iPhone Canada FAQ: Using iPhones in Canada

By Gary Ng on February 18th, 2008 98

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Since I started this blog about the iPhone in Canada in December of 2007, things have progressed along the way. When I first got my iPhone it was on firmware 1.1.1, and I had to wait two weeks for an unlock to come out. Once it was released, I activated, jailbreaked, and unlocked my way to firmware 1.0.2. Currently, my iPhone is currently on the stable 1.1.1 firmware.

Now that there has been a release of ZiPhone, the easiest way to unlock 1.1.2 and 1.1.3 OTB (out of the box) iPhones, I’ve received lots of emails asking about the status of iPhones in Canada. So I thought I’d take some time to come up with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for all you newbies out there, looking to buy an iPhone.

Some of this information may be old hat to you iPhone veterans, but it’s always good to review. Here we go with answers to your questions!

Will an iPhone work in Canada? Can I just pop in a SIM card and use it in Canada?

  • An iPhone will work in Canada, but it needs to be unlocked. You CANNOT just pop in your SIM card for it to work. It must be unlocked to be used with Rogers or Fido (the only GSM networks in Canada). It will NOT work with Telus or Bell. That’s right…it will NOT work with Telus or Bell (they are CDMA networks)!

Where can I buy an iPhone? I want one soooo bad! What features will work?

How Do I Go Abouts Buying an iPhone in the USA? Will I have to sign a contract? What about firmware? Will I have to pay taxes/duties on my iPhone?

  • Walk into an Apple store, buy a phone with your credit card and provide your postal code. Some stores have been asking for US zip codes and checking for ID. Your mileage may vary.
  • Current 8GB and 16GB models in stores most likely will be on 1.1.3 firmware. Recently a new unlock was released to activate and unlock your iPhone. Check your iPhone firmware here.
  • Taxes & duties: you will pay the local State tax in the USA on your iPhone purchase. When you come back to Canada, you will have to pay GST/PST if you declare your phone (which you should as it’s not worth the trouble to get red flagged) but NO duty.
  • For example, to buy an iPhone from WA State and bring it back to Canada, after State taxes and PST/GST, the total will come to $490CDN. Since our dollar is pretty much on par, this is the time to purchase baby!!

I have my iPhone. Now what?

What are these “SIM” solutions I keep hearing about?

  • Previously, iPhones that came with 1.1.2 firmware could not be unlocked. However, someone came out with a SIM “clone” that would trick your iPhone into believeing it was an AT&T SIM card, allowing you to use any SIM from around the world.
  • Read about my StealthSIM review here. If you want an easy way to unlock 1.1.2 iPhones, all you have to do is pop in a StealthSIM into a jailbreaked phone, and voila!

Should I update my iPhone’s firmware? I want to update to 1.1.1/1.1.2/1.1.3!

  • Here’s my motto when it comes to these things: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. So many people have had itchy fingers to update their iPhone’s firmware, only to get stuck at a certain stage where nobody can help them, rendering their once perfectly working iPhone useless. Unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing, I would recommend sticking with your iPhone’s current firmware!
  • Check out my Top Posts for more guides on updating your firmware!

How do I use my iPhone with Rogers or Fido?

When is the iPhone being released in Canada?

  • If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked this question via email, I’d be a millionaire! :) Nobody knows, but it should be coming out sometime this year–but to be honest, it’s really up in the air!

Will my iPhone be affected if/when Rogers/Fido comes out with the iPhone? Will anything change?

  • Your iPhone will work fine and nothing will change. Your monthly plan will not change. It’s just like using any other unlocked GSM phone with Rogers/Fido. Nothing will change.

I want to use a data plan with my iPhone. What are my options?

  • Welcome to Canada, where we have some of the most expensive data rates in the world! Rogers recently released a revised data plan but it doesn’t apply to the iPhone. Your best bet is the $65/1GB monthly plan–if you are desperate for data.

How do I setup EDGE settings on my iPhone?

The voicemail icon has a red dot on my iPhone. How do I remove it?

I’ve unlocked my iPhone! Yes! I need a case to protect my new investment. Any suggestions?

  • I am using the InvisibleShield with my iPhone. It’s a clear plastic film that protects against key scratches but not drops. Moneyback guarantee and a lifetime warranty! Another similar film is the BestSkinsEver.

How do I download 3rd party applications to my iPhone?

  • 3rd party applications are installed via the program called Installer on your iPhone. This is where you will find the installs for iAno or PocketGuitar.

I want to put on ringtones. What’s the easiest way?

  • iPhoneRingToneMaker is worth its weight in gold. You can edit, create, and transfer an mp3 ringtone to your iPhone in less than one minute.

I want to download content to my iPhone. Where can I find downloads?

  • Check out my iPhone Downloads page to find the latest websites to get TV shows, movies and music onto your iPhone.

I want to become an iPhone “Yoda”…can you show me the ways?

My speaker volume is so darn low. I’m missing calls. How can I fix this?

How do I contact you? I want to ask you a question that you have not answered. I emailed you a while back. How come you didn’t respond? 

  • You can contact me via my contact page, but PLEASE read my Top Posts first before you email me. You will receive a greater chance of a reply. :)
  • Most likely I was busy, or I missed your email. Or, you might have asked me a question that was answered in my Top Posts. :)

How do I keep up to date with your posts and the blog?

  • Subscribe to my RSS feed if you haven’t already…it’s the best way to track what’s happening with the iPhone in Canada.

Thanks for your fantastic website and your contests! How can I say “thank you?”

  • Well, you’re welcome! Just a quick thank you email or posting a comment is all I need! However, if you want to do more, feel free to buy me a beer or make a tiny donation via the “donate” button. =)

I hope this FAQ has helped some of you out there. These questions were off the top of my head, from the most popular questions I’ve been asked via email. Hopefully this FAQ will give those sitting on the fence the extra “push” to go get your own iPhone!!! :)

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my RSS feed, so you won’t miss any updates! 

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of iPhoneinCanada.ca. Follow @iPhoneinCanada and on Google+. Click here to save 20% OFF at ZAGG.com with coupon 'iphoneinca'!

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  • Dusty

    Thanks iPhone Fan and taking the time to write this up, them noobs should hopefully be able to understand it :P LOL
    Good job!

  • Dusty

    Thanks iPhone Fan and taking the time to write this up, them noobs should hopefully be able to understand it :P LOL
    Good job!

  • Dusty

    Thanks iPhone Fan and taking the time to write this up, them noobs should hopefully be able to understand it :P LOL
    Good job!

  • Dusty

    Thanks iPhone Fan and taking the time to write this up, them noobs should hopefully be able to understand it :P LOL
    Good job!

  • Dusty

    Thanks iPhone Fan and taking the time to write this up, them noobs should hopefully be able to understand it :P LOL
    Good job!

  • 11thIndian

    The one FAQ that I’d wonder about is what happens to current users when the iPhone get released to Canada officially. Since we are buying US AT&T locked iPhones, one would assume that once (and what a supposition that is…) the iPhone is released to Canada, if you want to be running legally, without running the iPhone unlocked, and having to worry about the current cat-and-mouse game; you WILL NOT be able to use your US purchased iPhone. IF Rogers releases the iPhone, one can assume that those iPhones will be similarly locked to the Rogers/Fido network and those are the ones that Rogers will want you to use. So as I see it, current iPhone users will have two options on release of the Rogers iPhone.

    1. They can hold onto their US iPhone and have to continue to jailbreak/unlock if they want to keep up with new updates to the iPhone software.

    2. They can restore and sell their US iPhone, and then buy a Rogers iPhone. This would mean that they no longer need to jailbreak/unlock their iPhone. They can use it as intended by the seller.

    Though, truth is that even after the iPhone is released up here, there may well be many people who still have their phone jailbroken in order to use 3rd party applications. Of course, with the release of the SDK, the number of “legal” apps will skyrocket and the need for legit iPhone to be jailbroken may deminish.

    I’m not trying to warn anyone off from making the leap. I myself WILL be buying an US iPhone soon. I just thought an addendum to that particular FAQ might be in order. At this moment, the process is so easy for unlocking that even technically unsavvy people are jumping in. But what happens when 1.1.4 is released? Bang! We have to start all over… So, I would wager that those looking for the simplest process would probably want to get a legit Rogers iPhone when they hit.

    Just my 2 cents.

  • 11thIndian

    The one FAQ that I’d wonder about is what happens to current users when the iPhone get released to Canada officially. Since we are buying US AT&T locked iPhones, one would assume that once (and what a supposition that is…) the iPhone is released to Canada, if you want to be running legally, without running the iPhone unlocked, and having to worry about the current cat-and-mouse game; you WILL NOT be able to use your US purchased iPhone. IF Rogers releases the iPhone, one can assume that those iPhones will be similarly locked to the Rogers/Fido network and those are the ones that Rogers will want you to use. So as I see it, current iPhone users will have two options on release of the Rogers iPhone.

    1. They can hold onto their US iPhone and have to continue to jailbreak/unlock if they want to keep up with new updates to the iPhone software.

    2. They can restore and sell their US iPhone, and then buy a Rogers iPhone. This would mean that they no longer need to jailbreak/unlock their iPhone. They can use it as intended by the seller.

    Though, truth is that even after the iPhone is released up here, there may well be many people who still have their phone jailbroken in order to use 3rd party applications. Of course, with the release of the SDK, the number of “legal” apps will skyrocket and the need for legit iPhone to be jailbroken may deminish.

    I’m not trying to warn anyone off from making the leap. I myself WILL be buying an US iPhone soon. I just thought an addendum to that particular FAQ might be in order. At this moment, the process is so easy for unlocking that even technically unsavvy people are jumping in. But what happens when 1.1.4 is released? Bang! We have to start all over… So, I would wager that those looking for the simplest process would probably want to get a legit Rogers iPhone when they hit.

    Just my 2 cents.

  • http://www.adviso.ca/ Jef

    Hi, and thanks for the post.

    Just to add to your data plan point : Fido now offers unlimited data !

    I found it this week-end. For 20$, you get voicemail, 2500 SMS and UNLIMITED DATA !

    http://fido.ca/portal/en/packages/value_packs.shtml

  • http://www.adviso.ca/ Jef

    Hi, and thanks for the post.

    Just to add to your data plan point : Fido now offers unlimited data !

    I found it this week-end. For 20$, you get voicemail, 2500 SMS and UNLIMITED DATA !

    http://fido.ca/portal/en/packages/value_packs.shtml

  • http://www.adviso.ca Jef

    Hi, and thanks for the post.

    Just to add to your data plan point : Fido now offers unlimited data !

    I found it this week-end. For 20$, you get voicemail, 2500 SMS and UNLIMITED DATA !

    http://fido.ca/portal/en/packages/value_packs.shtml

  • Lukas

    Jef, this is not the case, Fido’s plan is just like the $7 one from Rogers. Its only on Fido Phones and specific applications. “(non-Fido certified handsets, Windows Mobile devices and PC cards are not eligible)”

  • Lukas

    Jef, this is not the case, Fido’s plan is just like the $7 one from Rogers. Its only on Fido Phones and specific applications. “(non-Fido certified handsets, Windows Mobile devices and PC cards are not eligible)”

  • Lukas

    Jef, this is not the case, Fido’s plan is just like the $7 one from Rogers. Its only on Fido Phones and specific applications. “(non-Fido certified handsets, Windows Mobile devices and PC cards are not eligible)”

  • Lukas

    Jef, this is not the case, Fido’s plan is just like the $7 one from Rogers. Its only on Fido Phones and specific applications. “(non-Fido certified handsets, Windows Mobile devices and PC cards are not eligible)”

  • Lukas

    Jef, this is not the case, Fido’s plan is just like the $7 one from Rogers. Its only on Fido Phones and specific applications. “(non-Fido certified handsets, Windows Mobile devices and PC cards are not eligible)”

  • http://www.adviso.ca/ Jef

    I was using the 12mb plan which was constrined by the same restrictions but it worked, meaning that I had Edge access plus no extra charge.

    I switched to this 20$ plan and the guy knew I had an iPhone. He actually suggested the plan. But I agree I’ll have to look into this carefully. I’ll keep you guys posted when receving my next bill !

  • http://www.adviso.ca/ Jef

    I was using the 12mb plan which was constrined by the same restrictions but it worked, meaning that I had Edge access plus no extra charge.

    I switched to this 20$ plan and the guy knew I had an iPhone. He actually suggested the plan. But I agree I’ll have to look into this carefully. I’ll keep you guys posted when receving my next bill !

  • http://www.adviso.ca/ Jef

    I was using the 12mb plan which was constrined by the same restrictions but it worked, meaning that I had Edge access plus no extra charge.

    I switched to this 20$ plan and the guy knew I had an iPhone. He actually suggested the plan. But I agree I’ll have to look into this carefully. I’ll keep you guys posted when receving my next bill !

  • http://www.adviso.ca/ Jef

    I was using the 12mb plan which was constrined by the same restrictions but it worked, meaning that I had Edge access plus no extra charge.

    I switched to this 20$ plan and the guy knew I had an iPhone. He actually suggested the plan. But I agree I’ll have to look into this carefully. I’ll keep you guys posted when receving my next bill !

  • http://www.adviso.ca/ Jef

    I was using the 12mb plan which was constrined by the same restrictions but it worked, meaning that I had Edge access plus no extra charge.

    I switched to this 20$ plan and the guy knew I had an iPhone. He actually suggested the plan. But I agree I’ll have to look into this carefully. I’ll keep you guys posted when receving my next bill !

  • http://www.adviso.ca Jef

    I was using the 12mb plan which was constrined by the same restrictions but it worked, meaning that I had Edge access plus no extra charge.

    I switched to this 20$ plan and the guy knew I had an iPhone. He actually suggested the plan. But I agree I’ll have to look into this carefully. I’ll keep you guys posted when receving my next bill !

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    ROFL…way to put it like that. :)

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    ROFL…way to put it like that. :)

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    ROFL…way to put it like that. :)

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    ROFL…way to put it like that. :)

  • iPhone Fan

    ROFL…way to put it like that. :)

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yes, getting a legit Rogers iPhone would be nice–but it will cost you a premium. Knowing Rogers, it will probably be priced at the $399-699 range at least, and you can guarantee that will be on a 3 year contract, probably with some sort of iPhone rate plan.

    I think I will stay with my unlocked US iPhone. :) You don’t have to update if you don’t want to…

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yes, getting a legit Rogers iPhone would be nice–but it will cost you a premium. Knowing Rogers, it will probably be priced at the $399-699 range at least, and you can guarantee that will be on a 3 year contract, probably with some sort of iPhone rate plan.

    I think I will stay with my unlocked US iPhone. :) You don’t have to update if you don’t want to…

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yes, getting a legit Rogers iPhone would be nice–but it will cost you a premium. Knowing Rogers, it will probably be priced at the $399-699 range at least, and you can guarantee that will be on a 3 year contract, probably with some sort of iPhone rate plan.

    I think I will stay with my unlocked US iPhone. :) You don’t have to update if you don’t want to…

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yes, getting a legit Rogers iPhone would be nice–but it will cost you a premium. Knowing Rogers, it will probably be priced at the $399-699 range at least, and you can guarantee that will be on a 3 year contract, probably with some sort of iPhone rate plan.

    I think I will stay with my unlocked US iPhone. :) You don’t have to update if you don’t want to…

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yes, getting a legit Rogers iPhone would be nice–but it will cost you a premium. Knowing Rogers, it will probably be priced at the $399-699 range at least, and you can guarantee that will be on a 3 year contract, probably with some sort of iPhone rate plan.

    I think I will stay with my unlocked US iPhone. :) You don’t have to update if you don’t want to…

  • iPhone Fan

    Yes, getting a legit Rogers iPhone would be nice–but it will cost you a premium. Knowing Rogers, it will probably be priced at the $399-699 range at least, and you can guarantee that will be on a 3 year contract, probably with some sort of iPhone rate plan.

    I think I will stay with my unlocked US iPhone. :) You don’t have to update if you don’t want to…

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yup, as Lukas writes below…it’s another case of deceptive marketing by Rogers. It’s only limited to “mobile browsing” with your designated cellphone, aka those lame WAP sites…not fun at all!

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yup, as Lukas writes below…it’s another case of deceptive marketing by Rogers. It’s only limited to “mobile browsing” with your designated cellphone, aka those lame WAP sites…not fun at all!

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yup, as Lukas writes below…it’s another case of deceptive marketing by Rogers. It’s only limited to “mobile browsing” with your designated cellphone, aka those lame WAP sites…not fun at all!

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Yup, as Lukas writes below…it’s another case of deceptive marketing by Rogers. It’s only limited to “mobile browsing” with your designated cellphone, aka those lame WAP sites…not fun at all!

  • iPhone Fan

    Yup, as Lukas writes below…it’s another case of deceptive marketing by Rogers. It’s only limited to “mobile browsing” with your designated cellphone, aka those lame WAP sites…not fun at all!

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Please let us know how this goes! :)

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Please let us know how this goes! :)

  • http://www.iphoneincanada.ca Gary

    Please let us know how this goes! :)

  • iPhone Fan

    Please let us know how this goes! :)

  • 11thIndian

    C’mon now, you don’t really think that Apple would allow Rogers to gouge people on the purchase cost, do you?

    How it will shake out with rate plans and contract length remains to be seen, but I doubt very highly Apple would allow Rogers to charge more that the normal US price variance on the handset. I’d say the US $399 handset would probably sell for $449 up here. If this long stalemate period has proved anything, it’s that Apple seems unlikely to let Rogers have the iPhone in Canada unless it can meet certain conditions that allow users to USE the thing as intended without crazy monthly bills. Quite honestly, I think if Rogers is going to continue the way it has, we may NEVER get a legit release from them, and we’ll be without an official iPhone carrier in Canada until another competitor appears, willing to make the concessions Rogers won’t.

  • 11thIndian

    C’mon now, you don’t really think that Apple would allow Rogers to gouge people on the purchase cost, do you?

    How it will shake out with rate plans and contract length remains to be seen, but I doubt very highly Apple would allow Rogers to charge more that the normal US price variance on the handset. I’d say the US $399 handset would probably sell for $449 up here. If this long stalemate period has proved anything, it’s that Apple seems unlikely to let Rogers have the iPhone in Canada unless it can meet certain conditions that allow users to USE the thing as intended without crazy monthly bills. Quite honestly, I think if Rogers is going to continue the way it has, we may NEVER get a legit release from them, and we’ll be without an official iPhone carrier in Canada until another competitor appears, willing to make the concessions Rogers won’t.

  • 11thIndian

    C’mon now, you don’t really think that Apple would allow Rogers to gouge people on the purchase cost, do you?

    How it will shake out with rate plans and contract length remains to be seen, but I doubt very highly Apple would allow Rogers to charge more that the normal US price variance on the handset. I’d say the US $399 handset would probably sell for $449 up here. If this long stalemate period has proved anything, it’s that Apple seems unlikely to let Rogers have the iPhone in Canada unless it can meet certain conditions that allow users to USE the thing as intended without crazy monthly bills. Quite honestly, I think if Rogers is going to continue the way it has, we may NEVER get a legit release from them, and we’ll be without an official iPhone carrier in Canada until another competitor appears, willing to make the concessions Rogers won’t.

  • 11thIndian

    C’mon now, you don’t really think that Apple would allow Rogers to gouge people on the purchase cost, do you?

    How it will shake out with rate plans and contract length remains to be seen, but I doubt very highly Apple would allow Rogers to charge more that the normal US price variance on the handset. I’d say the US $399 handset would probably sell for $449 up here. If this long stalemate period has proved anything, it’s that Apple seems unlikely to let Rogers have the iPhone in Canada unless it can meet certain conditions that allow users to USE the thing as intended without crazy monthly bills. Quite honestly, I think if Rogers is going to continue the way it has, we may NEVER get a legit release from them, and we’ll be without an official iPhone carrier in Canada until another competitor appears, willing to make the concessions Rogers won’t.

  • 11thIndian

    C’mon now, you don’t really think that Apple would allow Rogers to gouge people on the purchase cost, do you?

    How it will shake out with rate plans and contract length remains to be seen, but I doubt very highly Apple would allow Rogers to charge more that the normal US price variance on the handset. I’d say the US $399 handset would probably sell for $449 up here. If this long stalemate period has proved anything, it’s that Apple seems unlikely to let Rogers have the iPhone in Canada unless it can meet certain conditions that allow users to USE the thing as intended without crazy monthly bills. Quite honestly, I think if Rogers is going to continue the way it has, we may NEVER get a legit release from them, and we’ll be without an official iPhone carrier in Canada until another competitor appears, willing to make the concessions Rogers won’t.

  • Pingback: Owlberts Abode | Unlocking an iPhone in Canada - ultimate Canadian FAQ

  • Tim Aucoin

    I think the US phone will work fine if and when Rogers brings them here. These phones are software driven, so it should be a simple matter of plugging it in and updating it to whatever version is available at the time Rogers is offering the phone. It’s the same as taking one of these modded phones back to the US to use on the AT&T network… They likely wouldn’t work as is with the Canadian mod, but if you update it through iTunes, drop in an AT&T SIM, you’d be off to the races.

    Maybe this is over-simplifying things, but isn’t it simply a small computer with a phone built in? Update the software to wherever it needs to be to work! The only other difference I believe will happen when it comes to Canada is that Rogers will likely want to have the Wifi feature blocked so we are forced to be on a plan with them to do any data stuff. This would make the current modded phones that much more valuable and would keep people doing it this way even after the official Canadian release!

  • Tim Aucoin

    I think the US phone will work fine if and when Rogers brings them here. These phones are software driven, so it should be a simple matter of plugging it in and updating it to whatever version is available at the time Rogers is offering the phone. It’s the same as taking one of these modded phones back to the US to use on the AT&T network… They likely wouldn’t work as is with the Canadian mod, but if you update it through iTunes, drop in an AT&T SIM, you’d be off to the races.

    Maybe this is over-simplifying things, but isn’t it simply a small computer with a phone built in? Update the software to wherever it needs to be to work! The only other difference I believe will happen when it comes to Canada is that Rogers will likely want to have the Wifi feature blocked so we are forced to be on a plan with them to do any data stuff. This would make the current modded phones that much more valuable and would keep people doing it this way even after the official Canadian release!

  • Tim Aucoin

    I think the US phone will work fine if and when Rogers brings them here. These phones are software driven, so it should be a simple matter of plugging it in and updating it to whatever version is available at the time Rogers is offering the phone. It’s the same as taking one of these modded phones back to the US to use on the AT&T network… They likely wouldn’t work as is with the Canadian mod, but if you update it through iTunes, drop in an AT&T SIM, you’d be off to the races.

    Maybe this is over-simplifying things, but isn’t it simply a small computer with a phone built in? Update the software to wherever it needs to be to work! The only other difference I believe will happen when it comes to Canada is that Rogers will likely want to have the Wifi feature blocked so we are forced to be on a plan with them to do any data stuff. This would make the current modded phones that much more valuable and would keep people doing it this way even after the official Canadian release!

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