, and there is little about it that is Canadian. It is fully owned by a Chinese international investment conglomerate, Founder Group, and it is currently using the TM indicator in association with its iPhone products, even though it has not been awarded the trademark.

Thanks for that MacinDoc, i've heard something along the lines of that, i really didn't know anything about that though.

Erm, how is Comcast stealing Apple's thunder? This is a typical Apple Fan Boy response. As the poster above stated, Comcast has been using the iPhone name since 2004... WAAAAY before the iPhone. Apple didn't 'invent' the i<something> either... they jumped on the same bandwagon as everyone else.

Comcast should not be blamed for holding up the iPhone in Canada - its their trademark that they are actively using and should not be expected to give it up. Apple could rename the iPhone to something else for the Canadian market and be out tomorrow if that was the 'only' reason.

Yes it is a typical apple fanboy response for me to say that they're stealing thunder by using the i, but it's basically true, it's a bit of an apple thing, they've been doing that for a long time and people asssociate it with apple. It's not stealing per say, but it's piggybacking on the success of another company.
Its like how Kia now makes that Rio that looks exactly like the Subaru Impreza WRX. It's not the same car, there are some differences, but kia is really just piggybacking off of the success of the WRX and its distinctive looks.

Now i never meant to sound like i think that comwave should just drop the name just because apple said so, because i don't think that. They should settle the dispute properly, in or out of court. Comwave IS willing to sell the name for a price, i don't have a link to the quote though.

[jonajjs]

Hey Guys..

I just spoke with a Rogers rep. They never give too much away... but she said the iPhone would be released mid december- mid january. She did not mention anything about the price or possible data plan. The Rogers reps never give you any information unless they are almost positive.

I would definitely wait for the Rogers one to come out... as apposed to getting an unlocked version... just for warranty purposes. If you buy an unlocked iPhone and something goes wrong... the phone is garbage.. apple will not touch it.

With some of my experience with unlocked phones in Canada, you never really know what charges are going to be on your bill.

JUST WAIT A MONTH

IT'S COMINGGGGGGGGGG

[maestrokev]

Just read the article on data rates (http://www.thestar.com/article/277267) and I can't see why everyone in Canada is so keen on the iPhone. What makes this phone great is the wireless data access.

So what if the article mentions the data rate has halved, it's stiil ridiculous!

But not everyone is moving toward an all-you-can-eat wireless data offering. Rogers Wireless Inc. still charges $1,580 to transmit one gigabyte of data to a smartphone, although that is down from $2,600 in June, the study said.

[backstage]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/11/28/auction.html

Potentially good news for the iphone and data rates in general.

[notjustjay]

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/11/28/auction.html

Potentially good news for the iphone and data rates in general.

I don't see how this works. If we're auctioning off new spectrum, does that mean these "competing" carriers would have to use something other than CDMA or GSM?

[R0nin]

VANCOUVER - Police and consumer protection authorities are investigating Vancouver-based

iPhoneNow.ca and are asking people who have paid hundreds of dollars for iPhones that were never

delivered to step forward.

The company is associated with Joshua Tristan Trousdale, a Port Coquitlam man who has been convicted

of fraud relating to the sale of Playstations over the Internet, and has successfully quelled

complaints in the past with threats of costly lawsuits.



If you have purchased ANY product from this company please check your credit cards for any

fraudulent charges NOW!

Newspaper Articles
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=39bd6190-0ce8-49b7-ad04-cf2e5f0313ba
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=cf51ae03-de31-46fb-a632-725dc8809508&k=53201
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=7dd7c892-74dd-46b3-9e79-165ecc72c90d&k=5149

[brad.c]

I wonder what legal grey area this kind of reseller works in. If an iPhone can only be bought under restricted contract, does reselling for the express purpose of breaking a contract constitute fraud, or something similar.

I mean, is the term "jailbreak" more than tongue-in-cheek?

[philbeeney]

VANCOUVER - Police and consumer protection authorities are investigating Vancouver-based

iPhoneNow.ca and are asking people who have paid hundreds of dollars for iPhones that were never

delivered to step forward.

The company is associated with Joshua Tristan Trousdale, a Port Coquitlam man who has been convicted

of fraud relating to the sale of Playstations over the Internet, and has successfully quelled

complaints in the past with threats of costly lawsuits.



If you have purchased ANY product from this company please check your credit cards for any

fraudulent charges NOW!

Newspaper Articles
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=39bd6190-0ce8-49b7-ad04-cf2e5f0313ba
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=cf51ae03-de31-46fb-a632-725dc8809508&k=53201
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=7dd7c892-74dd-46b3-9e79-165ecc72c90d&k=5149

Is this a good thing or a bad thing for Apple.? The news is that people are getting ripped off buying iPhones. Everybody knows that the iPhone is from Apple, hence Apple are ripping people off. I know that fellow MacRumors scribes know the real story, but when it comes to the general public, that's a different matter entirely.

I think Apple should get their arse in gear and tie up a deal with Rogers a.s.a.p before the brand takes a knocking.

[maestrokev]

Doesn't Apple have a 2 iPhone per credit card check now? How could people believe that this company could buy and sell like an Apple store?

[quigleybc]

VANCOUVER - Police and consumer protection authorities are investigating Vancouver-based

iPhoneNow.ca and are asking people who have paid hundreds of dollars for iPhones that were never

delivered to step forward.

The company is associated with Joshua Tristan Trousdale, a Port Coquitlam man who has been convicted

of fraud relating to the sale of Playstations over the Internet, and has successfully quelled

complaints in the past with threats of costly lawsuits.



If you have purchased ANY product from this company please check your credit cards for any

fraudulent charges NOW!

Newspaper Articles
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=39bd6190-0ce8-49b7-ad04-cf2e5f0313ba
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=cf51ae03-de31-46fb-a632-725dc8809508&k=53201
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=7dd7c892-74dd-46b3-9e79-165ecc72c90d&k=5149




Woah

I actually considered buying one from those guys. They have friggin TV commercials and everything here..


glad I didn't move on that.

[daze]

It's February now, and no sign of the iPhone in Canada. <sigh>

[brad.c]

It's February now, and no sign of the iPhone in Canada. <sigh>

Two more weeks!

<slaps self silly>