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theducks ([personal profile] theducks) wrote2009-04-23 08:25 am
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Hmm (iPhone in Canada thoughts)

So, let's assume Apple releases a 32Gb iPhone just in time for us to arrive in Canada. It seems my options are pretty much to get a three-year contract with Rogers, or don't get an iPhone.

I had a chat with the Rogers online support bot (or person in a third world country, who knows) talking about options. The cognitive dissonance was astounding. The mere idea that someone would even consider using a mobile telephone not purchased from the service provider is unspeakable to them, yet assuming it was some lady in india, no doubt personally quite familiar.

So a 16Gb iPhone will cost C$299 (+15% tax.. yay :P), and then C$60 (again, doubtless plus tax) per month, on a 3 year contract. If we come back after the 12 month period, I'd be up for an early termination fee of C$400 (+tax), so I'd have paid C$699 for the iPhone. Which isn't actually that bad.

But still, the whole "handset = service = carrier" mentality is retarded. I'm not saying that glibly, I mean that by not acknowledging that with GSM, SIM card = carrier and the carrier defines services for the SIM, despite knowing full well that it does, they are actually displaying signs of mental retardation.

Gah!

And another thing.. Canada has a population with similar density to Australia given relative country size, and a slightly larger one, why then does it have such a crappy telecommunications industry? Is it that Australia's government regulates things to allow competition? I'm surprised companies like 3 haven't tried there.
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[identity profile] loic.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
Canada has approximately the US phone system, and it sucks sucks sucks. At least it sucks for consumers.

Are you excited to be paying to receive phone calls and SMSes yet?

[identity profile] singularity.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
As for other competition, after the wireless auction thing, some new companies are supposed to start operating soon which might help with that. Not to mention with Bell and Telus backing a system that didn't pan out worldwide, it's giving Rogers a monopoly on things like the iPhone and it's been suggested that Apple is really not happy with how Rogers is doing things. But until the new companies start up and/or Bell/Telus finally switch over to GSM(?) (I'm blanking on what the two technologies were called), we're kinda screwed. Both situations are coming but who knows how long it will take.

Then again, you probably know all this already and in better detail lol.

[identity profile] caitlen.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
The Canadian "wireless" system (ie the mobile phone system) is absolutely shit in Canada. Go anywhere outside the major areas and you're pretty much stuck with Telus for the best coverage, much like it is with Telstra here. And Telus has a similar business structure to Telstra. The market is excruciatingly limited and highly priced.

Here's something you might not be aware of. In Canada, you pay for RECEIVING a call on a mobile phone, as well as making one. Oh yeah.

[identity profile] unfoldedreality.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
From my readings, the Canadian phone industry (and the non-NREN networking) seems stuffed ... major players, over regulated, no competition and the bad influence of those south of the border.

Perhaps consider somewhere else? :P

[identity profile] jphoenix.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 05:16 am (UTC)(link)
Just wanted to add that Rogers is well known for their crappy customer service. I worked as a CS rep for them, and I know from experience. Also, the GSM network here in Canada has been less than reliable. Rogers began selling GSM phones to customers when there was virtually no GSM coverage in Canada at all. Mind you, they sold them phones and then told them that they could take the phone to Europe, purchase a new SIM card there, and use the phone overseas. Therefore, they should not be giving you issues for wanting to use your current phone once you get here (if I'm remembering correctly you recently purchased an iPhone).

Oh, and GST here is only 5% now. So, most provinces you're looking at 12% tax.

[identity profile] evil-megz.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
The solution from the beginning was don't get an iphone. The solution when they first brought out an iphone was don't get an iphone and nothing has really changed since. I don't see the problem.

[identity profile] girlmitzi.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 06:30 am (UTC)(link)

North America's telecommunications infrastructure blows in general so theres no reason to run against the big boys when service is gonna suck anyways. At my last apartment I could literally see a cell tower from my window and yet I had zero bars most of the time. Awesome.

[identity profile] ducts.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 07:16 am (UTC)(link)
...but you could buy your own uncrippled iPhone outright, get a voice plan and add monthly data, without a long contract, for an "Activation Fee of up to $35"?

http://www.rogers.com/web/content/wireless-plans/iphone_card_plans

[identity profile] lizvang.livejournal.com 2009-04-23 12:41 pm (UTC)(link)
We suck is all. My biggest gripe with coming back to Canada from the UK was this.
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