Hmm (iPhone in Canada thoughts)

[theducks]

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.

Comments

[jphoenix.livejournal.com]

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.