SaskTel Not in iPhone Business - Yet
In Saskatchewan, Apple smartphone still exclusive to Rogers
You've been hearing a lot about iPhones and new cell phone carriers in Canada. But for the time being, at least, the Apple smartphone will still only be available in Saskatchewan on Rogers and its subsidiary Fido.
Bell Canada and Telus both say they've reached deals to offer the iPhone starting next month, ending Rogers' exclusivity. As for SaskTel, the crown corporation's Michelle Englot says talks are underway.
"SaskTel is currently in discussions with Bell, as they are the provider of our cellular devices," Englot said. "It would totally depend on those discussions."
There's also a technical barrier -- SaskTel's existing network won't work with the Apple smartphone. But it's in the process of being upgraded.
"We are already starting work on it. However, we would roll it out in phases," Englot said. She says the new network should start to appear next year .
Comments
This is no surprise, Sasktel
This is no surprise, Sasktel being one step behind everyone else again. The I-phone has been around since 2004 and they are "in talks" to bring it in? Why anybody would get a cell/smartphone from Sasktel anyway is beyond me. Their plans are at minimum 50% more expensive than Rogers, and you have to pay for the phone! I guess all the hard working, grade 10 educated, NDP supporters will keep buying phones from Sasktel, and then will upgrade to the I-phone in 2015 when they bring it in. What a joke this company is!
The iphone was only
The iphone was only announced in January of 2007, not 2004. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone . The phone wasnt released until June 29 2007
Sasktel is still far
Sasktel is still far superior to rogers or bell or any other cell provider in Saskatchewan. Unless you never plan on leaving Saskatoon and Regina their is absolutely no competition from other companies.
I really hope so
I sure hope this goes through. I really want a iphone but don't really want to switch to Rogers, but i will if Sasktel doesn't get with the times here. But known Sasktel if they bring it in your gonna probally need a small loan to buy one. I would like to support my home company, but if they don't start stepping up, i have have to switch. I was playing with a Iphone and wow what a phone, by far better than any smart phone sasktel has to offer....
The big problem with rogers
The big problem with rogers is they don't have cell coverage out side the city's.
C'mon
C'mon Sasktel Roger's needs some competition. Of course I'm sure with the new upgrades and costs its not going to be any cheaper through Sasktel. Of course throw in that "great" bundle pricing you might save $5 a month.
Hmmmmm.
Yes lets all blame Sasktel
Yes lets all blame Sasktel without doing an ounce of research. The reason Sasktel doesn't have the iphone is because Apple refuses to make a CDMA compatible iphone.
Yes it would be a wonderful use of taxpayer money to completely rebuild Sasktel's network just so the fanboys can have their GSM iphone.
Telus and Bell are working on switching to GSM so they'll have the iphone before Sasktel. Verizon is working with Apple to have a CDMA iphone out next year (after the AT&T exclusivity runs out) and Sasktel will most likely have the iphone at that time.
Don't read everything you
Don't read everything you read. Apple is unlikely to have 2 different iPhone platforms. Apple has a history of simplicity and elegant design (which is part of its popularity), limiting its product offerings. I'd fall off my chair if they broke their model for the iPhone.
Yes most likely Sasktel will
Yes most likely Sasktel will partner with Bell to have a GSM version of the iphone available earlier.
I would love to have an
I would love to have an I-phone but as Rogers doesn't work outside the "big" cities, I am stuck with Sasktel. As I live in SE Sask, and haven't even been upgraded from 1X yet I'm sure it will be years before I can even hope to get close to having an I-phone!!!
If Rogers & Telus are ready
If Rogers & Telus are ready to roll-out GSM technology in November, why is SaskTel talking mid next year? As usual, way behind the rest of the cellular world. SaskTel recently started offering the Palm Centro. That phone has been available in the U.S. for almost two years. And when SaskTel offered it they wanted $250 plus a 3 year contract. The price has come down since but anyone who paid full pop was robbed. We pay just as much for cell service in SK but we receive antiquated service & phones.
If SaskTel is going to take
If SaskTel is going to take a year to start its roll-out, and it's going to be a phased-in approach (i.e only major centres and highways), why wait for SaskTel? It sounds like it will take years for them to at least be up to speed with Rogers/Fido. When your 3 year contract with Rogers/Fido ends, SaskTel may be ready to offer better coverage and you get 3 years of enjoyment from using the iPhone. Then SaskTel better offer something pretty impressive to make switching to them worthwhile.
BlackBerry/Regional
SaskTel's "smartphone" of choice is BlackBerry (an EV-DO device). They are expanding their EV-DO high speed network into more rural communities over the next 2 years. SaskTel's competitors do not have EV-DO coverage outside of Saskatoon and Regina.
AT&T has the only iPhone capable network in the United States. No other carriers saw it coming down there. To compare AT&T, Rogers, Bell and Telus with SaskTel is unfair. They are national carriers. SaskTel is a regional carrier. They do not have the buying power or leverage that their competitors do.