Best Buy claims iPhone on its way to Canada

***AppleInsider*** · 07-09-2007, 10:10 AM

Apple Inc.'s well-received iPhone handset will soon be in the hands of Canadian customers, according to Best Buy.

In a posting to its web site, the leading US and Canadian specialty electronics retailer claims that "iPhone will be coming to Canada" and promises to keep customers updated on Canadian iPhone developments as they're announced.

"It's beautiful, it's powerful and it's been all over the news; the question on the minds of Canadians from coast to coast is 'when can we get our hands on the iPhone?,'" wrote Best Buy. "The iPhone will be coming to Canada; we want you to be the first to know."

The retailer allows shoppers to sign up to its weekly newsletter with an option to be updated "on all Canadian iPhone Elements."

Still, it's unclear whether Best Buy will play a role in the Canadian iPhone launch or if its website posting is merely an attempt to capitalize on the buzz generated by the Apple device thus far.

For its part, Apple has not yet said with which wireless carriers it plans to partner on iPhone outside of the US. However, Rogers Wireless, Canada's largest provider and the only regional carrier with an iPhone-compatible GSM network, has long been perceived as the frontrunner.

In fact, Rogers in January issued a customer advisory notice declaring that it had sealed a deal with Apple to become the exclusive carrier for iPhone in Canada.

The advisory, which was later contradicted by a company spokesperson, claimed that while availability and pricing were still being sorted out, Rogers would be the only national wireless carrier to offer the Apple handset.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

11thIndian · 07-09-2007, 10:18 AM

I hope this isn't all light and no heat. The respective players have all been maddeningly quiet on the iPhone's future in Canada. I always expected a lag between the US and CAN launch- this is always going to be the case when 3rd parties are involved. Such as in the impact the CRTC is having on getting TV and MOVIE content to iTunes in Canada. Still, I think a target date would satisfy many...

ajhill · 07-09-2007, 10:46 AM

With Apple and ATT selling some huge quantity of iPhones, and learning from the massive rush to activate them, they should learn a thing or two about what to expect. This should lead to a smoother roll out for Canadians.

Apple hasn't mentioned how many they have sold. But it's likely much higher than expected, since they were having trouble keeping it in stock in stores. So the Canadians may have to wait for supply to catch up with demand here in the states before the launch goes forward.

For sure Canada and Europe should be well on it's way before the key Christmas buying season.

grover432 · 07-09-2007, 11:13 AM

Does anyone know where we are at with number portability in Canada (for those not on the Rogers network)? Also, what data speed does Rogers use? Is it the same as the current AT&T speed in the USA or the quicker data rate?

Finally, the question about the iPhone that I have is how does the phone itself sound? Is the sound quality good (for both the caller and the person receiving the call), because I use my phone primarily to talk and if it doesn't sound as close to a land line as possibe, I wouldn't buy one (no matter how great the gadgets are).

grover

grover432 · 07-09-2007, 11:15 AM

PS

There is no mention of the iPhone on the Canadian site as of 10:15 am Central Time.

***audiopollution*** · 07-09-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grover432

Does anyone know where we are at with number portability in Canada (for those not on the Rogers network)?

Number Portability is up and running in Canada, between all mobile networks, and it does allow you to port a land-line.

crees! · 07-09-2007, 11:27 AM

So is that how to spell developments in Canada

Abster2core · 07-09-2007, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crees!

So is that how to spell developments in Canada

Why do you ask?

Abster2core · 07-09-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Apple Inc.'s well-received iPhone handset will soon be in the hands of Canadian customers, according to Best Buy.

Interesting, but without the link (http://www.bestbuy.ca/marketing/ipho...gon=&langid=EN) supplied in this article, using 'SEARCH' for 'iphone' within the Best Buy site turns up empty. Even the French site is available via http://www.bestbuy.ca/marketing/ipho...gon=&langid=FR

Neil Anderson · 07-09-2007, 12:04 PM

Guess I better start saving!

trevorpercy · 07-09-2007, 12:16 PM

I spoke to a Rogers rep last week that told me Rogers had just finished their deal with Apple and are aiming for an October release.

No other details yet, but I haven't seen this deal announced. She said it was an internal memo.

Trevor

Flipstar · 07-09-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevorpercy

I spoke to a Rogers rep last week that told me Rogers had just finished their deal with Apple and are aiming for an October release.

No other details yet, but I haven't seen this deal announced. She said it was an internal memo.

Trevor

Rogers Reps' information is garbage. Let's just leave it at that.

coolfactor · 07-09-2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crees!

So is that how to spell developments in Canada

No kidding. There are two other spelling/grammatical errors in that ad, as well. I've already sent them feedback through the website. Let's see how long it takes them to fix something so obvious.

Just sad.

John_Drake · 07-09-2007, 02:13 PM

Hmm... I posted about this nearly 9 hours before you guys. Do try and keep up.

Quote:

Looks like BestBuy will be carrying the iPhone in Canada as well as I assume Rogers Wireless & Apple stores.

Here's a link to page on BB's website where you can sign up to keep abreast of any iphone related news (ie. release date, etc.)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/marketing/ipho...gon=&langid=EN

http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?t=74510

GRB · 07-09-2007, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flipstar

Rogers Reps' information is garbage. Let's just leave it at that.

I wouldn't be so sure. I've seen this exact same story come from several sources during the past week or so (that the Rogers-Apple contract has been signed with an October target release), and this is the first time I've ever seen a single story repeated like this. Let me just say this: Keep your eyes pinned on the Rogers website.

And grover432's right, they took the link off the Best Buy cellphone page. Probably Rogers or Apple complained that they were letting the cat out of the bag too early.

Tofino · 07-09-2007, 04:28 PM

and we all know how mr jobs feels about gettin' his plans pre-announced by others. i'm guessing best buy just lost any chance on being in on this, if indeed it was ever happening to begin with. i have a feeling that goes for rogers' announcement in january as well. canada has always been off the radar for apple. sigh...

DaveyJJ · 07-09-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tofino

and we all know how mr jobs feels about gettin' his plans pre-announced by others. i'm guessing best buy just lost any chance on being in on this, if indeed it was ever happening to begin with.

Well it has to be someone like Best Buy (Canada) who also own all of the Future Shop locations across Canada. Apple's retail presence in Canada is limited to three stores in the Toronto area so they'll need to co-sell through a huge electronics chain here to get the phones out across the country. Rogers Video stores aren't nearly widespread enough anywhere outside of the main urban centres around here to have as much presence and volume as Apple would like to see.

Hopefully they appear in Future Shop locations too.

I'd certainly bet Best Buy/Future Shop before anyone else (not that there's reallty anyone else to consider, unless Zellers or The Bay carries it, and I imagine that's too funny to even consider).

GRB · 07-09-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tofino

and we all know how mr jobs feels about gettin' his plans pre-announced by others. i'm guessing best buy just lost any chance on being in on this, if indeed it was ever happening to begin with. i have a feeling that goes for rogers' announcement in january as well. canada has always been off the radar for apple. sigh...

Don't be so pessimistic. With all the information I've seen, I'm expecting a significant development occuring within the next couple weeks.

And also, I have heard that Best Buy in Canada has agreed with Apple to begin opening "mini-Apple Stores" inside Best Buy stores starting this summer. I have head this from multiple sources and some people who even tried out for the jobs at these Apple Stores. So, it appears that Best Buy already has the chance to be in this.

davey-nb · 07-09-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveyJJ

Apple's retail presence in Canada is limited to three stores in the Toronto area...

There's an Apple Store in Montréal as well for a grand total of 4.

Gustav · 07-09-2007, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tofino

and we all know how mr jobs feels about gettin' his plans pre-announced by others. i'm guessing best buy just lost any chance on being in on this, if indeed it was ever happening to begin with. i have a feeling that goes for rogers' announcement in january as well. canada has always been off the radar for apple. sigh...

The iPhone is already announced. Steve Jobs doesn't much care about when it is coming to Canada - the public has already seen the device. It's no longer a big deal.

Gustav · 07-09-2007, 05:20 PM

This is just a cheap ploy to harvest email addresses for Best Buy marketing. They have no idea when the iPhone is coming.

Gustav · 07-09-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveyJJ

I'd certainly bet Best Buy/Future Shop before anyone else (not that there's reallty anyone else to consider, unless Zellers or The Bay carries it, and I imagine that's too funny to even consider).

I'll bet Rogers' retail stores will have it first. I agree - Zellers and The Bay are the last place to go for cutting edge electronics.

GRB · 07-09-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustav

This is just a cheap ploy to harvest email addresses for Best Buy marketing. They have no idea when the iPhone is coming.

If that were true you'd hear vocal legal action against Best Buy by Apple for using their name and their product without their permission. While there definitely is the desire just to sign up emails for their newsletters, Best Buy appears more involved with the iPhone than you credit.

You could cut the negativity in this thread with a knife

**JeffDM** · 07-09-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grover432

Finally, the question about the iPhone that I have is how does the phone itself sound? Is the sound quality good (for both the caller and the person receiving the call), because I use my phone primarily to talk and if it doesn't sound as close to a land line as possibe, I wouldn't buy one (no matter how great the gadgets are).

That doesn't make sense. You don't care about the portability of your phone, as long as it sounds like a land line? Land lines have their own problems too, usually different kinds of problems vs. mobile. They won't sound like each other.

Anyway, wirelessinfo.com measured and rated the sound quality pretty highly.

Electric Monk · 07-09-2007, 10:30 PM

The sticking point to buying an iPhone in Canada is the data rates.

Rogers charges $100 for 100 MB of data. The only flat rate data plan in existence was a $50 Fido one, but that was eliminated when Rogers bought Fido.

As for other questions Rogers has EDGE everywhere—not, however, whatever 'fine EDGE' AT&T rolled out—, and is expanding UMTS (at HSDPA speeds, not that the iPhone can use it) beyond Toronto to other urban centres by the first quarter of 2008.

solipsism · 07-10-2007, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apple Insider

"It's beautiful, it's powerful and it's been all over the news; the question on the minds of Canadians from coast to coast is 'when can we get our hands on the iPhone?,'" wrote Best Buy. "The iPhone will be coming to Canada; we want you to be the first to know."

Marketing-to-English Dictionary says that this phrase means "We want to be the first to tell you."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electric Monk

The sticking point to buying an iPhone in Canada is the data rates.

Rogers charges $100 for 100 MB of data. The only flat rate data plan in existence was a $50 Fido one, but that was eliminated when Rogers bought Fido.

As for other questions Rogers has EDGE everywhere—not, however, whatever 'fine EDGE' AT&T rolled out—, and is expanding UMTS (at HSDPA speeds, not that the iPhone can use it) beyond Toronto to other urban centres by the first quarter of 2008.

I don't expect the rate plans to be identical among different carriers selling the iPhone but I do expect Apple to work out a deal that allows for a good deal more data and/or a drastically lower price.

Electric Monk · 07-10-2007, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solipsism

I don't expect the rate plans to be identical among different carriers selling the iPhone but I do expect Apple to work out a deal that allows for a good deal more data and/or a drastically lower price.

I hope that you're right, but I suspect you may underestimate the sheer evil of Rogers and the fact that since they're the sole GSM carrier in Canada Apple can't go to somebody else with the iPhone.

Canada's telecommunications market is the worst in the developed world for a reason you know. Ok. Actually it's because of protectionist economic policy, but Rogers is still more evil then your average telecom. And stupid. Very stupid.

Shaun, UK · 07-10-2007, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electric Monk

The sticking point to buying an iPhone in Canada is the data rates.

Rogers charges $100 for 100 MB of data. The only flat rate data plan in existence was a $50 Fido one, but that was eliminated when Rogers bought Fido.

There was a mobile phone network in Canada called Fido???

Rogers & Fido - the every day tale of one man and his husky dog.

Electric Monk · 07-10-2007, 12:28 PM

Technically speaking there still is a mobile network called Fido, but it's the youth brand of Rogers and no longer has the superior plans it used to.

I have to admit I never really thought of operators in anthropomorphic terms before.

Greg Huff · 07-10-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electric Monk

Technically speaking there still is a mobile network called Fido, but it's the youth brand of Rogers and no longer has the superior plans it used to.

I have to admit I never really thought of operators in anthropomorphic terms before.

Nor have I, but you never know, they could make a pretty good marketing campaign out of something like that.

07-09-2007, 10:10 AM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,151	Best Buy claims iPhone on its way to Canada Apple Inc.'s well-received iPhone handset will soon be in the hands of Canadian customers, according to Best Buy. In a posting to its web site, the leading US and Canadian specialty electronics retailer claims that "iPhone will be coming to Canada" and promises to keep customers updated on Canadian iPhone developments as they're announced. "It's beautiful, it's powerful and it's been all over the news; the question on the minds of Canadians from coast to coast is 'when can we get our hands on the iPhone?,'" wrote Best Buy. "The iPhone will be coming to Canada; we want you to be the first to know." The retailer allows shoppers to sign up to its weekly newsletter with an option to be updated "on all Canadian iPhone Elements." Still, it's unclear whether Best Buy will play a role in the Canadian iPhone launch or if its website posting is merely an attempt to capitalize on the buzz generated by the Apple device thus far. For its part, Apple has not yet said with which wireless carriers it plans to partner on iPhone outside of the US. However, Rogers Wireless, Canada's largest provider and the only regional carrier with an iPhone-compatible GSM network, has long been perceived as the frontrunner. In fact, Rogers in January issued a customer advisory notice declaring that it had sealed a deal with Apple to become the exclusive carrier for iPhone in Canada. The advisory, which was later contradicted by a company spokesperson, claimed that while availability and pricing were still being sorted out, Rogers would be the only national wireless carrier to offer the Apple handset. [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

07-09-2007, 11:13 AM	#4
grover432 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 8	Number Portability Does anyone know where we are at with number portability in Canada (for those not on the Rogers network)? Also, what data speed does Rogers use? Is it the same as the current AT&T speed in the USA or the quicker data rate? Finally, the question about the iPhone that I have is how does the phone itself sound? Is the sound quality good (for both the caller and the person receiving the call), because I use my phone primarily to talk and if it doesn't sound as close to a land line as possibe, I wouldn't buy one (no matter how great the gadgets are). grover

07-09-2007, 11:27 AM	#7
crees! Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 431	Developements So is that how to spell developments in Canada

07-09-2007, 12:16 PM	#11
trevorpercy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1	iPhone in Canada I spoke to a Rogers rep last week that told me Rogers had just finished their deal with Apple and are aiming for an October release. No other details yet, but I haven't seen this deal announced. She said it was an internal memo. Trevor

07-09-2007, 04:28 PM	#16
Tofino Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 334	how to kill a deal with apple and we all know how mr jobs feels about gettin' his plans pre-announced by others. i'm guessing best buy just lost any chance on being in on this, if indeed it was ever happening to begin with. i have a feeling that goes for rogers' announcement in january as well. canada has always been off the radar for apple. sigh... Tofino

07-09-2007, 10:18 AM	#2
11thIndian Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Posts: 54	I hope this isn't all light and no heat. The respective players have all been maddeningly quiet on the iPhone's future in Canada. I always expected a lag between the US and CAN launch- this is always going to be the case when 3rd parties are involved. Such as in the impact the CRTC is having on getting TV and MOVIE content to iTunes in Canada. Still, I think a target date would satisfy many...

07-09-2007, 10:46 AM	#3
ajhill Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 81	With Apple and ATT selling some huge quantity of iPhones, and learning from the massive rush to activate them, they should learn a thing or two about what to expect. This should lead to a smoother roll out for Canadians. Apple hasn't mentioned how many they have sold. But it's likely much higher than expected, since they were having trouble keeping it in stock in stores. So the Canadians may have to wait for supply to catch up with demand here in the states before the launch goes forward. For sure Canada and Europe should be well on it's way before the key Christmas buying season.

07-09-2007, 11:15 AM	#5
grover432 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 8	PS There is no mention of the iPhone on the Canadian site as of 10:15 am Central Time.

07-09-2007, 12:04 PM	#10
Neil Anderson Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Princeton Posts: 94	Guess I better start saving!

07-09-2007, 05:20 PM	#21
Gustav Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 277	This is just a cheap ploy to harvest email addresses for Best Buy marketing. They have no idea when the iPhone is coming.

07-09-2007, 10:30 PM	#25
Electric Monk Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 486	The sticking point to buying an iPhone in Canada is the data rates. Rogers charges $100 for 100 MB of data. The only flat rate data plan in existence was a $50 Fido one, but that was eliminated when Rogers bought Fido. As for other questions Rogers has EDGE everywhere—not, however, whatever 'fine EDGE' AT&T rolled out—, and is expanding UMTS (at HSDPA speeds, not that the iPhone can use it) beyond Toronto to other urban centres by the first quarter of 2008.

07-10-2007, 12:28 PM	#29
Electric Monk Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 486	Technically speaking there still is a mobile network called Fido, but it's the youth brand of Rogers and no longer has the superior plans it used to. I have to admit I never really thought of operators in anthropomorphic terms before.

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