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Apple iPhone 3G Coming to Canada!
Even though I don’t typically buy cutting edge technology, I do enjoy keeping up with the news. The biggest consumer technology news these days is that the Apple iPhone 3G is making its debut in Canada on July 11, 2008! It will be offered through Rogers and Fido Wireless.
What can the iPhone 3G do? Along with the higher 3G data speeds, It’s really for the technology geeks who want to be able to listen to MP3’s, take pictures, get GPS mapping, surf the net (via 3G or wifi) and talk on the phone with one gadget that will fit in your shirt pocket. The iPhone also offers a sleek touch screen interface that’s like no other.
The biggest issue that I have with the new Apple iPhone 3G is the potential cost. The $199 iPhone (8GB version on 3 yr term) sticker price isn’t too bad for a device of this caliber, but it’s the (unknown) monthly data costs with Rogers (or Fido) that will most likely be the deal breaker. There is a lot of speculation on what the monthly contract will be for voice and unlimited data. Most are hypothesizing that the cost will be around $100/month (similar to what AT&T charges). I will update this post when more details are released.
Update June 27, 2008: The Rogers price plans have been released by Telegraph Journal (via RedFlagDeals.com)
" iPhone 3G Price Plans at Rogers Wireless
————————————————————————-
Sent Incoming
Text Text Visual
Price Voice Data Messages messages Voicemail
————————————————————————-
$60 / 150 minutes + unlimited 400 MB 75 Unlimited Unlimited
month Evening and Weekend
————————————————————————-
$75 / 300 minutes + unlimited 750 MB 100 Unlimited Unlimited
month Evening and Weekend
————————————————————————-
$100 / 600 minutes + unlimited 1 GB 200 Unlimited Unlimited
month Evening and Weekend
————————————————————————-
$115 / 800 minutes + unlimited 2 GB 300 Unlimited Unlimited
month Evening and Weekend
————————————————————————-
Data Usage - What You Get
————————————————————————-
Monthly
Data Usage Online Applications
————————————————————————-
400 MB up to 200,000 text emails or 3,100 web pages or 1,360 photo
attachments
————————————————————————-
750 MB up to 380,000 text emails or 5,900 web pages or 2,560 photo
attachments
————————————————————————-
1 GB up to 524,000 text emails or 8,000 web pages or 3,500 photo
attachments
————————————————————————-
2 GB up to 1,048,000 text emails or 16,000 web pages or 7,000
photo attachments
————————————————————————-
Pricing includes unlimited Wi-Fi access at all Rogers and Fido Hotspots. Rogers Wireless will also offer two voice value packs for popular wireless features: a $15 monthly value pack including Caller ID, Who Called, Caller Ring Trax, 2,500 Sent Text Messages and 2,500 Call Forwarding Minutes; and a $20 monthly value pack including Caller ID, Who Called, Caller Ring Trax, 10,000 Sent Text Messages and 6:00 p.m. Early Evening Calling and 2,500 Call Forwarding Minutes.”
Check out the introduction to the iPhone 3G video below (feed readers may have to click through to view the video):
So what do you think? Will you be buying the new iPhone?
photo credit: _Andrish_
29 Comments, Comment or Ping
1. The Financial Blogger
To, it looks like another “toy for the big boys” ;-)
Winning one would be cool but I am not willing to pay for it ;-)
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 7:05 am
2. FrugalTrader
I wonder what the interest would be like if I were to give one away here? ;)
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 7:09 am
3. Stephen Winters
I think I’ll stick with my Pearl II and $15 unlimited data from Telus :)
Besides….Rogers maybe a hit in the rest of Canada, but not so much in Newfoundland.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 8:06 am
4. Linds from halifax
FrugalTrader, MDJ would get more Canadian hits than a Timmy’s on a rainy Monday!
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 8:53 am
5. Kevin
I will not be getting the iphone, the potential cost/month is ridiculous.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 8:56 am
6. Al
10$/month calling card from Telus with a building balance on a hand me down cell phone is plenty for me.
I don’t text.
I have a small digital camera if I want to take pics.
I have a perfectly good walkman with a White Snake cassette on standby if I want to listen to music on the go.
I don’t require GPS because I never get lost. I do on occassion participate in spontaneous sight seeing trips.
Surfing the net on the go isn’t worth that much to me. My $12/month dial up plan is adequate.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 9:50 am
7. David
Rogers is crazy expensive, but I certainly want an iphone. That said, I likely won’t get one based on the cost.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 9:57 am
8. FrugalTrader
Al, you are hilarious. Genuine old school.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 10:39 am
9. Steven Fisher
I only found out about it being offered by Fido late last week. Big surprise to me.
So yeah, I’ll probably get one eventually, but I’m not going to be lining up on July 11. Like you, the big question mark beside the data plan concerns me. I might have to wait for it to drop in price, and the way the Canadian cell phone market has worked thus far that could take a decade.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 11:07 am
10. Cisco Kid
When I 1st connected to MDJ (as I do every day) I thought Oh my God, FT’s giving one away!!! sign me up, I’m in the tech field, but I’m a little frugal when it comes time to buying tech stuff (my home PC is from 1998). When this news came out I said this is my time, I want one. However, it may be the monthly fees that keep me away, from my readings, if our carriers follow the US way it should cost 30$ for voice & 40$ for data, plus all the little extra fees & taxes bringing it to about 100$/month. If the option to take only voice exists, then I may take the leap (the IPhone will still be able to use data in WiFi hotspots anyways). I dropped by a Rogers store the other day (they had no details) but they suspect the price of the phone may go up an extra 200$ if you don’t take the full package. Then the debate in my head would really begin (to be… or not to be…)
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 11:50 am
11. FrugalTrader
Cisco, that’s the thing, the monthly fees will most likely kill the deal. The wifi feature is one of the big ones for me. I wonder if the iPhone can be used as a voip/internet phone?
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 11:56 am
12. nobleea
Doesn’t the iPod touch have wifi capability? Why not get that and a pay as you go phone?
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
13. CT
Rogers will be unveiling new data plans with the launch of the iPhone. Rumor has it that the price structure will be as follows:
$30 300mb
$60 1gb
$100 6gb
I’ve been waiting and waiting for Rogers to put out some reasonable data rates so that I can take advantage of my HTC smartphone, but these plans are still too rich for my blood… and probably for most of the people who read these personal finance blogs. iPhone will just be another toy for rich execs and spoiled kids.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
14. MikeG
I will get it when I can bill it to the company :D. Would love to get it, but could never justify the fees coming from my own pocketbook.
-MikeG
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
15. Ramona
As the mother of a 15 year old tech geek, I can tell you that everyday I hear the countdown as to July 11th. And as everyone has noted, it isn’t the cost of the actual gadget that concerns me, it’s the monthly gouging that frightens me. They haven’t released details of the monthly charges? Ya right, like they don’t already know. That’s the part that is frustrating - the waiting. My son just saved up enough to buy the iTouch. When will it end? I am glad not to be a teenager, or 20 something these days. Life is full of merchandise that has simply become unattainable (this generation should be coined “IWIN - I want it now!”) It’s a hard lesson to teach about waiting and understanding that tomorrow there will always be something better out there.
….and therein lies the battle of every parent………doing the best for your kids. So FT, put me into your upcoming contest to win one!! I promise to use it only for good.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
16. Mark
There is some reason to be optimistic re: rate plans:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aOccVJ4HhcKQ&refer=canada
“Rogers Communications Inc., Canada’s biggest mobile-phone carrier, plans to switch to a new price model for data services as it prepares to bring Apple Inc.’s latest iPhone to the country next month.
“The company will announce the change in the next two weeks, Chief Operating Officer Nadir Mohamed told Bloomberg News after addressing a conference in Toronto. Customers are using handsets more to surf the Web, download music and watch videos, which prompted the switch, he said.”
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
17. Warren
I’ve been using a Treo 650 on Fido for a long time, along with an old 2nd gen iPod. Assuming Fido allows the use of “FidoDollars” to purchase an iPhone with those, I’ll be very tempted. It is a fantastic device, no doubt about it.
The data plans in Canada are sad. Those will certainly be the big stopping point. $90-$100/mth including all taxes, etc, I might go for.. its a tough one though.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
18. Quick Lunar Cop
I can’t wait to find out about the plans being offered with the iPhone. I wouldn’t mind dropping the land line and getting two iPhones for my girlfriend and I, provided they offer a family plan at a decent price.
My gut feeling however is that the plans will be way too expensive for my budget.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
19. James
Al: Wow, I’ve never heard of someone more boring. I must be young.
I’ve been waiting for the iPhone for a long time. My friend has had an unlocked one for a while. It’s amazing.
I have a feeling that the pricing won’t be as bad as it seems now. I mean, if they have unlimited now for $15.. however its very limited in use..
Also, If you don’t want a home line, its probably the same cost as having a cell + home phone.. (plus then you get a GPS and an internet connection)
Search for VOIP for iPhone, with the introduction of the SDK people have been creating programs left right and centre.. so yes, there is a program available, and it will be able to decrease the amount of minutes used.
Anywho, to answer the question, yes I’ll be getting an iPhone.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
20. Alisa
I wanted one until I read these comments. Now I feel guilty :).
Be well.
Jun 18th, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
21. Rich
Just picked up two today.
Jun 19th, 2008 @ 1:00 am
22. Bob
I’d like to see a spreadsheet of how much more you’d have it you spent $50 for a Virgin phone on a $20/month plan vs an iPhone from Rogers for the next 3 years. Especially when you probably already have an MP3 player, digital camera, and spend too much time on the internet anyway. As for maps, buy a cheapo TomTom and be happy if you really get lost that much.
Quick estimate - Starting balance $150 then contribute $80/month at a modest 4%high interest savings account = $3220.
No, I won’t be buying one.
Jun 19th, 2008 @ 3:15 am
23. Al
Hey James,
You indirectly made an interesting point about the power of marketing. I’m content to use old technology in some cases, and do without in others. That makes me boring. But why? I enjoy my life quite well with limited high tech gadgets (I’d much rather get down on the floor and play with my infants than download music videos on a phone.)
I blame it on very successful marketing campaigns. We all need hand held devices to entertain us on the bus, instead of talking to a friendly stranger sitting next to us. You can’t just drive a car to and from places, it has to be an ‘experience’ and a ’statement’. You can’t watch TV on a 20″ screen, you need 36″+ high def (although I find I’m inclined to turn off my 20″ TV and go outside.) Preparing a simple meal on laminate countertop isn’t acceptable, we have to dream about the beauty of our granite countertops while we eat out.
So I say cheers to being boring (by marketing standards). I’ll likely never have an I-phone, but I could end up with a Samsung L-phone for $50 on a 30$/month plan when the day comes.
PS James, I did just HAVE TO get that walkman to play White Snake back in the day, so I’m thinking age is a factor too. :)
Jun 19th, 2008 @ 10:59 am
24. FrugalTrader
Well put Al! Perhaps an interesting discussion would be the constant marketing that we face and how we judge people based on what they “have” rather than “who they are”. Hmm…
Jun 19th, 2008 @ 11:04 am
25. James
Al, you made some solid points. I agree marketing surely works. I myself, am certainly a product of pop-culture and mass consumption.
However, this website is the “Million Dollar Journey” not exactly, “Thrifty living.” I agree with being able to retire early, and I also love golf. But I don’t know if I’d want to stop and sit (comfortably..).
So call me crazy.. but some things i will indulge in. Gadgets might be one of them.
(But who knows, maybe I’ll be thankful if I get bit by a snake out in the forest, and on my trusty iPhone I’m able to google the look of it, and realize that I should get to a hospital quick… :) )
Jun 19th, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
26. Al
James, I agree we definitely need to indulge ourselves once in a while (I’ll still call you crazy if you’d like, but not for buying the phone.) I don’t think we should always make the cheaper, more practical choice. The problem is too many people always go for the glitz and find themselves in trouble financially. Marketers and mass media are great at creating the impression that we need and deserve so much. If you say you’re buying all sorts of fancy stuff that you can’t afford, then I’ll climb up on my high horse (that I bought second hand from the thrift store) and declare my moral superiority over you. :)
My next indulgence will likely be a scooter or a moped. I figure I’ll save a few bucks on gas which I will spend on insurance, so it will be more about the fun of doing something new. I have a gnawing suspicion that I’ll enjoy it for about two summers and lose interest, though I haven’t even bought one yet.
Jun 20th, 2008 @ 9:26 am
27. canabiz
Nope, I will be keeping my Motorola RAZR with Virgin Mobile, paying $20 a month and that’s it. It has a camera and that suits me well.
Jun 20th, 2008 @ 9:57 am
28. Gates VP
Wow, these prices are actually in-line with US prices. I would have expected a higher-level gouging from Rogers.
As to utility, these things fill a really weird niche. Outside of a work-sponsored plan, the people who can afford these probably can’t really make great use of them. I mean, they’re basically portable computers with expensive but widely available internet connections. As a guy who used to carry a CD player, a Palm pilot, a cell phone and a camera basically everywhere, I can actually imagine a good use for one of these devices.
Of course, I used to have a PocketPC phone until I moved to the US and it’s all been replaced by a pre-paid phone. I got the phone without a data plan (though they don’t do this any more). As a tool, the PocketPC phone (and things like the iPhone & Blackberry) are just excellent, they just suffer from a prohibitive monthly tether.
Jun 30th, 2008 @ 3:54 am
29. FrugalTrader
Gates, there are actually been a large backlash from the high monthly plan pricing. $60/month may not seem too bad, but it’s relatively expensive when you account for the bare bones plan that you do get.
Jun 30th, 2008 @ 10:19 am
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