Bell, Rogers, Telus won't deny but won't confirm

Canadian carriers today teased their positions relative to the status of the iPad on their networks. Contacted by Electronista, Bell, Rogers and Telus were careful not to deny that they would offer 3G for the iPad but stopped short of committing to special service. So far, Apple has only publicly struck a deal with AT&T.

"It's our policy not to comment on products before we've announced that we will carry them," Rogers spokesman Keith McArthur said. Bell and Telus spokespeople provided similar responses.

All three carriers will technically support the iPad's 3G immediately as it will operate unlocked, but they will require a data-only plan that could potentially be much more expensive than the special AT&T plan: a base Rogers plan provides 500MB of data but costs $30, or nearly twice the price of the $15, 250MB plan in the US. No Canadian carriers outside of Wind Mobile, whose 3G won't work with the iPad, currently offer an unlimited plan and usually provide a maximum of 5GB.

Rogers in the past has offered a 6GB/$30 plan for iPhone adoptees, but it remains to be seen if the iPad will get a similar deal or if other carriers will follow suit.

By Electronista Staff