Who are we to believe?

Rogers's corporate representatives who tell the CBC they have no plans to carry the iPhone.

or

"Amanda" who tells your site Rogers will carry the iPhone.


...I'll believe Rogers and the CBC.

I just upgraded my old Sony Ericsson phone with out Rogers rep and he stated that he would be shocked if Rogers didn't release the iPhone before Christmas this year.

to #2,

Joe, you're completely missing the point. We've been told by a ROGERS representative that ROGERS will carry the iPhone in Canada. Yesterday.

If you would like to refute our report, maybe you should *gasp* call the same toll free number we've provided and get information from Rogers themselves, like WE DID? The Rogers customer service phone number we called was left in in the article on purpose (unlike the CBC, who did not provide their source's contact information).

This "believe/don't believe" stance is very kindergarden like. If you want to be opinionated, why not at least verify the information yourself? We did, and that's what we're reporting on, regardless of whether you "believe" us or "don't believe" us (which to be honest doesn't bother me at all either way -- our job is only to obtain information and report on it, we're not here to change your mind if it's already made up).

#4,

Thanks for letting us know Mike.

However it's just really annoying that there's no exact date available. I've personally asked Rogers twice about it, and Apple Canada PR twice.

"No exact release date" is pretty much what they answered every time, although Apple's Quebec PR agency went a bit further and said that Apple USA is calling the shots on the release date, and Apple Canada seems to have no say in it whatsoever.

Also as a sidenote, I've sent them some interview questions about three weeks ago, they were forwarded to Apple USA according to the PR rep I'm in touch with, and so far no reply was received. Shows just how much they care about us Canadians :(

They said Roger's hasn't announced it. And they havn't. Sure, many of their reps have unofficially told us that they will be but there hasn't been an *official* announcement by Roger's yet.

CBC is just reporting the facts, they are not a rumor site.

#8,

Steve,

What will you make of this then, the previous time Rogers confirmed they will carry the iPhone to us ? Note that I've left in my name, inquiry number, e-mail address, date, and all other information, so if you wish, you could follow up on that.

Rogers Wireless Customer Service <customercare> hide details Feb 14
reply-to Rogers Wireless Customer Service </customercare><customercare>
to dennis@iphoneworld.ca
date Feb 14, 2007 12:35 PM
subject Re: Your Cellular General Inquiry
Dear Dennis Sloutsky,

Thank you for taking the time to write to us, we appreciate your use of
online customer service.

In your recent email, you have asked us if about iPhones and if our
software supports the Macintosh Comouters.

Rogers is actively working with Apple to launch the iPhone in Canada as
soon as possible and will be the exclusive provider of the iPhone in
Canada.
Rogers will be offering the iPhone exclusively in Canada but launch date
and pricing for Canada are not yet available. Other Canadian wireless
carriers will not launch the iPhone, Rogers will be the only Canadian
wireless carrier to offer the iPhone.

We appreciate your continuing patronage. Please contact us at your
convenience if you have any further inquiries.

For future reference with respect to this e-mail, please quote reference
number 18129366

Regards,
Diane P.
Rogers Online Customer Service
http://www.rogers.com

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
*** Your Cellular General Inquiry ***


Account Number -->

Name --> Dennis Sloutsky

Email --> dennis@iphoneworld.ca

Address 1 -->

Address 2 -->

Postal Code -->



Subject --> Your Cellular General Inquiry

Comments --> Dear Sir/Madam,

I''m a journalist working for web media outlet
http://www.iphoneworld.ca. Just today I found out about your "unlimited music downloads" plan.

I would like to know whether this plan will be available to customers that will purchase the Apple iPhone once it''s available in Canada.

Another question, is whether your download software provides support for Apple Macintosh computers.

Furthermore, I was wondering whether this plan will compete against Apple''s iTunes Music Store, which is supposed to supply music to iPhone owners.

Please let me know so I could provide this important information for our readers. We''ve already posted a preliminary report about this at

http://www.iphoneworld.ca/news/2007/02/12/unlim...
ogers-and-iphone-in-canada/.

Best regards,

Dennis Sloutsky
Editor in Chief
iPhone World</customercare>

Steve, I hope you do know corporate policies for customer support. They can only provide already available AND truthful information, as there is a quality control department that listens in on phone conversations and checks e-mails, because of which they could lose their job (some of my friends work in Telus customer support, and that's what they told me). There's no "told us unofficially" as you say. Anything they communicate to us while they're on duty HAS to be official, else they lose their job because they're not paid to gossip.

They actually have some fairly decent salaries (for example my friends in Telus business support get $18,50/hour), and I really don't think they'd risk losing them by making up rumors about the iPhone in Canada (And considering how many CSR's said the same thing, it'd appear that they have an after-hours club where they convene and tell stories about iPhone rumors they've spread during the day. Maybe it gives an extra kick to their work? I really doubt that.).

That's already two confirmations that we personally received from two Rogers CSRs. I'm not sure how many more are needed before it becomes an "announcement", but we're not going to touch this topic again here on iPhoneWorld.ca until we can get an actual release date. I could be calling and e-mailing Rogers with the same question and getting the same answer every day of the week, but I realy do not see any purpose in that while there's some real news to report on.

Whoever doubts this information can do the same thing we did. I believe the customer service department is open 24/7, so you can just give them a call. It's a toll free number, you're looking for the Wireless department. Rogers CSR's don't bite, and that Amanda I spoke to actually sounded pretty hot :-)

1-877-764-3772 has the answer to this question. Call it!

I inquired with Telus (as they are my cell phone company) and they informed me that they will offering the iPhone. So some competition, lets see who has the better deal!!

our job is only to obtain information and report on it, we’re not here to change your mind if it’s already made up).

------------

I would hope your job would also include, as any good journalists job would, a little bit of checking to make sure that what you're reporting is in fact the truth. I'm not saying I believe or don't believe you (actually I do believe you,) but I would like to think you checked your story. Or do you subscribe the old adage "Check a story, lose a story"

I'm just sayin'...........

#11

John,

Can you please quote the phone number you called and the name of the CSR in question? We'll follow up on this story, no matter how weird it seems (iPhone is a GSM phone, whereas Telus is a CDMA carrier, that's what I am getting at).

#12

Jason,

you bring up a good point that touches all publications out there, at least those that would like to remain at least a bit credible.

To start answering this question, this is exactly why we followed up on that CBC News report. Something didn't smell right there, and we already had different information available.

We didn't jump on the "lemming-ship" of news reporting tide, we actually checked on that. I even quoted the CBC story to Amanda, she gave me the information we posted, and I received another "higher up" phone number which I could call on Monday and try and get additional details if I am really bored.

The truth is that, because this information was provided to us by Rogers customer service reps on more than one occasion, we have to believe it's true.

We didn't check it just once, so far we checked it twice already. We've also been in contact with Apple Canada PR who never once disputed the iPhone on Rogers (and yes, this is one of the questions we asked them).

Our reach is limited to what Rogers and Apple told us -- or didn't tell us (on more than one occasion), so basically, at the end of the day, we have to report on the information we've received. I wish there was some sort of "definitive" way to get this information (that would really make our job easier), but this is what we're faced with here as a daily reality.

P.S. I do NOT believe in the “Check a story, lose a story” concept. I believe it's a stupid idea invented by tabloids. What I actually believe in is "no news, is good news", which couldn't be further from the idea you've stated. If I believed in “Check a story, lose a story”, I certainly wouldn't have placed that call to Rogers or published this story (http://www.iphoneworld.ca/news/2007/04/03/apple...), don't you think?

What we report on here, at iPhoneWorld.ca, is always clearly marked. If it's a rumor, you'll know that it's a rumour, and who started it. If it's unconfirmed information from 3rd party (close to a rumor basically), we will clearly note that it's information that we could not confirm on our own. If it's definitive information that we've obtained, you'll be able to see how exactly we've obtained it, so you could follow up on it yourself.

What I was trying to say (maybe it wasn't the best way of explaining it), is that OUR job is to collect and analyze information. It's YOUR job to decide whether you believe it or not. But whether you did or not, we did our job. We provide you with information, not propaganda. So you can believe it, not believe it, that really doesn't matter to our editors -- what we told you is what we know ourselves, nothing more and nothing less. If we'll find out something else we'll tell you as soon as we'll know it. And then again, you can decide whether you believe it or not. That's how good journalism works.

Since Rogers/Fido is the only GSM based cellphone company in Canada, it is only a matter of time till the iPhone is distributed by them, fall sounds about right...

rogers service is terrible, so it doesn't surprise me that you get two different stories from the company in regards to the iphone

when my contract expires this summer i'll be leaving for telus whether or not they carry the iphone, as cool as it promises to be, its not worth staying with rogers just for the iphone. If telus actually does get its hands on it also i'll be happy, but i'm sick of dealing with the stupid voice activated menu at rogers that never knows who you are asking for until you start yelling and demanding an operator, the whole service experience with rogers is so bad that i wouldn't stay even if they gave me a free iphone

This is the reply I got from Rogers after e-mailing them about this.

------------------------

Thank you for taking the time to write to us, we appreciate your use of online customer service.

In your recent email, you have informed us that you would like an explanation regarding an email that was sent to you with regards to the iPhone.

We apologise for any confusion that has occurred. At the moment, we do not know whether we will offer this hardware or not. We have been working for Apple to be able to provide our customers (new and current) with this phone model.

Should we be able to support this hardware, our customers will be notified accordingly.

Thank you for your continued support of Rogers. We appreciate your business.

For future reference with respect to this e-mail, please quote reference number XXXXXXXX

Regards,
Linda C.
Rogers Online Customer Service
http://www.rogers.com

------------------------

#18,

Can you tell us when you've received this letter and which department you'ce contacted (customer service sales/public relations, etc...) and from which division (wireless, etc...)?

Best,

Dennis

they also told me on phone that they'll have iphone only last week, i called about unrelated issue with my phone but i asked them about it too, and they said for sure they'll have it. good thing cuz now i can stay with rogers and cuz my phone is dying then now i even have a reason to buy iphone.

Here's a followup to this report: http://www.iphoneworld.ca/news/2007/04/10/late-...

Apple delays launch of Mac OS X 'Leopard' software, blames IPhone
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Apple Inc. said it won't be shipping its next- generation operating system in June as planned, saying it had to divert resources from the project so that it could launch its highly anticipated IPhone on time.

The new shipment date for Mac OS X "Leopard" will be in October, the company said Thursday. The IPhone will make its debut in June as planned.

Apple shares dropped nearly three per cent to US$89.50 in extended-session trading after the announcement. Earlier, they had closed at $92.19, down 40 cents, on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

The "IPhone contains the most sophisticated software ever shipped on a mobile device, and finishing it on time has not come without a price - we had to borrow some key software engineering and (quality assurance) resources from our Mac OS X team," Apple said in a statement.

Apple announced the IPhone - a smart phone that also serves as an iPod music player - in January to much fanfare. The Cupertino-based company said Thursday the IPhone is still on track to be shipped in late June and has passed several of the required certification tests.

Apple, which had previously said Leopard would be available in the spring, had hoped to release the Mac operating system upgrade at its Worldwide Developers Conference, a five-day event in San Francisco that starts June 11.

Instead, a "near-final version" of Leopard will be ready for the developers at the conference, Apple said.

"We think it'll be worth the wait," Apple said.

? The Canadian Press, 2007

Story from TELUS NEWS:
http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/article.en.do?p...



Not sure if this is true or fake or what just tossing it out there

hey telus is using a cmda network and the iphone is GSM that mean that only 2 company can carrie it and those 2 are fido and roger, n i know that rogers own fido but that is the only ones

I agree with previous posts. The CBC article is probably right. I work for Rogers and I have not met anyone within the company who has recieved any confirmation for or against the iPhone. Ask most of the people who say they've heard Rogers is carrying the phone, and you will find that it all goes back to the original e-mail, which was probably false.

My guess is Rogers will wait for the 3G iPhone.

how difficult is it to unlock your phone? June29th 2007 just purchase it unlocked! Hello Ebay. Whether Rogers Wireless carries it or not, since its GSM, it will work no matter what, simply insert your SIM card. Your good to go

I can NOT see Rogers landing this contract. They have signed
a major contract with Sony Erickson to sell their units at cut rate premiums so for Rogers to neglect their obligations to those company's would place them in lawyer hell. With everybody claiming that Rogers is the natural choice I say this: they may have the equipment, but are trying to renege on their exclusive contracts with Sony but Sony is holding them to it, hence, why Rogers does not know WHEN they'll sell the I-Phone. Apple would be content to just allow consumers to purchase it at their On-Line store and why wouldn't they? No middle man, no commissions...no exclusives with Rogers and just simply allow EVERYONE to buy it whether you're with Fido or not.
This rumour mill was created and perpetuated by Rogers to troll for new clients and it worked with some people...the naivity!

Hate to rain on your parade, but taking the word of a customer service rep on an issue as large as this is NOT even close to confirmation. They do NOT have any information on the matter. They simply get the question, probably a dozen times a day, and have asked the customer service manager (who, also does NOT know the answer) and have come up with a standard answer (um, yeah, its coming, soon. probably. ) And i guarantee that this answer changes weekly. or depending on what shift of customer service agents you get. Claiming this is proof of anything hurts your reputation as trying to be a credible site/news outlet on this matter.

further info ... http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/04/04/iphone.m...

bottom line is until rogers announces it, by an official who knows (who CBC was closer to getting an answer than a customer service rep would be, don't even try to argue that one), then NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE.

just my opinion. which, until an official announcement, has as much credit as a customer service rep at a rogers center. no slight to customer service reps at rogers or anywhere else, but they don't have the answers. if they did, there would be an official document, with official information and an actual answer.

sign this petition and cause to give the message that we want the iphone in canada

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=244119666... this petition and cause to give the message that we want the iphone in canada

I really hope that they come out with the IPhone soon. I have been waiting a long time for a phone that is worth buying. I am hoping that the phone is reasonalby priced and available for retail purchase ASAP!

Just talked to Rogers customer service.

Q. Are you going to offer the Iphone? When will it be available?

A. "Yes we will be. Supposed to have been out already, but .. please hold", ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (music) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (new song) ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (do you rember ...) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... "Hello Sir, not exactly sure of the sale date. Giving estimates of six months, they (managers) are saying next month, but within six months"

Hello

I can't be bothered with anything these days, but shrug. I just don't have anything to say recently.


G'night

I’m currently living in Montreal, Quebec, but I am down in Pittsburgh, PA for 2 weeks to visit a client…. I couldn’t resist picking up an iPhone.

When I activated, I just gave a bogus SSN (999-99-9999), and the ATT site let me sign up with a pre-paid plan instead since they couldn’t do a credit check. I put in the address I’m staying at down here as my billing address, but used my Canadian credit card to pay for it, and voila I got a local number and it was activated.

The pre-paid plan is $20/mo for unlimited EDGE access, and $30/mo for 200 minutes. I can cancel anytime without termination fee (no contract, since it’s pre-paid), and it will still work as a WiFi device. I’ll keep paying into it though since I come down here about once a month, and it would be nice to have a local number as well.

I am following the hacking efforts by various groups on the iPhone, and they seem to think there is an excellent chance that they can remove the ATT SIM card lock, so if that is the case I can simply pop in my Fido SIM and use it as a regular phone as well while in Canada. Though visual voice mail wouldn’t work, and data plans on Fido or Rogers are exensive as hell right now, so I’d stick w/WiFi.. which is fine because Montreal is covered with them. If they are unable to remove the SIM lock, I will just use it as a WiFi device (just pop out the AT&T SIM after activation, and it will work fine as WiFI + iPod)

Gawd bless the low USD$ right now, it was a lot easier to justify.

Of course Rogers is going to get the iPhone - a company with such impressive GREED credentials would not be able to resist this money-spinner.

It will have a restricted minutes plan or some such crap, but no matter; it will work as a phone and the rest is best at a free wifi spot anyway.
Rogers is crap, but the iPhone is not, thankfully.

I also predict an unlocked iPhone soon; Apple will sell serious truckloads if they unlock them - the only thing that needs some input from the universally USELESS cell phone co.'s is the Visual Voice mail, and that will soon be copied by all the others anyway. Its just some server changes.

Don't you guys have work to do? I know everyone is an excited consumer that has obviously been sold by Apple. I know you can't wait to give them your money but all this talking about something that is out of your hands and having to put this much effort into speculating, making phone calls, asking questions to variety of sources, quoting websites.. People c'mon.. whenever it comes out, it comes out.. Let the time do it's work.. speculating is a waste of your time and your brain cells. Get back to work, and if you haven't got a job, go get one.

who the fuck cares - lets be honest all you geeks were bother to post on this site are going to switch to who ever carries the iphone anyway... yes this includes me

Hey, here's an idea........

Why don't you just wait until it actually happens.

IT'S ONLY A PHONE PEOPLE!!!!

Why don't you take your extra time, and obviously your extra money, since you can't wait to sign your paycheque over the the Bank Of Apple, and do something a bit more productive.

I work for Rogers Wireless and I have asked every executive I've come in contact with about when we will get the iPhone... The best information I've been told is that Mr Rogers and Mr Jobs are in continued discussion. Apparently Apple has required that Rogers lower is Data rates to accommodate full use of the iPhones functions, this appears to be a stipulation that will take time to sort out. Also, just like the Razr I've been told that Rogers will likley wait for the 2nd generation iPhone as the 1st has caused ATT issues that cost time and money to resolve.

Anyway, this information just came to me I thought some of you might enjoy... Oh, and listen to "30. SHawn Pucknell" above, customer care reps are kept in the dark until the last minute... Even my bit of info took months or tactful questioning took months to acquire ;~)

As a former Rogers employee of 10 years, I have to say that Rogers has always and will continue to keep its customer service and sales reps in the dark untill proper testing and training has been done. Due to excitment, leaks do happen. Deals are signed at the time of concept/meeting or these companies would not waste their time building a phone that might sell. As Saxonsaint says "Even my bit of info took months or tactful questioning took months to acquire" . Once R/D and the network techs have tested the piss out of a new phone, they still take in advisement what the other providers are experincing. Yes the iphone will be out for the Rogers network, its just a matter of time (or should I say techwork and tesing).

And Saxonsaint, as a sales rep you should know that Rogers does offer unlimited data rates already (based upon region usage). Then realized that you where told that info to feed back to the customer to keep them at bay until a release date. Also not all dealers will receive the iphone to sell. If Rogers makes it an exclusive phone, you may only see it on the Rogers Website.

Hi

I've worked for Rogers 12 years and cx service reps are the last to know anything. In the corporate world if you are not at the executive level or in management everything is kept secret. Wait until a official press conference is launched by Rogers

That's it and all folks

sheryl

Telus has announced that it will offer a GSM roaming card for it's post paid clients. I wonder if that will work in the iPhone????

Taken from Telus press release:

Global Roaming Card
For clients who don't need the power of a full-time World Phone, TELUS Mobility now offers an affordable GSM Global Roaming Card to its postpaid PCS clients (the service is not available to Pay & Talk prepaid clients). When inserted into an unlocked GSM phone, widely available from retailers around the world, the card replicates a client's TELUS Mobility PCS account, meaning all international calls and text messages are recorded on their regular monthly invoice.

Like the Motorola A840 World Phone, the card allows roaming in more than 120 countries worldwide. Available at TELUS Mobility retail locations across Canada, the Global Roaming Card costs $24.99.

For more on TELUS Mobility's global roaming options, please visit telusmobility.com/globalroaming.

Here is the link to the press release:

http://www.clearnet.com/about/press_room/releas...

Well if you're interested I am selling unlocked iPhones in Canada, only in Canada. I am based in Edmonton, but will ship elsewhere in Canada. Check out www.canuckiphone.com

Boo.

Up in my remote neck of the woods, my only option is MTS (Manitoba) Rogers doesn't have a tower for about 700 Kilometers, so that means no iPhone lovin for me.

now we are fussing and now we are fightin. Liana Merete.

im using the iphone now unlocked us version. Who cares if rogers releases it u can get one now. They need to update thier data plans though 5 or 10 mb will barely cover youtube downloads
things i hate.... No mms/ picture messages, no video recor, keypad is hard to get use to and fat fingers or thumbs will have aking 100 errors.

How about we take a gander at what Rogers does with every cell phone they put on the market.
we will start with a question. Have you ever seen a Rogers phone without the Rogers name and logo on it?
Perhaps the delay is not the fact that Apple wants lower data plans. it is the fact that Mr. Rogers wants his name on the Iphone.
Apple is most likely haveing a problem with this.

The delay is not the data plan it is Apple and Rogers not coming to a comprimise and not making the deal happen.

or we could take another view on the situation. canada has a very small population. infact Canada is about the equivalent to one US state. The Metropolian area of New York City has close the the same population as Canada.

I don't expect the Iphone untill the new year. But how knows Microsoft may buy RIM (the makers of the blackberry, and also a canadian company based out of Kitchener) and the IPhone will never come to Canada.

Tye

i got an unlocked iphone in canada. order now!!!!

post for more info

I got a similar answer to yours, Dennis:



Dear andrew _____,

Thank you for taking the time to write to us, we appreciate your use of
online customer service.

In your recent email, you have informed us that you wish to inquire when
the new Apple iPhone will be available through Rogers.

On January 9, 2007, Apple announced the unveiling of their new iPhone, a
combination mobile phone/digital music player/camera. To learn more
about the iPhone, you may visit www.apple.com/iphone. Rogers is
actively working with Apple to launch the iPhone in Canada as soon as
possible and will be the exclusive provider of the iPhone in Canada.

Unfortunately we are unaware when new products and services will be
released until they are launched to the consumer market. We suggest you
visit www.rogers.com/phones because when new products are released they
are listed here.

We are glad we were able to assist you. If you have any further
questions, please feel free to email us again.

For future reference with respect to this e-mail, please quote reference
number 27744365

Regards,
Nadia B.
Rogers Online Customer Service
http://www.rogers.com


Original Message Follows:
------------------------
*** Your Cellular General Inquiry ***


Account Number -->

Name --> andrew ____

Email --> _____

Address 1 -->

Address 2 -->

Postal Code -->



Subject --> Your Cellular General Inquiry

Comments --> I''m just wondering if and when Rogers will be releasing
the
Apple iPhone. Thanks.

This is the reason for the delay.

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/10/11/t...

As a Rogers Agent. We do know the phone will be release. We only find out a phone is being released the day they release it. So any info your getting about the release date is not true. There is no set date. From what we know now is that they are working on a special plan for the IPhone. I'm sorry I couldn't provide more info.

I work for Rogers and I know for a fact that the iPhone will not be coming out Q3 2007 (October). Also, the fact that this person said he was talking with someone from Rogers in regards to the iPhone is complete b.s. Rogers is highly secretive in it's dealings and the general public finds out about new products at the same times that 99.9% of Rogers employees do. At this point, Rogers is trying to push it's Vision 3G phones and I highly doubt it would want the iPhone overshadowing them. The best option for someone that want's an iPhone is to purchase it in the states or get a friend in the states to purchase it and ship it to Canada, and then get it unlocked (which costs between $50-$100). Or you can purchase it unlocked from http://www.importcell.com for $729, althought I think it's rip-off since the iPhone sells for $399 in the U.S.

Its coming in the Q1 of 2008, Its set to be released early January for now, that date might be moved intime for chirstmas.

i herd it was coming out in febuary.

Don't you guys think it's kind of obvious that Rogers would carry the iPhone? If the iPhone were to be released in Canada, it will go to a GSM provider. Rogers is the main GSM provider (and largest) in Canada.

I'm just concerned about what kind of monthly service fee they would charge. Rogers data plans are through the roof.

just get it unlocked, its worth it... i got it and reallyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy happy with it.

Rogers and apple cannot agree the price of the unlimited data plan

Is the I phone avalible now in canada and where can it be purchased.

okay i dont know if this is relevant, but, does anyone know if the iphone will be with telus, or anytime soon, if not, is there anyway, i can get it, and the carrier be. Telus
if you know please email me, haileyykins@hotmail.com

Hailey,

To quickly answer your question, NO.

For the forseeable future the iPhone will not be on Telus. It does not use the same technology as Telus uses, and I don't think it ever will.

It makes more sense for Apple to build the iPhone to use the GSM network (not CDMA) as they want to sell the product around the world. (and north america is holding on to cdma; but the rest of the world uses GSM).

People are speculating that Apple/Rogers will announce the iPhone during Steve Jobs' Macworld Keynote on the 15th of Jan'08 (this month). There's more than just the issue of the Rogers logo on the phone or the data plans... there's also the issue of the iPhone trademark. These rights are currently owned by Comwave, a national Canadian VoIP carrier.

I have the iPhone and I really like it... but it won't be worth much if Rogers doesn't step up and lower their data plans. See my blog link for more info.

As much as i'de hate to admit it Rogers will more then likely carry the iphone. They Always carry the newest and greatest phones compared to Bell. Wake up Bell you have the best coverage so get with the times!

Iphone for Rogers, figures. I live along the Southshore of NS, the service from Rogers is abismal at best unless you happen to live in Bridgewater. When will Aliant wake up and get with the program. Aliant has the best service in Atlantic Canada outside major centers. Seems as only thosed blessed enough to live in a city or large town will be able to benefit from the Iphone. My wife has a cellphone through Alaint and can get full signal while sitting in the house, I have a chipped phone with Rogers and have to go outside and down the road about 200 meters to get a decent signal. For me to buy an Iphone one of two things has to happen, Rogers has to drastically improve service in rural areas or Aliant/Bell has to pick up the Iphone as well.

DAVE, Alian and Bell never get iphone. and when i said never, i mean never. why? iphone is GSM system. and Alian/Bell is not. iphone is not compatible with they system and never will. iphone never will make analog phones. why? because analog system is dead; it's like black and white TV. never will come back.i frankly don't understand why in canada still work analog system. Nowhere in advanced world the analog system exist anymore. The GSM is high technology with the only future. I remember, last time i saw analog technology in europe was around 1993-4. after came GSM the old system died. 13 years after still can find dead system pretty much alive in canada. too sad.

Rony, good point!

But what do you all think about TELUS announcing that they want to support GSM last week? This would mean that could be another potential carrier for iPhone here...

Hi Dennis. If Telus get GSM license that would be great. at least another GSM provider can push prices a little down. And iphone for telus? yes it could be possible but ... i don't think it will be reality. apple has big requirements from providers;they/apple/ have profit from the phones but it's not all; cellular providers have to pay them for every customer taking iphone on contract. i can't image telus as new GSM provider could afford to pay that money.Telus need to catch up rogers and fido. first, they need to build good network coverage;that takes some time/not 1-2 months/ and come with good plans; Till then all this happen, iphone will be in canada for while. And at last, I think Apple will not go with new and not well established provider.
but as i said above,it would be great to have another provider. good for us as cellular costumers.

Rony,

According to my personal predictions we won't get the iPhone until the 3G version is out -- which will probably happen sometime this summer (I simply don't believe they'd release it earlier because early buyers will be even more bummed than they were about the cost reduction from $600 to $400).

That actually gives Telus some time to catch up, say maybe another 6 months:) Although no, probably it won't happen for them, I agree with you there.

Either way, iPhones are becoming more and more common here in Montreal... Mine works with a Fido-pay-as-you-go card:) I think with the proximity of USA to Canada and our dollar going up whoever will get the iPhone eventually (Rogers) will have already lost out on a lot of potential customers.

Completely agree. I don't understand why Rogers and Apple haven't closed a deal. Maybe Apple wants too much from Rogers. I have no clue.
Dannis, i wouldn't be so exacted about good price for Iphone 2 in canada. when i see Apple price policy .... they really don't care how strong CAD vs USD is. Check Apple store here,they still have the same prices as 2 years ago. 20-30% higher than in US. The same as Iphone in Europe; ridiculous 400 euro with 2 year contract.
But hey, Buffalo is still close ;)

I think the post about Rogers loosing out on people that already have the iPhone is wrong.

a) Apple says if you want offer iPhone you must provide "Unlimited Data" (Canada being the most stingiest Cell Phone arena in the world, that'll be hard to swallow)

b) When (IF) Rogers offers the iPhone, I'm very sure (Positive) that the 'unlimited data package' will be offered ONLY to NEW activations with proof of purchase of the iPhone (only) from Rogers (or whoever).

So you guyz/galz using an iPhone with your SIM card from another phone will still be able to use them, but on the package that has limited data. I believe this because it's the easiest way for them to screw us, and that's how Cell Phone Providers like it in Canada!

Right now, $100 bucks for 100MB data at Rogers. It'll be hard for them to swallow unlimited data for the $50->$70 dollar range when they're leaching so much from us now! Thank goodness for corporate plans, else I wouldn't own a cell!

If you ask me why the iPhone is taking so long to come to Canada, it's because Rogers is PLEADING with Apple to offer it WITHOUT unlimited data! And I'm sure Apple is sticking to their guns, as they should.

How's that for a rumor?

Don't believe me?
Google this:
"Canada Worse than 3rd World Countries when it comes to Mobile Data Access"

Hey Rick . You got a point. Cell providers here are just one big mafia.
Ridiculous access fee, and 911 fee , probably exist only in canada. I remember limited time when fido offered unlimited data for $50 . but then rogers took them over and everything changed. I'm one of the lucky with old city fido plan. of course rogers canceled that plan as well.
It's terrible missing one or two good providers which would show Rogers/ basically only GSM company on the market/ how far they are from to be good privider with good services.

Telus has announced that it will be switching their network to GSM (for $500-$800M), but Gord knows how long it will take.

Rogers probably (still) doesn't offer the iPhone because they are scum-sucking swine. I imagine that Apple doesn't want the experience of using their products to be reminiscent of having a root canal. If Rogers were to improve their prices and service 100-fold they would still fall far short of Apple standards.

I have to think very hard to come up with any group of people who fill me with such contempt as Rogers who aren't responsible for at least several thousand deaths. What Rogers charges for data is inexcusable.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/250/452679328_ad...

Their customer service department seems to be run by chimps who couldn't find their own asses if they had their hands glued to them (and they seem quite proud of this fact).

Telus is garbage too, but they absolutely sparkle when compared to Rogers. That's even considering their CDMA network.

I wish the CRTC was worth more than a pinch of rat excrement. If only they would take Rogers, Telus, Bell and the other filth into court and let them know in painful financial terms that their behavior will no longer be accepted.

Rogers are the scum of the Earth. If you do business with them then you will get badly burned at some point.

Rick, I see you think Rogers offers a data plan that is $100 for 100mb eh. Your wrong about that. I work for Rogers and there is a data plan that is $80 for 500mb. Contact me if you need something like that. jake_president@hotmail.com or jakepresident@rogers.blackberry.net
As for MrFluffy. Whats your issue with Rogers? Some bad experience? Well it doesn't matter. Rogers is the best and most reliable provider in Canada whether you like it or not.

Funny that a Rogers EMPLOYEE should be the one boasting about the company's services. Biased much? Any consumer need only listen to the complaints of all mobile phone carriers to realize that Rogers customers are disgruntled more than the others. And what's more, Rogers has THE worst reputation for all its services. Everytime someone has a complaint about mobile, internet, bills, what have you, I ask who they're with and the answers is ALWAYS Rogers. Second is Fido, which was going kaput until Rogers stepped in to save them. Not one company is perfect, but the virus that Rogers has become is upsetting customers like myself (I was loyal for 15 years, then turned my back on Rogers and will never go back).

Just because something is the biggest and most powerful, doesn't make it the best. America is said to be the most powerful country in the world, and their population is huge... yet they are not the number one country in the world to live in, nor are they revered by others as being a great nation. You see what I'm getting at? Any American will tell you he or she lives in the greatest country in the world, no matter what evidence you provide to the contrary. Sometimes people don't know that there are other options, or lesser evils. People will decide on price and service, and sometimes it's worth it to pay a little more for peace of mind -- unfortunately, some aren't so lucky and they follow the masses.

Moving on: I have also heard from Telus representatives that they are switching to GSM because they can't compete.

I have asked a few different Rogers reps at their locations in Vancouver and have been told March. Well, March is coming quick I'm curious to see how much truth there is to what I'm being told. I have always been with telus for mobile service and have always been more then happy with my reception and service. Many friends of mine have had rogers mobile and were always complaining about reception and customer service. I have also had rogers digital cable (for a short time lol) and I am currently using homephone as my family all live in NB and its basically free long distance. My experience with their customer service has always been a painful one.

does the iphone have wi-fi like the itouch -- so you can tap into your house network without paying for the heavy phone bill
???

Chet -
Yes the iPhone has wifi, see more details at:
http://www.iphoneworld.ca/iphone-information/

so i heard when the iphone was first introduced that a guy in t.o hacked the phone so that it would work on any network so where is he now and more important where is his hack codes or hardware change info.

Hi Joe,

who are you referring to, exactly? Got a link to post maybe?

Best,

Dennis

I just read this thread from top to bottom today after stumbling here after a Google search. It has been almost a year since the thread first started.

Talk about a fascinating example of how unreliable much of the information on the ‘net is. The posts from ex and current Rogers employees, other “insiders” and even the original article at the top of the page all come to nothing and it’s all right here for everyone to see. Nice.

Love my iPhone. Rogers, not so much. I think Rogers would make more money on data plans than they do now if they lowered EDGE rates to a reasonable level due to much higher subscriptions. How many people are willing to make half a car lease payment just to have a 100MB data plan?

Oh!...that's great helpful, it's so right to me! Million thanks for the article,