Canadian Data Fees Seen as Hurdle for iPhone

MacRumors · 03:16 AM

Canada.com cites an industry expert who notes that wireless data rates are significantly higher in Canada than in the U.S. A data plan comparable to AT&T's iPhone data plans would reportedly run $295/month at the current rates.

The article speculates that this would either delay the iPhone's offering or require major data pricing changes prior to its introduction. The iPhone data/internet connectivity is one of its major features.

Article Link

ajhill · Jul 11, 2007, 03:42 AM

Wow, like it really sucks to be a Canadian cell phone customer, eh?

Guess they have plenty of money seeing how they save so much on their health care.

hob · Jul 11, 2007, 05:50 AM

It's the same (if not, worse) in the UK.

We have this great infrastructure, but noone can really use it because it's so bloody expensive!

cowman007 · Jul 20, 2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajhill

Wow, like it really sucks to be a Canadian cell phone customer, eh?

Guess they have plenty of money seeing how they save so much on their health care.

all our tax money goes to our healthcare system and taxes are high so i don't save much really

KD7IWP · Jul 20, 2007, 05:33 PM

At my school a number of prof's have moved just across the border to Washington since they save so much each year in taxes. Our school is close enough to the border that it didn't really affect their commute times either. I don't blame them! I would much rather choose what health care provider I have (like my parents do in Washington) rather than fighting to find a doctor up here who will add me to their list.

But anyway, the iPhone will come, but there is no chance that price plans will change. Lets tackle Rogers.

Sdao · Jul 20, 2007, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD7IWP

At my school a number of prof's have moved just across the border to Washington since they save so much each year in taxes. Our school is close enough to the border that it didn't really affect their commute times either. I don't blame them! I would much rather choose what health care provider I have (like my parents do in Washington) rather than fighting to find a doctor up here who will add me to their list.

But anyway, the iPhone will come, but there is no chance that price plans will change. Lets tackle Rogers.

I live in the GTA and not once have I ever had a problem with the Canadian health care system. I can get an appointment with my doctor any day of the week, I have 3 hospitals within a 25 minute drive (max) from my house and have visited them on numerous occasions. The worst experience I've had is waiting for a doctor to see my sprained ankle, it was a 1 hour wait. boo hoo. I've been to the hospital many, many times. Never once have I had a problem.

I would much rather pay high taxes each year to ensure that every Canadian citizen's right to good health is fulfilled. Private health care is a disaster, look at the premiums people are paying in the U.S. I may be generalizing (just a tad), but we pay higher taxes in Canada for a reason. I'd rather live longer (on avg) then my neighbour to the south than have the freedom to choose between health care providers.

We are all in this life together. We deserve to be cared for when we are sick. Having a serious illness is bad enough, but having to worry about money while battling a serious illness... I would never wish that upon anybody.

This isnt a vent against the United States. I think its a great country, I have many friends and many family members who live there and I love visiting and spending time with them.

now... what was I going to say about the iPhone?

Tsuius · Jul 20, 2007, 10:48 PM

Why are we talking about healthcare again, what does that have to do with high data rates?

Any ideas on what Canadians can do to rectify high data prices?

CRTC web site could be a good start, you can file a complaint here: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E They state on their web site that CRTC does not regulate rates for wireless providers but CRTC does allow wireless providers to eliminate competition – example Rogers bought out Fido or Telus could buy Bell. By allowing to buy out competition CRTC does regulate rates in a negative way.

KD7IWP · Jul 21, 2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sdao

now... what was I going to say about the iPhone?

These posts that come to healthcare and politics always make me do the same thing.

Teddy's · Jul 11, 2007, 08:22 AM

I've been saying this for a long time.

I HATE Canadian cellphone companies!!!

!!!!

izod · Jul 11, 2007, 08:25 AM

...but Data rates in Canada are far more expensive (mainly due to lack of competition). Check out this graph to see how brutal the situation currently is. I do hope that Apple can negotiate something far more reasonable with Rogers (or Fido, since Rogers owns them), or it simply won't be economical for most people here.

rrrr · Jul 11, 2007, 08:33 AM

Same problem here in switzerland! (I don't know about the rest of europe..).

1MB data is about: 1,20$
You can buy a "package" of 2GB for: 60$

Prices can be found here: (page currently down, so I post google-cache

)
http://209.85.135.104/search?q=cache...&client=safari

Data · Jul 11, 2007, 08:53 AM

Have the same problem if it comes to data plans i'm afraid, we'll have to wait and see what comes outof the negotiations .

H.isidorius · 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Data

Have the same problem if it comes to data plans i'm afraid, we'll have to wait and see what comes outof the negotiations .

I disagree with this remark. T-Mobile offers unlimited internet acces (called "Internet Totaal" ) for Euro 49,50 (384Kb/12Kb) or Euro 69,50 (1.8Mb/384Kb) per month. This is on top of your normal voice subsciption which you can get as low as Euro 7 p/m.

For non subscription usage, they start offering 128/128Kb speeds without a subscription fee costing Euro 2,50 per day maximum end of July.

The only "problem" for the iPhone market in The Netherlands is that there is only a GSM or a UMTS network available. Hence, the iPhone has not the right technoology support

H.isidorius · 11:49 AM

removed

paquetja · Jul 11, 2007, 08:57 AM

Canada doesn't have the population the US or Europe does, so this makes it very hard for more startups to compete with the big carriers, and drive the prices down. This is a problem with almost every tech industry in Canada (cable, cell, phone, etc..). It's all monopolized by 1 or 2 companies, and they can do and charge whatever they want. I understand the CRTC is trying to protect 'canadian culture' or 'canadian content', but it's not protecting the consumer with all of their restrictions. I might get shot for saying this (and I can't believe I'm suggesting it myself), but I think we should open up our borders to US telecomm companies, and piggy-back off their networks and service.

I'm not sure I can see Rogers slashing their data plan rates in half just for a phone. They are too greedy and corrupt to do that. Unless they are guaranteed to recoop the money through iphone sales and more plan signups.

Not sure about this...I'll be surprised if we get the iphone this year.
There is also the rumour that Bell is doing something to improve their CDMA network, so maybe it could be Bell?

davidlt · Jul 11, 2007, 09:27 AM

2.8$ for 50MB. (Lithuania) (standard connection in the phone for internet, I think it's called EDGE)

WiFi, 4$ per month, 5Mbps, unlimited. But for now, that's already more than a year while it's free for everyone.

Ugg · Jul 12, 2007, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidlt

2.8$ for 50MB. (Lithuania) (standard connection in the phone for internet, I think it's called EDGE)

WiFi, 4$ per month, 5Mbps, unlimited. But for now, that's already more than a year while it's free for everyone.

The Baltics have made a huge commitment to internet connectivity. It just goes to show how government can make a huge difference in the market. It doesn't hurt that Nokia is just across the water! The Baltics are also quite small with fairly dense population.

Is WiFi available in all towns?

mikedotca · Jul 11, 2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

I'm not sure I can see Rogers slashing their data plan rates in half just for a phone. They are too greedy and corrupt to do that.

That's basically it. Rogers is greedy. Until my Blackberry died (a few days after the launch of the iPhone) I was paying $40 for a limited amount (about 1MB). There used to be a plan for $60 giving unlimited download, but they removed that option. Since it's business, they can get away with those prices.

I do not expect to see Rogers charge the same data rates as AT&T, but they had better. I for one can suppress the need for an iPhone if I'm going to be further screwed by Rogers. Luckily with portable numbers, I'm likely to leave Rogers if they attempt to screw customers on this.

Changing the topic slightly, most Rogers customer reps have been pretty open about the iPhone. One told me the other day that they had hoped to have it launched at the same time as the US. Clear she had previous received a hard blow to the head to think that. But Rogers techs have a couple test units which, as I've heard from a tech at work who tried to get his hands on one for testing, are said to work on the Rogers network and here in Toronto.

I am going to give Rogers the benefit of the doubt (though I have no idea why I should trust them), and assume that the real problem is Canada. Any evidence Steve Jobs has ever been here? How long did it take to get the iTunes store... and yet where are the tv shows and movies. There are even Canadian made shows on iTunes that we can't access.

graymccarty · Jul 11, 2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedotca

But Rogers techs have a couple test units which, as I've heard from a tech at work who tried to get his hands on one for testing, are said to work on the Rogers network and here in Toronto.

Do you work at Rogers?

I take the bus with a bunch of Rogers tech workers every morning (the 'head office' is on my way to school).... so you'd better believe that Im keeping my eyes open for iPhones from now on!!!

quigleybc · Jul 11, 2007, 11:12 AM

More and more i'm starting to think that we just won't get the iPhone....at all.

By the time our cell carriers work this all out, a new iPhone will be out...

what a rip off.....we need to start a petition...cuz those ALWAYS work....right guys?? right...

us = screwed

graymccarty · Jul 11, 2007, 11:14 AM

There already is an online petition for Rogers to lower the cost of the data plan in order to make way for the iPhone. I doubt it will affect anything.

jonny · Jul 11, 2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quigleybc

More and more i'm starting to think that we just won't get the iPhone....at all.

By the time our cell carriers work this all out, a new iPhone will be out...

what a rip off.....we need to start a petition...cuz those ALWAYS work....right guys?? right...

us = screwed

I don't know why Apple wouldn't just release the iPhone here with the internet functionalities turned off or set to wifi only in the system settings. Release it *unlocked* to Rogers/Fido + gsm resellers.

Apart from Rogers being greedy bastards, we get nailed for hi data fees cos our cellphone using population in all of canada is probably less than nyc alone. The more cell users, the lower the price can be. Maybe we should just make more babies!

monke · Jul 11, 2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quigleybc

More and more i'm starting to think that we just won't get the iPhone....at all.

By the time our cell carriers work this all out, a new iPhone will be out...

what a rip off.....we need to start a petition...cuz those ALWAYS work....right guys?? right...

us = screwed

Yeah, I've pretty much thought the same way.

I found the petition by the way, it's here: http://www.petitiononline.com/iPhone99/petition.html

hayesk · Jul 12, 2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedotca

I am going to give Rogers the benefit of the doubt (though I have no idea why I should trust them), and assume that the real problem is Canada. Any evidence Steve Jobs has ever been here? How long did it take to get the iTunes store... and yet where are the tv shows and movies. There are even Canadian made shows on iTunes that we can't access.

TV Shows not being available is due to licensing with Canadian TV networks. Canadian networks pay for the exclusive right to broadcast in Canada. I'd bet that is the reason. I don't know if Apple is negotiating or not to bring TV shows to Canada. They've never really said.

TheChemist · Jul 12, 2007, 07:32 PM

^^^ Same reason why certain joost channels are not available here.

Jul 11, 2007, 01:35 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Canadian Data Fees Seen as Hurdle for iPhone Canada.com cites an industry expert who notes that wireless data rates are significantly higher in Canada than in the U.S. A data plan comparable to AT&T's iPhone data plans would reportedly run $295/month at the current rates. The article speculates that this would either delay the iPhone's offering or require major data pricing changes prior to its introduction. The iPhone data/internet connectivity is one of its major features. Article Link Last edited by arn : Jul 11, 2007 at 03:16 AM.

Jul 11, 2007, 03:42 AM	#2
ajhill macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2007	Wow Wow, like it really sucks to be a Canadian cell phone customer, eh? Guess they have plenty of money seeing how they save so much on their health care.

Jul 11, 2007, 05:50 AM	#3
hob macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London, UK	It's the same (if not, worse) in the UK. We have this great infrastructure, but noone can really use it because it's so bloody expensive! __________________ see robmac.net for my work

Jul 20, 2007, 05:33 PM	#5
KD7IWP macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: My apartment in Canada	At my school a number of prof's have moved just across the border to Washington since they save so much each year in taxes. Our school is close enough to the border that it didn't really affect their commute times either. I don't blame them! I would much rather choose what health care provider I have (like my parents do in Washington) rather than fighting to find a doctor up here who will add me to their list. But anyway, the iPhone will come, but there is no chance that price plans will change. Lets tackle Rogers. __________________ 2.66Ghz Quad Nehalem Mac Pro; 8gb iPhone 3G; 30GB 5G iPod; 512mb iPod Shuffle.

Jul 11, 2007, 08:22 AM	#9
Teddy's macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto	I've been saying this for a long time. I HATE Canadian cellphone companies!!! !!!! __________________ [IZE="B][COLepSkkyBle"]"hi"COLR][/SZE]

Jul 20, 2007, 10:48 PM	#7
Tsuius macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: GTA	Why are we talking about healthcare again, what does that have to do with high data rates? Any ideas on what Canadians can do to rectify high data prices? CRTC web site could be a good start, you can file a complaint here: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E They state on their web site that CRTC does not regulate rates for wireless providers but CRTC does allow wireless providers to eliminate competition – example Rogers bought out Fido or Telus could buy Bell. By allowing to buy out competition CRTC does regulate rates in a negative way.

Jul 11, 2007, 08:25 AM	#10
izod macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Toronto	It may be expensive in the UK ...but Data rates in Canada are far more expensive (mainly due to lack of competition). Check out this graph to see how brutal the situation currently is. I do hope that Apple can negotiate something far more reasonable with Rogers (or Fido, since Rogers owns them), or it simply won't be economical for most people here.

Jul 11, 2007, 08:33 AM	#11
rrrr macrumors newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Basel, Switzerland	same here Same problem here in switzerland! (I don't know about the rest of europe..). 1MB data is about: 1,20$ You can buy a "package" of 2GB for: 60$ Prices can be found here: (page currently down, so I post google-cache) http://209.85.135.104/search?q=cache...&client=safari

Jul 11, 2007, 08:53 AM	#12
Data macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2006	Holland and propably the rest of the eu ... Have the same problem if it comes to data plans i'm afraid, we'll have to wait and see what comes outof the negotiations .

Jul 11, 2007, 11:48 AM	#14
H.isidorius macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2007	Dutch fees removed Last edited by H.isidorius : Jul 11, 2007 at 11:49 AM. Reason: double post

Jul 11, 2007, 08:57 AM	#15
paquetja macrumors newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, ON	Canada doesn't have the population the US or Europe does, so this makes it very hard for more startups to compete with the big carriers, and drive the prices down. This is a problem with almost every tech industry in Canada (cable, cell, phone, etc..). It's all monopolized by 1 or 2 companies, and they can do and charge whatever they want. I understand the CRTC is trying to protect 'canadian culture' or 'canadian content', but it's not protecting the consumer with all of their restrictions. I might get shot for saying this (and I can't believe I'm suggesting it myself), but I think we should open up our borders to US telecomm companies, and piggy-back off their networks and service. I'm not sure I can see Rogers slashing their data plan rates in half just for a phone. They are too greedy and corrupt to do that. Unless they are guaranteed to recoop the money through iphone sales and more plan signups. Not sure about this...I'll be surprised if we get the iphone this year. There is also the rumour that Bell is doing something to improve their CDMA network, so maybe it could be Bell? __________________ Intel MacMini / Intel MacBook 1.8 Ghz / 8GB iPhone 3G / 160GB TV / Airport Extreme Base Station

Jul 11, 2007, 09:27 AM	#16
davidlt macrumors member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lithuania	2.8$ for 50MB. (Lithuania) (standard connection in the phone for internet, I think it's called EDGE) WiFi, 4$ per month, 5Mbps, unlimited. But for now, that's already more than a year while it's free for everyone.

Jul 11, 2007, 11:12 AM	#20
quigleybc macrumors 68030 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Beautiful Vancouver British Columbia, Canada	More and more i'm starting to think that we just won't get the iPhone....at all. By the time our cell carriers work this all out, a new iPhone will be out... what a rip off.....we need to start a petition...cuz those ALWAYS work....right guys?? right... us = screwed __________________ Black Book Black iPhone powermacg5 * iPod touch,nano,shuffle,3g * etc...

Jul 11, 2007, 11:14 AM	#21
graymccarty macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, ON	There already is an online petition for Rogers to lower the cost of the data plan in order to make way for the iPhone. I doubt it will affect anything. __________________ graymond

Jul 12, 2007, 07:32 PM	#25
TheChemist macrumors member Join Date: Sep 2006	^^^ Same reason why certain joost channels are not available here.

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