There is a rumor right now about the fact that Rogers Wireless could be the selected carrier for the iPhone in Canada. I don’t think we can actually call that shot on the base of that thin rumor. Yes, Rogers is the only coast to coast GSM network in Canada but it is also the toughest telecom company to work with, as a client “and” as a partner or provider.
Building a CDMA version of the iPhone is not necessarily the biggest challenge that Apple has to face. Depending on what platform the phone was originally designed, a CDMA version of the device could be very easy to release.
The integration of the iPhone on a carrier’s network can’t be done like a normal iPhone. Changes need to be done at the carrier’s level. Bell Mobility is more aggressive than Rogers for customer acquisition and may be more willing to make the changes needed by the iPhone.
I do agree with the rumor that sticking with GSM is a better choice than CDMA.
What could be the iPhone release date for Canada? January 2008? Probably not before that anyway!
September 11th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Apparently Apple needs to produce a CDMA phone to sell in Japan. Perhaps Canada will get one too.
December 3rd, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Let me know when Bell CDMA will ahve the new Apple I phone
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Apple should go with CDMA. It’s the superior standard in terms of coverage in North America, it has the best 3G data network in terms of coverage/speed/reliability, and it will give Apple access to Japan, Korea and most of China as well.
GSM is playing catch-up in terms of capability and coverage in 2 of Apple’s three biggest markets (Asia and North America).
March 11th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I was on the King Street car the other day
when someone form Bell came on and was testing the iphone, the reason I know he was from Bell as he had his brief case with him which had his business card tagged onto it.
He was testing the phone services and the software as I was watching from the seat behind him. He was also testing the WiFi
as we were passing through the financial district trying to get a connection.