Rogers iPhone 3G Requires 3 Year Contract

By Gary Ng on June 10th, 2008 132

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After weeks and weeks of endless 3G iPhone rumors and speculation, Steve Jobs and his team of Apple developers finally delivered their big announcement yesterday: iPhone 3G is here. The new iPhone 3G as Apple calls it is faster, thinner, and cheaper as announced from the WWDC.

Also, Rogers and Fido are the two cellphone providers that will be selling the iPhone 3G. They will be included in the 22 country worldwide iPhone 3G rollout. Rogers released a statement confirming the $199/8GB and $299/16GB pricing, which is great. However, this will come at the cost of a 3 year contract, which most people despise of. Hey, if you want your iPhone you’ll have to sign on for the long term!

Some other questions have risen up over the past 24 hours too. Some of them brought to my attention include…

What will voice/data plans be priced at?
Will Rogers/Fido plans be the same?
Will Rogers sell the 1st generation iPhone?
Is the iPhone 3G going to locked to Rogers?
Do you have to sign up on the spot in stores, or can you purchase an iPhone 3G without paperwork?
I just signed another 3 year contract with Rogers–can I still get the iPhone?

These are some really good questions. We know the voice/data plans will be slightly cheaper than the current plans, but it’s just a matter of how much cheaper. To compare Rogers/Fido, I can see both companies have identical plans.

Will Rogers sell 1st generation iPhones? Fat chance. 1st generation iPhones will soon become collectors’ items and be flooded on eBay and Craigslist. They’ve been OOS for the past month almost.

Regarding locking, you can bet your youngest child that the iPhone 3G will belocked to the Rogers network. Time to wait dilgently for the iPhone Dev Tem to get to work if they are up to the challenge.

As for the signing up part, I strongly believe the model of selling iPhones at AT&T in the USA will be modelled here. You won’t be able to leave the Rogers store with an iPhone until you complete the details of that lucrative (and eternity-like) 3 year contract. AT&T had activation online as a possibility, but I don’t see that happening with Rogers.

Wait a minute, you just signed a new 3 year deal recently?! How does this new announcement affect you? Well, I am sure Rogers has thought of this already. Most likely you might have to pay some more money to upgrade to an iPhone, or send back your phone to Rogers in exchange for an iPhone. Maybe we’ll hear more about this later from Ted himself.

Given how long Canadians have had to wait for the iPhone (and the rest of the world), there are many people who would be more than happy to sign a 3 year commitment to get the newest iPhone. At $199, it’s almost too good of a deal to resist. Yes, you are committing to 3 years, but keep in mind a year ago people paid $599 for an 8GB! $199 for the next generation 8GB is quite reasonable.

As for myself, I am looking forward to getting my hands on the iPhone 3G, but not with a 3 year commitment. That means jailbreaking/unlocking/activating all over again (which we don’t even know if it can be unlocked–I guarantee it will happen), but that just makes owning one that much better. I mean, can you imagine the Rogers “jingle” on your iPhone or some sort of Rogers logo? Not my cup of tea folks (who knows if that will be the case)!! I will make my ultimate decision once Rogers announces their monthly voice/data pricing.

Before I sign off on this longer than usual post, the big question remains: How many of you unlocked iPhone users will be switching to the iPhone 3G? Let us know what you will be doing in the comments!

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Gary Ng

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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http://tiinacious.blogspot.com/ T

I like the idea of the new features and all, but like others have mentioned, the data rates are awful, and I don’t see myself taking advantage of the full 3G capabilities to warrant spending money on another iPhone, especially since it appears to be made out of cheaper materials!

I’m anxiously awaiting the SDK 2.0 thing!! I like the ideas of third party apps. A lot! I already started taking notes of the ones I want to get from the WWDC.

I’m not done my 3 years yet with Rogers since I got the Motorola Razr v3i not last Christmas but the one before. Even though I don’t see myself switching to another carrier, I don’t like the ideas of contracts.

You can’t break your contract if you move to another country; they charged my girlfriend the full cancellation fee for moving to the States! And she had less than half a year left in her contract! I’ve spoken to Rogers employees and they say that the Rogers contracts are the worst contracts and hardest to get out of. According to one person, if you die and you have an outstanding balance, they’ll make your heirs (or whatever they’re called) pay your balance!!

But if Bell for some reason got the iPhone, I would never go with Bell! I hate Bell. BOYCOTT BELL. Their services, though good, is not always reliable, and their customer service sucks. They frustrate you to the end until you break down and cry because of how stressful it is to get all of your bundled services to either work properly or be charged to your bill properly. Ok, I’m rambling. So Bell sucks. Rogers hasn’t disappointed me TOO much. Rogers seems to be the lesser of the evils.. but there are more evils out there I won’t even consider.. *cough* KooooooooooooodO! *cough*

But hey!.. Do you guys think that things like name display would start to work on the 2G phones? Will us pre-3G iPhone users have access to the same data plans offered for the 3G?
uxguy

@X1Zero

Sorry. Let me provide clarification on what I meant when I was talking about plans. When the sales rep looked at our current data plans, she noted that they are old enough and expensive enough that the new plans that are coming that they don’t know the specifics of, will without doubt be better than what we have… We didn’t get specifics, but the comment was based on our current sh*tty plans.

But the info on HUP and $25 rebate is valid – that’s based on our spend to date and the fact that we bought our original rogers handsets over a year ago.
uxguy

@X1Zero

Sorry. Let me provide clarification on what I meant when I was talking about plans. When the sales rep looked at our current data plans, she noted that they are old enough and expensive enough that the new plans that are coming that they don’t know the specifics of, will without doubt be better than what we have… We didn’t get specifics, but the comment was based on our current sh*tty plans.

But the info on HUP and $25 rebate is valid – that’s based on our spend to date and the fact that we bought our original rogers handsets over a year ago.
Dave

Hmmm. I would love to get my hands on the 3G, I love my iPod touch after all. I’m also a pilot and a software developer so I can foresee some fantastic uses in the cockpit (the accelerometer is particularly interesting), especially if I can tie it in with my flight planning software.

However, the 3 year contract and data rates… ug. If it comes in at $70, that’s over $2500 over 3 years (plus taxes?). That’s a huge amount of cash.

Currently I have a blackberry (company provided). If we were sticking with that – I’d be even more tempted, but we’re getting the new top Blackberry Curve model very soon. I can’t see myself getting having two devices given the commitment required.

If I was stuck with this old blackberry, if the contact was only 2 years and the package cost was $60 I’d REALLY consider it.

But as is – as much as I’d love to get one – I don’t see it happening… something like a $50 package deal though – hmmm – yeah – I’d go in for the 3 years at that cost – but let’s face it – that’s fantasy land dreaming for now.
Dave

Hmmm. I would love to get my hands on the 3G, I love my iPod touch after all. I’m also a pilot and a software developer so I can foresee some fantastic uses in the cockpit (the accelerometer is particularly interesting), especially if I can tie it in with my flight planning software.

However, the 3 year contract and data rates… ug. If it comes in at $70, that’s over $2500 over 3 years (plus taxes?). That’s a huge amount of cash.

Currently I have a blackberry (company provided). If we were sticking with that – I’d be even more tempted, but we’re getting the new top Blackberry Curve model very soon. I can’t see myself getting having two devices given the commitment required.

If I was stuck with this old blackberry, if the contact was only 2 years and the package cost was $60 I’d REALLY consider it.

But as is – as much as I’d love to get one – I don’t see it happening… something like a $50 package deal though – hmmm – yeah – I’d go in for the 3 years at that cost – but let’s face it – that’s fantasy land dreaming for now.
Dave

Hmmm. I would love to get my hands on the 3G, I love my iPod touch after all. I’m also a pilot and a software developer so I can foresee some fantastic uses in the cockpit (the accelerometer is particularly interesting), especially if I can tie it in with my flight planning software.

However, the 3 year contract and data rates… ug. If it comes in at $70, that’s over $2500 over 3 years (plus taxes?). That’s a huge amount of cash.

Currently I have a blackberry (company provided). If we were sticking with that – I’d be even more tempted, but we’re getting the new top Blackberry Curve model very soon. I can’t see myself getting having two devices given the commitment required.

If I was stuck with this old blackberry, if the contact was only 2 years and the package cost was $60 I’d REALLY consider it.

But as is – as much as I’d love to get one – I don’t see it happening… something like a $50 package deal though – hmmm – yeah – I’d go in for the 3 years at that cost – but let’s face it – that’s fantasy land dreaming for now.
Mr, Speedy

(We really miss the forums… our place to chat… Get them back up soon!!)

The only feature I like about the new iPhone 3G is the GPS. There is nothing else that makes me go “Wooooooo, I need one”! I love GPSes and I have many of them and I have been waiting to combine the GPS features (real GPS features) with my iPhone for some time now, but that feature alone is not enough for me to upgrade to 3G. I don’t use data. I would if it would be cheaper, but it’s way too expensive and I don’t see it becoming affordable enough, even with the upcoming data plans for iPhone 3G. I am also very disappointed that the only models available are still 8 GB and 16 GB. I don’t get it. They were able to pack 32 Gb in a smaller package (i.e.: iTouch) and the iPhone still has less memory. I suspect they did this on purpose, to keep the pricetag down and so they could charge more for a 32 Gb (and perhaps even a 64 Gb) when they release it (them) later in the year or so.

Besides, I have had unlocked phones on the Rogers network forever… I don’t recall when was the last time I used a locked phone. I hate contracts and I hate to be at Rogers’ mercy. I will wait ’till someone figures out a way to buy, jailbreak and unlock iPhone 3G without being tied to a contract.
Mr, Speedy

(We really miss the forums… our place to chat… Get them back up soon!!)

The only feature I like about the new iPhone 3G is the GPS. There is nothing else that makes me go “Wooooooo, I need one”! I love GPSes and I have many of them and I have been waiting to combine the GPS features (real GPS features) with my iPhone for some time now, but that feature alone is not enough for me to upgrade to 3G. I don’t use data. I would if it would be cheaper, but it’s way too expensive and I don’t see it becoming affordable enough, even with the upcoming data plans for iPhone 3G. I am also very disappointed that the only models available are still 8 GB and 16 GB. I don’t get it. They were able to pack 32 Gb in a smaller package (i.e.: iTouch) and the iPhone still has less memory. I suspect they did this on purpose, to keep the pricetag down and so they could charge more for a 32 Gb (and perhaps even a 64 Gb) when they release it (them) later in the year or so.

Besides, I have had unlocked phones on the Rogers network forever… I don’t recall when was the last time I used a locked phone. I hate contracts and I hate to be at Rogers’ mercy. I will wait ’till someone figures out a way to buy, jailbreak and unlock iPhone 3G without being tied to a contract.
Matt MacEwen

@X1Zero

Any details of pre-orders taken by the stores at all? I’ve heard stories of some stores taking deposits?
Matt MacEwen

@X1Zero

Any details of pre-orders taken by the stores at all? I’ve heard stories of some stores taking deposits?
Matt MacEwen

@X1Zero

Any details of pre-orders taken by the stores at all? I’ve heard stories of some stores taking deposits?
mattia823

hei guys, in august i’m going to canada and i would buy an iphone 3g, i know that is possible to unlock it but i would know if there’s a way to buy it without pay or sign any contract. so 299 $ for iphone 3g 16gb the maximum price!!!! please help me.
mattia823

hei guys, in august i’m going to canada and i would buy an iphone 3g, i know that is possible to unlock it but i would know if there’s a way to buy it without pay or sign any contract. so 299 $ for iphone 3g 16gb the maximum price!!!! please help me.
mattia823

hei guys, in august i’m going to canada and i would buy an iphone 3g, i know that is possible to unlock it but i would know if there’s a way to buy it without pay or sign any contract. so 299 $ for iphone 3g 16gb the maximum price!!!! please help me.
SAMUEL

I CURRENTLY HAVE 1ST GEN IPHONE BUT DROPPED IT ONCE AND IT BROKE, $700 *IPHONE,SHIPPING,CUSTOMS,CASE (WHICH I DIDNT HAVE ON AT THE TIME :’( * DOWN THE DRAIN BUT ANYWAYS I WILL BE DEF UPGRADING TO 3G AS MY CURRENT ONE THE HOME BUTTON DOESNT WORK, GETTING ERROR MESSAGE ABOUT ACCESSORIES, CANT PHONE SOMEONE UNLESS I USE THE HEADPHONES. IM HOPING THAT I WILL QUALIFY FOR A REPAIR FROM APPLE WHEN RELEASED IN CANADA BUT IM NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. IM LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THE NEW FEATURES OF THE 3G AND HAVE A COUNTDOWN ON MY MAC (WIDGET) COUNTING THE DAYS DOWN

I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! …..MORE DEBT…..BUT IM HAVING IPHONE WITHDRAWELS LOL
SAMUEL

I CURRENTLY HAVE 1ST GEN IPHONE BUT DROPPED IT ONCE AND IT BROKE, $700 *IPHONE,SHIPPING,CUSTOMS,CASE (WHICH I DIDNT HAVE ON AT THE TIME :’( * DOWN THE DRAIN BUT ANYWAYS I WILL BE DEF UPGRADING TO 3G AS MY CURRENT ONE THE HOME BUTTON DOESNT WORK, GETTING ERROR MESSAGE ABOUT ACCESSORIES, CANT PHONE SOMEONE UNLESS I USE THE HEADPHONES. IM HOPING THAT I WILL QUALIFY FOR A REPAIR FROM APPLE WHEN RELEASED IN CANADA BUT IM NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. IM LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THE NEW FEATURES OF THE 3G AND HAVE A COUNTDOWN ON MY MAC (WIDGET) COUNTING THE DAYS DOWN

I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! …..MORE DEBT…..BUT IM HAVING IPHONE WITHDRAWELS LOL
SAMUEL

I CURRENTLY HAVE 1ST GEN IPHONE BUT DROPPED IT ONCE AND IT BROKE, $700 *IPHONE,SHIPPING,CUSTOMS,CASE (WHICH I DIDNT HAVE ON AT THE TIME :’( * DOWN THE DRAIN BUT ANYWAYS I WILL BE DEF UPGRADING TO 3G AS MY CURRENT ONE THE HOME BUTTON DOESNT WORK, GETTING ERROR MESSAGE ABOUT ACCESSORIES, CANT PHONE SOMEONE UNLESS I USE THE HEADPHONES. IM HOPING THAT I WILL QUALIFY FOR A REPAIR FROM APPLE WHEN RELEASED IN CANADA BUT IM NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. IM LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THE NEW FEATURES OF THE 3G AND HAVE A COUNTDOWN ON MY MAC (WIDGET) COUNTING THE DAYS DOWN

I CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! …..MORE DEBT…..BUT IM HAVING IPHONE WITHDRAWELS LOL
Spike

The 1st Gen iPhone works perfectly using the $7.00/month Unlimited Device Browsing from Rogers. I had the regular data plan that was killing me. I got rid of that and switched to the Unlimited Device browsing plan, everything is as before with no worry about limits, I surf the web and receive e-mails using the edge network.

In view of this, there is NO WAY I will be buying the 3G phone. My current plan total for the month is $68.00 tax in , including 150 anytime minutes, unlimited incoming, Unlimited Eve/Weekends after 6:00, Everycall value pack which includes voicemail and unlimited text. This deal cannot be beat. So perhaps maybe next year or the year after if Rogers offers something better, I will switch. Until then, my 1st Gen iPhone meets all my needs.
Spike

The 1st Gen iPhone works perfectly using the $7.00/month Unlimited Device Browsing from Rogers. I had the regular data plan that was killing me. I got rid of that and switched to the Unlimited Device browsing plan, everything is as before with no worry about limits, I surf the web and receive e-mails using the edge network.

In view of this, there is NO WAY I will be buying the 3G phone. My current plan total for the month is $68.00 tax in , including 150 anytime minutes, unlimited incoming, Unlimited Eve/Weekends after 6:00, Everycall value pack which includes voicemail and unlimited text. This deal cannot be beat. So perhaps maybe next year or the year after if Rogers offers something better, I will switch. Until then, my 1st Gen iPhone meets all my needs.
Spike

The 1st Gen iPhone works perfectly using the $7.00/month Unlimited Device Browsing from Rogers. I had the regular data plan that was killing me. I got rid of that and switched to the Unlimited Device browsing plan, everything is as before with no worry about limits, I surf the web and receive e-mails using the edge network.

In view of this, there is NO WAY I will be buying the 3G phone. My current plan total for the month is $68.00 tax in , including 150 anytime minutes, unlimited incoming, Unlimited Eve/Weekends after 6:00, Everycall value pack which includes voicemail and unlimited text. This deal cannot be beat. So perhaps maybe next year or the year after if Rogers offers something better, I will switch. Until then, my 1st Gen iPhone meets all my needs.
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Jon Moore

Yes, sadly you do have to sign a contract to get this phone for that price, or to get any iphone 3g.
Jon Moore

Yes, sadly you do have to sign a contract to get this phone for that price, or to get any iphone 3g.
yah

yah is sucks! like 300 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!1
yah

yah is sucks! like 300 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!1
yah

yah is sucks! like 300 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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peter

if you want a really good price for a phone at a subsidized cost of course you have to go on a 3yr term. if you don’t go on a term, what incentives does rogers get. if they offer it with no contract. people will buy the iphone for 199 and sell it on ebay for 500 and make profit. please think before you guys make comment like that. they don’t sell it at retail price but if they did it wil probably be at least 600 to 700. so makes no difference if it is a 3yr contract or not
peter

if you want a really good price for a phone at a subsidized cost of course you have to go on a 3yr term. if you don’t go on a term, what incentives does rogers get. if they offer it with no contract. people will buy the iphone for 199 and sell it on ebay for 500 and make profit. please think before you guys make comment like that. they don’t sell it at retail price but if they did it wil probably be at least 600 to 700. so makes no difference if it is a 3yr contract or not
karelcasier

I just got a brand new iPnone 3G and then two weeks later the iPhone 3GS came out and now I have to stick with the slow, always frezing iPhone 3g because I have a stupid 3 year cotract
karelcasier

I just got a brand new iPnone 3G and then two weeks later the iPhone 3GS came out and now I have to stick with the slow, always frezing iPhone 3g because I have a stupid 3 year cotract
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This is cool! And so interested! Are u have more posts like this? Plese tell me, thanks

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