Is the iPhone Ever Coming to Canada?

[Mr. Mayor]

As a Canadian I am more than a little frustrated at the lack of news, progress or any word on the release of the iPhone in Canada.

Any other Canadians out there that have had just about enough?

We are the closest friends and neighbors to the US, and one would think that releasing and distributing the product up here would be a breeze.

The problem lies with the carriers. In Canada, data plans cost through the roof in comparison to what our American friends pay. This has to be the sticking point.

Either the carriers come down on the ridiculously expensive monthly bills (it is not uncommon for a BlackBerry user up here on the best plan available to pay $100, $200, $300 or even more per month)... or we may not see the iPhone up here for some time.

[mpancha]

I've heard a few rumors, but the one that I trust and am hoping comes to be true is...

there's a Rogers store near me that I go to each time I have trouble with my PVR (about 1x every 2 months or so). There is one CSR at the service desk who has always gone above and beyond from a customer service standpoint, and who actually is knowledgeable about Rogers products and technology in general.

THe last time I was at the Rogers store I was enquiring about Blackberries b/c I've all but given up on the iPHone coming to Canada and need access to my emails constantly for my own small business, and with some changes at my day job I need access to those emails as well. When I told him the fact that I can't have unlimited email for $20 like the US gets frustrates me and is what keeps me from buying a PDA/Smartphone.

He turned around and said, well, u've noticed how we've had a few Facebook ads, and have offered $15 unlmited email, and now $15 access to facebook unlimited.... just sit tight until the summer, around June, things are changing.

Thus far the guy hasn't steered me wrong... so I"m hoping June holds some surprises for us.

[Mr. Mayor]

Very interesting Mat... I hope your CSR at Rogers knows something we don't

I've had some friends up here pick up iPhones from the US... bring them up here and actually bring them into the Rogers store for advice. Every time the CSR's are more than happy to help them out with their concerns... Had one buddy that took his in only a few weeks ago... They helped him by setting him up with a new plan, gave him a Rogers SIM to put in the iPhone...

Makes sense... if they are planning on having the iPhone in their product lineup, might as well offer some sort of welcoming support in the meantime.