AppleWapple

iPhone in Canada feels like it’s never going to happen

By Joy ⋅ April 7, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

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When iPhone came out in the US, some friends said that the Canadian iPhone is not far behind. I disagreed saying that with the cost of mobile internet here (heck, my accidental pressing of the internet button on my phone cost me $15 at one point!), there’s no way it’s going to come through unless our wireless companies lower their rates. And honestly, I find that impossible these days. It feels like wireless service here has gold that comes with it when I compare it to what the US carriers offer. I’ve had a cellphone here since 2000 and my bill has always gone up.

When I read this article, my fears and assumptions were validated:

Most experts, however, believe that the high rates Canadian telecom providers charge for mobile Internet data transfer plans are the biggest factor keeping the iPhone out of Canada.

Canadian companies also block such opportunities. As mentioned in the same article, the delay of iTunes Canada was caused by that. What the hell. I’m sure it’s not as simple as what they said, but since years ago I’ve felt that Canada is lagging behind the telecommunications technology services because of local monopoly giants refusing to allow competitors from outside that will bring down the prices. Come on. This is getting ridiculous!

My phone in the US has a navigator/GPS system that’s included in my monthly fee, and I get to access the internet with no limit, and check my emails, and do other cool stuff; all for the SAME price as what I’m paying here with Fido just a phone call capability, caller ID and 50 text messages. That’s it. There’s no way I’m paying $.05/kb for internet on an overpriced phone that comes with a ball-and-chain contract.

O Canada, wake up.