The bigger issue issue that there is only one company in Canada that supplies GSM service here (under various labels) and that they are unwilling to offer an unlimited data plan at a price that is even nearly affordable - and until they do, the iPhone is a gimmicky paperweight here in Canada. Their data plans are a huge cash cow for them and the iPhone needs unlimited data access to be even vaguely useful.
The other wrinkle is that this wireless provider has their own ringtone and music download service and its highly unlikely they're willing on letting that profit go in favour of Apple's iTunes, even if that means missing out on the iPhone.
Hey, there's a reason that the iPod Touch was rushed up to Canada. If iPhone is dead in the water here, then Apple needs some handheld conduit for those easily blinded by gimmicky devices to access iTunes.
Well if that's the case, then the 'official' iPhone still won't make it to Canada till then - and then there is still the significant hurdle of the data plan costs.
The GSM provider has nothing that even vaguely resembles the AT&T Plan at $60 (and that too is overpriced) and to use their data service a la carte as 'unlimited' would cost more than the GNP of some small countries.
Meanwhile, Bell Canada (CDMA) is madly promoting it 'unlimited' data plan for PCs and its wireless card at $75/month. Still too dear, but I guess an allowable expense for corporate users...
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Comwave is a minor issue.
The bigger issue issue that there is only one company in Canada that supplies GSM service here (under various labels) and that they are unwilling to offer an unlimited data plan at a price that is even nearly affordable - and until they do, the iPhone is a gimmicky paperweight here in Canada. Their data plans are a huge cash cow for them and the iPhone needs unlimited data access to be even vaguely useful.
The other wrinkle is that this wireless provider has their own ringtone and music download service and its highly unlikely they're willing on letting that profit go in favour of Apple's iTunes, even if that means missing out on the iPhone.
Hey, there's a reason that the iPod Touch was rushed up to Canada. If iPhone is dead in the water here, then Apple needs some handheld conduit for those easily blinded by gimmicky devices to access iTunes.
Rogers is canceling their music service next year because it has so far been a failure. I can't find a link, but will post if I do.
Well if that's the case, then the 'official' iPhone still won't make it to Canada till then - and then there is still the significant hurdle of the data plan costs.
The GSM provider has nothing that even vaguely resembles the AT&T Plan at $60 (and that too is overpriced) and to use their data service a la carte as 'unlimited' would cost more than the GNP of some small countries.
Meanwhile, Bell Canada (CDMA) is madly promoting it 'unlimited' data plan for PCs and its wireless card at $75/month. Still too dear, but I guess an allowable expense for corporate users...