iBookstore approved for Canada, Rogers to unlock iPhones
The Canadian government approved the Apple iBookstore today, paving the way for Canadian authors to offer their books for sale on the iOS platform. Apple's iBookstore launched internationally on May 28, but the Canadian government had concerns about the cultural effects of this Apple product. Instead of the full version, Apple rolled out a limited version of the iBookstore, populated with select U.S. and public domain titles. Meanwhile, the government scrutinized Apple's iBookstore to confirm it helped to advance Canada's cultural heritage and national identity. After several months of review, the government reached a deal with Apple to bring the full iBookstore to Canada. The Canadian version will be used to promote Canadian and Aboriginal authors and publishers, both in Canada and internationally. Apple will also help Canadian authors and publishers with the eBook creation process. Today brings more good news to Canadians who have a contract-free iPhone on the wireless carrier, Rogers. According to a report from iPhone in Canada, Rogers is reportedly unlocking iPhones for customers who have finished out their contract or bought their handset at the unsubsidized price. To be eligible for this unlocking, customers must be up-to-date with payments and contract-free for at least 30 days before unlocking. A $50 fee is required for the unlocking and the iPhone must be in Rogers equipment history (i.e., you cannot walk into a Rogers store with a random iPhone you bought off the street and expect the carrier to unlock it). This report has not been confirmed by Rogers, so you may want to give your local store a call before you start to dream about using your iPhone on another carrier.
[Via AppleInsider]
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The Canadian government approved the Apple iBookstore today, paving the way for Canadian authors to offer their books for sale on the iOS...
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"According to a report from iPhone in Canada, Rogers is reportedly unlocking iPhones for customers who have finished out their contract or bought their handset at the unsubsidized price."
So, this proves that AT&T is a lying bastard. I asked AT&T about unlocking an iPhone, and AT&T denied it completely, saying it's Apple that locked iPhones, so it's up to Apple to unlock them.
In Australia you might get locked iPhone on plan but you usually you ask right at the purchase to have it unlocked and it will be done as soon as they manage to get the transaction through the system (I think it took a week when I got mine 2 years ago). Which makes sense because if you buy the phone yourself there's no point to have it locked to one network and if you get it on contract you have already agreed to pay the contract for next x years so why not have it unlocked (you can switch phones or providers) ...
December 15 2010 at 5:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYes, I also want to know how they unlock it? Is it something we could "jailbreak" so to speak? ;)
December 15 2010 at 1:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyNo. That is the same unlOck that has been used all over the world since day one. So nothing new except for north America.
T
Couple points to mention:
- Yea this is confirmed by Rogers customer service
- $50 fee applies
- Unlocking is done by a dedicated team so don't walk into a store asking for it
- The only phone worth unlocking is the iPhone ($50 is a rip off at best)
- They will check the IMEI to verify that it is Rogers/Fido equipment and that it was purchased without contract
- Fido is also offering this service for the same price
Any idea when all the new content will be pushed to the Canadian iBookstore?
December 15 2010 at 1:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhat would the ROGERS procedure be to unlock an iPhone? It sounds like the equipment check plus a call to Apple.
I wonder what Apple checks? The original contract?
I have three 'off-contract' iPhones that I would love to unlock and give to a friend in Canada.
It's interesting how they already act unlocked when North of the Border. Mine switch from Bell to TELUS to Rogers all day long as I drive around SK.
Can't tell you for Rogers. Here in Europe you just give your provider a call ( assuming that you bought the from them). Then they should have all the data about the device they need. They flick a switch for you and you too go to iTunes and reset the phone. That is the annoying part since it can take quite a while to put the backup and everything back on the phone.
After that all carrier sims cards will work. I happily switch cards all the time.
T.
Nothing furthers my interest in Canadian literature like having my government force it down my throat.
Here's an idea: instead of wasting time/money obstructing content retailers, how about encouraging Canadian authors to write books someone actually wants to read.
The government was/is not forcing their cultural agenda down their citizens' throat. But rather it was a select group of citizens (special interests) that gained control of their legislative process and created a law that requires the government employees to enforce certain practices and policies.
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