Those of you in the U.S. are going to be absolutely green with envy once you read this news. I know I am. Imagine having an iPhone 4 and being able to choose your own provider without resorting to jailbreaking the device. Thats exactly what customers in Canada are now going to be allowed to do. Apple has announced that when the iPhone 4 begins selling this Friday in Canada, customers will be able to choose from amongst the three main wireless providers: Bell, Rogers and Telus. Canadians can order their device through the Apple stores or at the provider locations.
Amit Kaminer, an analyst with The SeaBoard Group telecommunications consultancy, said that Having no contract? Some might say that you cant put a value on freedom. If Canadians buy the phone directly from an Apple store, it will be unlocked and contract-free. Users can then shop around for the wireless deal that best suits their needs and budget. The problem is, though, that the cost of the phone is a dramatic increase over what it runs in the United States. The 16GB model will sell for $659 while the 32GB version will cost $779.
Apple is also selling the 3GS with 8GB of storage in Canada for about $549. This version is unlocked, as well, and offers the same benefit to consumers wishing to choose their own provider. These moves put a higher value on the iPhone 4 inside of Canada than it has in the United States.
With so many rumors running around the Internet lately as to exactly whom will receive an iPhone contract here in the USA, I cant help but wonder if Apple is planning a similar move here. Can you even begin to imagine buying an iPhone and choosing the carrier YOU want to use with no jailbreaking or unlocking required? What are your thoughts? Will Apple take the ultimate plunge and do this here?
Amit Kaminer, an analyst with The SeaBoard Group telecommunications consultancy, said that Having no contract? Some might say that you cant put a value on freedom. If Canadians buy the phone directly from an Apple store, it will be unlocked and contract-free. Users can then shop around for the wireless deal that best suits their needs and budget. The problem is, though, that the cost of the phone is a dramatic increase over what it runs in the United States. The 16GB model will sell for $659 while the 32GB version will cost $779.
Apple is also selling the 3GS with 8GB of storage in Canada for about $549. This version is unlocked, as well, and offers the same benefit to consumers wishing to choose their own provider. These moves put a higher value on the iPhone 4 inside of Canada than it has in the United States.
With so many rumors running around the Internet lately as to exactly whom will receive an iPhone contract here in the USA, I cant help but wonder if Apple is planning a similar move here. Can you even begin to imagine buying an iPhone and choosing the carrier YOU want to use with no jailbreaking or unlocking required? What are your thoughts? Will Apple take the ultimate plunge and do this here?
