macnn/electronista

01/15/2008, 10:05am, EST

Tuesday, January 15th

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

, , 4comments, del.icio.us, slashdot, digg, buzz
4 comments
Reader Reactions (Please use <i></i> for italic text)

subscribe to comments
for this article




Expand All   Global Settings
i can already get the n95
0
01/15, 10:58am, EST
and the iphone for that matter. besides, i'd rather have a root canal than be a rogers subscriber. they've already ruined fido for me.

Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Feb 2003
User is offline
Rogers can kiss my ass
0
01/15, 3:26pm, EST
Even if Apple released the iPhone in Canada with rogers there is not a chance in hell im giving up my unlimited City Fido plan. I will still be stuck with unlocking a iphone for my use. I so wish Telus (as much as I hate them) had gotten Fido so there would be real compitetion in the GSM market.
Addicted to MacNN
Joined Jan 2003
User is offline
Trademark dispute
0
01/17, 9:34am, EST
Apple still has not resolved their trademark dispute with Toronto based company Comwave which owns the iPhone name in Canada. The company registered the name several months before Apple applied for the name for use in Canada.

As for who will be the carrier Rogers has the widest network coverage in Canada and supports GSM, EDGE and now in over 25 cities HSPA (3.5+ G). Steve Jobs, also has commented previously that the iPhone will not be CDMA so that stops any deal with Telus or Bell.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2007
User is offline
Comwave can kiss my ass
0
01/26, 1:35pm, EST
I will never ever ever ever ever buy a product from a company that squats on trademarks like that.

Is there anything consumers can do to screw up that company?
Senior User
Joined Jul 2004
User is offline
Your Comments

In order to post comments: If you are a registered member, please login with your MacNN Forums username and password otherwise please uncheck the checkbox below.


Registered Member?
macnn forums login:

macnn forums password:

Not a member of the MacNN forums? Register now for free.

Click Now for Great Deals on FUJITSU Products!: Limited Time Offer on Lifebook Notebooks, Tablet PCs, and Ultra-Mobile PCs!

Get Special Offers on LENOVO Mobility Solutions!: TopSeller Desktops, affordable Notebooks, and much more while supplies last!

Get Special Rebates on SONY Mobility Solutions!: Synnex Resellers - Take advantage of Special Offers on a variety of Notebook series from Sony today!

Check out Rebates on MOTION COMPUTING Tablets!: Perfect for any Healthcare provider! Buy now and get rebates on Motion C5 and LE1700 Tablet PCs!

Get VMware Fusion for 50% off for ONE DAY ONLY!: Run Windows on a Mac without rebooting with VMware Fusion

Buy from The Apple Store, iTunes.com, Amazon.com, TechDepot, OfficeDepot, Computers4Sure, or donate.