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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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Well…well.. Let take a look at the differences, the 3G and the 2G look the same, but one is faster in data transfer (which I currently don’t use because of the high rates), video call (which I haven’t use yet), what else..? About the only interesting feature that I see is the full size jack..
im gonna choose to stay with my 2G iPhone because there is barely anything better about the new one, and i only use wifi so 3G doesnt affect me. Ill wait till the 3rd gen iPhone comes out next june lol. But seriously im waiting for the 3rd gen because i only got the 2G iPhone in march.
Peace
I don’t see myself moving to the new 3G. And I’m not sure I want a Rogers locked phone — and would getting the 3G iPhone mean I would be stuck with the second generation iPhone for a full three years without upgrade possibilities?? or penalties?? That would be painful given the rate these phones change (memory capacity, features, etc.).
I too think I can wait another year for the 3rd generation phone.
I’ll stick with my 2G iPhone, but grudgingly – who would buy it from me for enough money to allow me to get a 3G version? Nobody. No, what I’m sad about is the fact that if I had waited two months, I could have gotten an iPhone for $200 less than what I paid. Sure, it would be Rogers-locked, but in my case, no big deal: both my kids have phones on the Rogers family plan, so in for 3 years doesn’t rankle me.
In a perfect world, those of us who recently shelled out half a grand for a phone would get a rebate cheque, or iTunes credit ;). As if! Nah, my current iPhone will have to do for a while longer. 🙂
If the data pricing is right, i’ll wont unlock, if not…. we’ll see… 😛
And secondly, the iPhone isn’t thinner! The corners are more rounded, but it’s not actually any thinner…
FYI – AT&T is no longer allowing customers to buy iPhone 3Gs without signing a 2 year term either from them or the Apple Store. The price drop is due to a subsidy from the carriers. Rogers will also not let you leave an Apple Store or a Rogers Store without signing a contract. So tough luck finding a way to get one without signing up on a contract.
The new 3G iPhone is a disappointment given the hype. I was expecting a front facing camera for video chat with a built in iphone version of iChat, and the release of iChat for PC – Now that would make it worth buying! No doubt these features will be added to the next iPhone iteration, along with better battery life and other great features – something to really make it worth changing from my current 2G unlocked iPhone. I really can’t stand the fact that now you have to sign your life away with a 3 year contract to Rogers, when we all know that in a year or less there will be a better 3G iPhone with the above features and everyone will be stuck with this model – stupid! There are two big questions I want answered and I will be happy:
1. Will Rogers have cheaper data plans for current 2G iPhone holders?
2. Will I be able to add visual voicemail to my current iPhone?
I won’t be switching. I only use WIFI due to Roger’s extortionate data plan fees, like the silver back of the original and find the three year lock-in distasteful.
But if I didn’t already have one, I’d be much less picky!
I am not a Rogers fan and will not be upgrading to the 3G from my existing first generation unlocked iPhone. I will wait until it’s hacked and can run on other networks. I don NOT like the 3 year lock in plan concept.
As an aside, it looks like Canadians will only be able to get the 3G iPhone through a Rogers location – the online Apple store appears to indicate that you won’t be able to buy the iPhone online through Apple. I, for one don’t like being forced into any particular provider unless their rates are very competitive – Rogers rates will not be.
Im gonna stay with the 2G iPhone, unless I can pick up the 3G iPhone cheap or a weird way HAHA
Planning on buying the new iPhone 3G! Well im currently looking for an older 16GB iPhone. If u need the money or don’t want ur old iPhone collecting dust, email me at li***********@***il.com and im willing to pay for shipping or w/e
Thanks
Great post iPhone Fan, hope to see the forums running again soon! 😉
I completely agree with you guys…3 years on the same phone is just not cool at all. My only wish now is for a decent data plan to use with my 1st gen iPhone!
Server update: Looks like I’m going to get a dedicated server which will take at least 72 hours to setup etc…
These blog comments will have to suffice in the meantime. Good to see you guys commenting here again!!
Thanks for the support guys.. Looking at all this comments and knowing that I am not the only one thinking that there isn’t that much benefit for us the 2G-iPhone owners to upgrade to the 3G-iPhone.. makes me feel much better about my iPhone.. I am glad my 2G-iPhone is not becoming a museum collectable item.. :), at least not for another year… :P.
Guys, who cares if you have to lock into a 3 year term? I did the same with a MotoRazr a while back and when I broke my term 2 years into the deal for a new LG phone the penelty was so little I didn’t even blink. And the new 3G is only 199 or 299!! I am so getting it!
I think it all depends on the data plan that Rogers/Fido offers. I am still a little paranoid about the UL $7 WAP program. I’ve skirted them for 4 months now, and a few calls from them every once in a while asking what phone I’m using (Is it an iPhone?). Even if it’s a couple of bucks more, I don’t mind. One thing I do hope for is that they will eventually allow unlocked 2G iPhones on their network. I’d like to pass on the 2G to my son and take a 3G for myself. If they (Rogers/Fido) don’t at least match or beat the prices that AT&T have, I won’t bother signing up for a 3G.
I hate Rogers; I do. And I love my 2G iPhone.
But I’m going to switch. $199 to hopefully fix the bluetooth issues I’m having, the red dot problem, broken voice mail indicator, finally see visual voice mail work, and get faster data transfer?
I’m in. I already have a 3 year contract anyway.
Hey, The much anticipated and speculated announcement of the new iPhone just confirmed my decision to step out of the game for a few generations. Like a lot of you I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the gadget and paid full price. Well it was a birthday gift from my wife. But her money is her money and my money is her money… Yeah. You read it right.
Anyway. I was really ticked at the “suits” when the price was dropped. I still haven’t managed to give Apple back the $100.00 rebate that they gave me. My phone has lived up to all my expectations and continues to do so. Giving it up for a faster, sleeker model that I have to sign a 3 year contract to use is not gonna happen. I would much rather donate my money to the community of iPhone developers that allow me to use the carrier of my choice and that keep my phone running smoothly.
I think that if locking in to a term is the only option, then I won’t have a choice.
My current ‘unlocked’ iPhone is messed anyways. The screen doesnt respond on the bottom 1/2…Thats the keyboard and my 0 key. Because its unlocked, theres nothing I can do about having it fixed.
At least with Rogers, it’ll be legit so IF there are any problems, it’ll be covered!
Im not going to upgrade to a 3g.
I’ll wait untill an iPhone with video iChat is avalible. And longer battery life. Mine barely gets through the day.
And does anyone else think we should have a SMS landscape mode?
Hightly unlikely that I’ll switch to 3G. Unless the data plan is really reasonnable, then I might think about it but everyone knows that’s not going to happen. And to be stuck for 3 years… Doesn’t make it look better. And with the possibility of a new GSM carrier coming, why would I want to be stuck with Rogers for 3 years?
Yah, requiring people to sign a contract in the store sounds like it could kill the ‘buy a iphone, unlock it at home’ scheme. i wonder if ppl will find a way around it?
Personall i’m all for the new iphone. I mean, built in GPS, having the internet anywhere u go with 3G, not having ever to find another wifi hotspot, double the battery life, and all for $199?! c’mon! it’s a time to retire your 1g iphone in a collectors case and admire it from there.
I’m ecstatic that I get to keep my retention package with Fido –
Monthly charges payable in advance
$ 40.00: 700 / Unl. E/WE + F2R
$ 9.00: Voice Messaging + Call Display
$ 0.50: 9-1-1 emergency service
$ 6.95: System access fee
$ 7.00: Evenings 5 p.m.-7 p.m. option
Other charges and credits
$-10.00: Monthly credit of $10
$-$7.00: Evenings 5-7pm Option Cr – ends May 28/08
($ 63.45 – $17.00)
——————-
Total Monthly $46.45 + tax
But now I’m thinking maybe I should wait till Blackberry releases “Thunder” as thier 3G platform for Blackberry Bold is faster than iPhone 3G :
Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek said there may be a reason for that [not comparing BlackBerry Bold]. “The reality is that if you compare the new 3G iPhone download speeds to RIM’s Bold, the Bold will be able to download a website like Marketwatch.com in under five seconds, whereas the 3G iPhone will take 21 seconds.
“With 3G, RIM is going to showcase just how its technology is so much better,” he said. “They [Apple] specifically avoided mentioning the BlackBerry Bold. … What [Mr. Jobs] has realized is that he hasn’t dented RIM at all.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080609.wgtiphone0609/BNStory/Technology/home?cid=al_gam_mostview
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/05/13/blackberry-thunder-the-touchscreen-blackberry-weve-all-been-waiting-for/
At the same time, how can I use my $340 Fido dollars to buy a RIM product on Fido? I also found out from a Fido rep that effective June 15th, I can bundle my HDPVR/cable/internet with my Fido plan! this waiting game is getting tiresome 🙂
Do you guys think that the 2G iphone will be allowed to use the Data Plans made for the 3G iPhone? Or will they find a way to restrict their Data Plan to 3G Phones?
If they prevent me to use the 2G iPhone with the new Data Plan then I will switch, otherwise, I will use my 2G for a while longer.
Hey maybe somebody can help me on this one!
Im into a contract for the last year and a half and ive been waiting a long time for an iPhone but do I have to pay to break my current contract with Fido and then pay for another contract for the iPhone on the 11th and have a whole new contract with a new phone number too? Maybe they will just switch contracts, start a new 3 years and keep my phone number?
Thanks!
yah is sucks! like 300 dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!1
If the price is right for the Data Plan and I can use my 2G iphone on it. I’ll keep using my existing unlock iPhone. However, if they have a way to lock out 2G iPhone into the data plan, I guess i might consider the 3G if the data plan pricing is good.
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.
If I decided to get a 3G iphone, I wonder when will the Fido /Roger/Apple stores take pre-order – if at all?
If I can get a reasonable dataplan and use the AppStore, then I’ll stick with the 2G, if not I’ll go 3G. Anyone played with the 2.0 SDK and tried the appstore with an unlocked iPhone?
I know that I am staying with my 2g iPhone for sure. First of all, a 3 year lock in doesn’t work for me since I am moving to Europe after grad in 2010. Secondly, the new hardware features does not justify switching. Software wise, I’m sure there will be an update for us 2G owners. I would much rather have an unlocked iPhone than a Rogers branded iPhone anyday…with or without a data plan.
With regards to your comment on having the Rogers dingle and red screen on startup; it was said on CBC news when the iphone was announced to be released in Canada that Rogers asked Apple to allow a larger logo and their jangle on start-up, but Apple denied their request. So I’m almost guaranteed that their will not be some silly red Rogers screen followed by that annoying jingle, but instead you will see the beautiful Apple logo with a small little Rogers in the top left corner beside the reception bars.
3 year contracts are a requirement.
The $199/$299 prices are FIRM. No less, no more, no negotiation.
Went into a rogers retail location today to find out what’s going on. Our account (for our business) has two phones eligible for the HUP. They told us we’ll get our 16GB iPhone3G’s for $275 and the new plans will be cheaper than our current ones. Can’t wait. We’re using our 2G iPhones now, and one of our employees will get the handmedowns. Wondering how Rogers/Apple will deal with the older phones – will visual voicemail work? will the unlocked phone be an issue at all? Maybe after the 2.0 software upgrade, the phones will have to be re-activated instore? They weren’t sure how that all worked, but put us on the list so we don’t have to wait in line…
iPhone FW 2.0 has already been unlocked, so you don’t have to wait around for that.
@Uxguy,
Retail has not been advised of the new plans. They have no idea what they are talking about.
If the iphone 3G cant be unlocked and requires a 3 year contract. My hopes for getting an iphone is down the gutter. Does anyone know how much the monthly price would be? And can it be used with the family/couples plan?
What are the chances and When would the iPhone 3G be unlocked? Would all the features work the same?
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?
@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.
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.
(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.
@X1Zero
Any details of pre-orders taken by the stores at all? I’ve heard stories of some stores taking deposits?
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.
Yes, sadly you do have to sign a contract to get this phone for that price, or to get any iphone 3g.
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
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
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
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
This is cool! And so interested! Are u have more posts like this? Plese tell me, thanks
Well…well.. Let take a look at the differences, the 3G and the 2G look the same, but one is faster in data transfer (which I currently don’t use because of the high rates), video call (which I haven’t use yet), what else..? About the only interesting feature that I see is the full size jack..
Well…well.. Let take a look at the differences, the 3G and the 2G look the same, but one is faster in data transfer (which I currently don’t use because of the high rates), video call (which I haven’t use yet), what else..? About the only interesting feature that I see is the full size jack..
im gonna choose to stay with my 2G iPhone because there is barely anything better about the new one, and i only use wifi so 3G doesnt affect me. Ill wait till the 3rd gen iPhone comes out next june lol. But seriously im waiting for the 3rd gen because i only got the 2G iPhone in march.
Peace
im gonna choose to stay with my 2G iPhone because there is barely anything better about the new one, and i only use wifi so 3G doesnt affect me. Ill wait till the 3rd gen iPhone comes out next june lol. But seriously im waiting for the 3rd gen because i only got the 2G iPhone in march.
Peace
I don’t see myself moving to the new 3G. And I’m not sure I want a Rogers locked phone — and would getting the 3G iPhone mean I would be stuck with the second generation iPhone for a full three years without upgrade possibilities?? or penalties?? That would be painful given the rate these phones change (memory capacity, features, etc.).
I too think I can wait another year for the 3rd generation phone.