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Rogers' iPhone Exclusivity in Canada to End Next Month? [Updated]

Monday October 5, 2009 5:52 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
The Globe and Mail reports that wireless providers Bell and Telus will begin selling the iPhone in Canada next month, ending the exclusivity arrangement enjoyed by Rogers Wireless since the iPhone's introduction there in July 2008.

Neither Bell nor Telus would confirm that they would add the iPhone to their lineups. Apple also declined to comment. But people familiar with the matter said the two carriers will announce a working partnership with Apple as early as Tuesday or Wednesday and begin selling the device in time for the launch of their new network next month.

The news comes just a week after O2's exclusivity arrangement with Apple for the iPhone in the UK crumbled as both Orange and Vodafone announced plans to begin offering the iPhone in the near future.

Update: Both Bell and Telus have released brief statements confirming that they will begin offering the iPhone for sale in November.
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chstr
31 months ago
so it can be done, hopefully att is next
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couto27
31 months ago
prices competition is healthy
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mrkramer
31 months ago
Although I don't live in Canada I hope this is true since it means more chance that the iPhone will eventually stop being exclusive to ATT in the US.
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TEG
31 months ago
It is going to take some time before Tellus or Bell can even handle the iPhone, as both are CDMA carriers. Rogers/Fido only had it because they were/are the only GSM carrier(s) in Canada. This also leads credence to the rumor of T-Mobile Canada starting early next year.
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sososowhat
31 months ago
U-S-A
U-S-A
U-S-A

Let's catch up to the rest of the world & allow a little competition here too!
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DsurioN
31 months ago
hmm this doesn't make sense... as was mentioned above Bell & Telus are both CDMA carriers.... :confused:

EDIT: I guess I shouldn't speak until I read the article... :p

Bell announced on Monday that it will launch in November, months ahead of schedule, the next-generation wireless network it has been building with Telus. The build-out extends the companies' existing 3G (third generation) network to include the same technology standard employed by Rogers, the nation's largest cellphone company.

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Danksi
31 months ago

hmm this doesn't make sense... as was mentioned above Bell & Telus are both CDMA carriers.... :confused:


They are primarily CDMA carriers, but I understanding TELUS/BELL got together to build out a new network, to support GSM phones. I suspect they're hoping to catch some GSM roaming revenue during the Olympics next year.

The Roger's network coverage can be pretty poor outside of the major cities. The new Bell/Telus network is likely to be even worse.

I saw some reports earlier, but haven't found a 'map' to suggest the coverage. Competition should be good though.
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jav6454
31 months ago
But, are there any other carriers in Canada besides Rogers that can handle GSM?
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casik
31 months ago
Telus and cellars both the most overpriced phone carriers in Canada... Fido is where it's at. Competition is good tho. I read that it isn't a CDMA phone, but a transition of thief netowrks to gsm
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sushi
31 months ago
I know one place that this will probably not happen, and that is Japan. :(
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