It’s probably not surprising that Apple CEO Steve Jobs did not make an announcement at MacWorld about the iPhone finally being made available in Canada.
It is very puzzling that Apple has not released the iPhone in Canada. This country is one of biggest users of smart phones in the world. Canada has one of the highest rates of Internet adoption anywhere. To me it is just strange that Apple would not want to make one of its signiture products available here. This is nothing but a poor business decision if you ask me.
There has been plenty of anticipation about the iPhone’s arrival here for basically about a year. Click here to read more about that: iPhone watchers debate potential Canadian launch
One rumour suggests Steve Jobs himself will come to Canada to make the announcement sometime in early 2008. That would be shocking to me because I believe that Canada is an afterthought to most American-based companies. I know this is harsh and will be disputed by every vendor out there. This is just a feeling I have.
Comedian Jon Stewart of the Daily Show, when he was asked by a Canadian what Americans really and truly think of Canada, responded: “We don’t.”
I believe Stewart was bang on. If Apple really wanted the iPhone to be available in Canada, Jobs and his team would have made it happen by now.
I think Canadians really want to use this product. Most people want choices and the iPhone can be a very good alternative to the other smart phones on the market today.
I know of two Canadians that drove to Buffalo, purchased an iPhone, and are using it here in Canada. One of them managed to unlock it and is getting service. I didn’t ask him how. Suffice to say, there are ways to make the iPhone talk in Canada.
Apple markets itself as state of the art, forward thinking company, but yet can’t do something basic such as release one of its hottest products in years to Canadians.
One quick hit before I go. Former Ingram Micro and NEC VP Dave Walsh has left his post at Acrodex to take on a global role as vice-president of marketing and product management for IT Xchange Group, which includes ITX Solutions and Vernon Computer Source.
— Posted by Paolo Del Nibletto, 16/01/08, 11:03 PM, paolo@itworldcanada.com