iPhone 4 unlocked in Canada but at high price

Apple has quietly confirmed that it will sell the iPhone 4 unlocked in Canada. A carrier-independent version will start at $659 CAD ($639 US) for a 16GB model and scale to $779 CAD ($755 US) for a 32GB version. It's not known if Apple will offer pre-installed micro SIM cards as with the iPad, but these usually cost between $5 and $10 CAD when bought separately.

The 8GB iPhone 3GS is already available unlocked in Canada for $549 CAD ($532 US). Subsidized prices are likely to sit at $99 for an iPhone 3GS as well as $199 and $299 for both iPhone 4 capacities, albeit with a three-year contract versus two in the US.

Apple's plans are a rarity in not just North America but also much of Europe. While countries like France and the UK make it relatively simple to obtain unlocked devices, Canada is unique in having five carriers to choose from in the form of Bell, Fido, Rogers, Telus and Virgin Mobile. Fido and Virgin are child brands of Rogers and Bell but potentially supply an alternative for plans.

Prices for unlocked phones are often high due to the lack of subsidies, but they have become increasingly popular as customers with the choice of multiple networks often want to avoid the early cancellation fees of a contract or skip paying for a second phone if they have to switch. [via CBC]

By Electronista Staff

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iPhone, industry, Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Virgin Mobile, Apple, iPhone 4