iPhone for Canada at Macworld, to face N95?

Apple chief Steve Jobs' keynote speech today could also see the introduction of the iPhone to Canada and other areas, according to an update by Royal Bank of Canada analyst Michael Abramsky. The researcher estimates that Apple will "probably" reveal a long-anticipated deal with Rogers Wireless to bring the iPhone to the Canadian carrier in the near future. The analyst declines to speculate on details but notes that pressure is likely high on Apple to reveal one or more regional plans beyond the current rollout, which is limited to the US as well as a handful of European countries.

"There is definitely very strong demand and interest here," Abramsky says, also echoing beliefs that iTunes movie rentals are enroute for Americans.

Rogers has been one of the most outspoken carriers demanding the iPhone, and has told its customers as early as a year ago that it would be the sole provider for the iPhone in Canada despite its habitually expensive data rates, which would clash with the less expensive and usually unlimited plans available in the iPhone's existing service areas. Leaks through a Molson contest and elsewhere have suggested the iPhone would be available in Canada as early as this month.

The analysis arrives just as Rogers has unintentionally posted what may be early signs that it will carry the Nokia N95, the smartphone most often considered the iPhone's most direct rival. This latest slip does not specify a release date but would use Nokia phones that are already available in North America or will be within weeks, such as the N95 8GB. North American models typically rely on 3G wireless and include GPS, both features the iPhone currently lacks. [via PMP Today]

Filed under: iPhone, Investor
Other story tags: Nokia, Rogers, N95