Telus iPhone, Here it Comes Canada

by Ben Lucier on January 15, 2008

Telus iPhoneAnalysts are predicting that Telus Corp. will consider the move to GSM to remain competitive within the Canadian market. Telus, which operates a CDMA cellular network cannot currently offer the iPhone to its users since the iPhone only supports GSM, a standard widely supported in North America and overseas.

There were some predictions in the National Post (by Grant Surridge and Barbara Shecter) this morning that it could take Telus up to two years to build out a GSM network, at a believed cost of $400-$500M.

Although converting to GSM does not guarantee Telus anything in terms of revenue, it would certainly provide for more secure competitive footing when it comes to competing with Rogers over international roaming rates and handset availability.

As a consumer, the multiple choice is nice to have. LNP (local number portability) was supposed to be the great equalizer, but with a lack of Canadian carriers supporting GSM, the competitiveness LNP was supposed to promote has been lackluster.

Plus, who can say no to little green tree frogs and lizards? They sure make a compelling case for switching carriers.

UPDATE: Oct5/09: It appears that Bell and Telus will be in a position to finally offer the iPhone as early as next month. The Globe and Mail has the full story.

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  • http://www.cyberwalker.com Andy Walker

    You tell ‘em Lucier.
    I’d switch to Telus in a minute if I they had a GSM network.
    I need some K-Y everytime I open my Rogers Wireless bill.

  • http://www.communityguy.ca Ben Lucier

    Especially with the love Telus shows for charitable causes. ;)

  • Cassandra House

    I’m currently on Telus and I would love to have a GSM phone. I even switched to rogers for a bit. But I was treated like crap, I rarely got their ‘garunteed reception’ even in their store. I had a lot of fighting with them. From being charged 4-500 a month on pay and talk, not being approved for a contract because I wouldn’t pay my bill with a credit card, not being told that I have to send my phone out for matainence because they don’t offer that service. Telus on the other hand, gave me a KRZR for $100 on a 8 month contract a free case and a 1gb microsd for $20. And they had no problem creating a plan for me that matched my needs. Now I’m paying about $50 a month

  • Cassandra House

    Sorry error correction “To being told I have to send my phone out by private mail because they don’t offer that service.”

  • http://titusferguson.wordpress.com Titus Ferguson

    I know this is an old post but I just wanted to comment on this.
    Currently Telus is nothing more then a subsidary of Bell. The way that things are run in Canada we really only have two carriers. Bell and Rogers. One is CDMA (Bell) and one is GSM (Rogers). It doesn’t matter what the other carriers want to do (Virgin, Fido, Telus etc) they are still at the mercy of these two. The iPhone in Canada is held up by our competition laws and the lack of affordable unlimited data plans, not because Apple hasn’t released a CDMA phone.

  • whatdoIknow

    Just a thought – but all indicators are that Apple will release a 3G version in the second quarter 2008 (www.macrumors.com) and the recent Apple shareholders meeting

    Rogers has been investing heavily to bring 3G to most of the major cities in Canada.

    Consider this – why would Rogers launch iPhone on the EDGE or other “old” technology if 3G is just around the corner. Essentially by waiting, they don’t have a bunch of iphones which will be outdated 3 months from now ??

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  • Joe

    just so ppl are aware Titus Ferguson is not aware of what he is saying TELUS is in no way a supsidary of bell, has never been and never will. that is why less than 6 months ago TELUS was looking at buying BELL. TELUS is a Western Company within canada and has the LARGEST cellular network coverage, It is true that in the Eastern provinces that telus does roam off of Bell’s network but then Bell roams off of the TELUS network out east. Before posting you should get the correct information. There is not word that TELUS will be switching to GSM network HOWEVER they are currently working on phones that will both work on the GSM and CDMA networks and would automatically switch to the available networks.

  • http://www.communityguy.ca Ben Lucier

    Thanks Joe, any idea where I can find more information on Telus’ GSM/CDMA plans?

  • Patrick

    Joe,
    just to add I have heard that Telus owns Koodo. The information that you have told us, is true. I have been with Telus for about 10 years in total and have been happy with them.

    I would like to see them come out with phones using CDMA and GSM, but I hope it does not make any noise on the radio’s or any speakers, like Rogers (don’t mean to put them down). it uselly happens when you send or receive a text message or talking to someone.

  • Megan

    I have been with telus for quite a while while in canada. I lived for a period of time in the UK and GSM is all there is now. Where there is more than 20 options for cellular service. I hope that with this new announcement from Telus about considering the switch will bring with it some of the benefits that europeans enjoy: handset portability, competitive rates for all mobile services, and an end to “911 service fees” and “system access fees.” I know, I know…dont hold my breath….

  • Pat

    I do not think TELUS will switch to GSM network. I believe the move is going to be towards UMTS techonology, which is bound to be the next standard. Both GSM and CDMA carriers are likely to move towards that – which would potentially allow the handsets to roam on networks between different cariers.

  • J

    Koodo should get the iphone!! then i’d go to their network in less then a second.
    best plans, best rates, best ideas

  • Horny Lorny

    If TELUS gets the i phone I’ll stay with TELUS, if not I’m switching to whoever has the i phone; no questions asked!

  • Angelo

    Telus is a great company has the best plans out there the only problem they are very slow in advancing in technology and no service for their pay and talk costumers in the U.S. and With Rogers the pay and talk costumers have service in the U.S.

  • Mobile Rant

    All Canadian cell providers are shysters, period. Not only do they force us to pay some of the highest mobile rates in the world but they provide us with limited and archaic technology. The solution is simple, don’t give them your money. Use a land line and send emails from your computer.

  • Mr B

    I have been using Telus for the past 4 years. Service is EXCELLENT! Even when roaming across provinces. It would be nice, however, to be able to use the newest and coolest handsets… I hope they end up supporting both GSM and CDMA to satisfy all customers.

  • strongarm

    telus is a piece of crap…been with them for 8 years and get the crapiest service…lets just say, the assistant to the president of telus knows me and my account very well – switching to rogers ASAP!

  • http://www.canchiagecy.com Bill from Victoria

    Boy – there are a lot of winers out there,I have been with telus since 1986,I wish I could get Iphone as well I will bug them and maybe they will have a solution.

  • Jim from Edmonton

    It is very unfortunate that Telus is the only provider that offers any sort of reliable service across the western provinces, I’m in the oil patch and have been using Telus since 1996 and they know as well as everyone that is forced to use a cel outside of the city limits that they have us over a barrel! It is very sad that the in most places the best service still comes from antique 3 watt bag phones and as far as I know the analog service those phones run on is being canceled September 15 2008. I am eager to get my hands on an Iphone but the cost of purchase combined with the data charges that these cel companys feel they can charge mixed with the unreliability of the network just doesn’t make it worth while. Neither Telus or Bell are going to implement a GSM network nation wide when they can barely keep the CDMA service running properly.

  • John Roberts

    In 1997 I got a Clearnet phone, just out of the gates. Drove across Canada that year with my phone, and even then, I had limited service only in Northern Ontario in a couple patches. That was it. Now, 11 years later, after Telus Bought Clearnet,, and from a Hefy sony phone to the HTC P4000, I loved dealing with Telus. Their service is excellent, and although I would like an Iphone, I wouldn’t leave telus for it.
    People who get all ‘in your face’ over little things and call customer service will always get less than standard service. Customer service people are peope too. You piss them off they will get upset too. I am a retail manager for the last decade, and I know some people who are like that can’t be satisfied anyway, no matter what you do. They will take the shirt off your back and your car at home too. So I don’t take much stock in what they whine about. Like the guy above who ‘Called the CEO’
    Telus has been an outstanding carrier. Every time I have called them about something, they have resolved it immediately. My Bills are minimal, and reception is great.

  • Joseph

    Bell is crap. cannot even stand talking about them…. so long story short on why i cannot stand BELL…. i was with bell for 3 years. near the end i fell behind on my bill and was called many times asking for a payment… so i fnally payed off the ballance after arguing with the CLIENT CARE representitive. that i wanted to know the total of what i owed so that i could end my contract and be finnished with bell, she gave me the total and i payed the next day…. 2 weeks after that i recieved a letter from BELL stating that i had an outstanding ballance of 34 cents…. so i Mailed them a check and asked that i be removed from their system… i will never own anything bell nor will i ever pay them a single penny as long as i live, LONG LIVE TELUS!!!!

  • tesh

    Telus is crap. Seriously.

  • oldschool

    My first mobile phone ever was with clearnet – and i loved it! I switched to Bell for a while and then back to Telus a few years ago. If i had known Apple was releasing the iPhone – i would have waited and switched to Rogers. I recently had some phone ‘problems’ with Telus and they offered a ‘replacement’ phone at no charge – i accepted and realized i was duped into another 3 years. Now i cannot afford to cancel my contract at $20/month for a total cost of $720. Now i will never own an iPhone – not for another 3 years :(

  • Ritchie Banks

    OkOk, so I’ve been with Telus for about 7-8 years now. I must admit that their service is very good from what I’ve heard regarding Bell and Rogers. Like someone mentioned above everytime I have a problem Telus fixes it right away. I was disappointed a few times by receiving RIDICULOUS bills for browsing the internet. They fixed it quickly by chopping my bill in half. (Was still a dumb amount to pay for SUPER slow internet).

    Overall Telus is great, but like any other company it’s got advantages and disadvantages. Once they got you in that 3 year range contract forget about it. You ain’t even getting a 99 cents plastic cover for free. But when you are in the final year of your contract deals are thrown at you left and right.

    Will finish this by saying Telus, Rogers, Bell… you all suck.
    We pay triple of what a land line would cost yet we still give these jerks all our money.

    Get me IPhone Telus i got 1 year left on this bad contract.

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  • http://www.laughablenews.com Ryan

    I would be first in line if Telus ever made the switch! Come on iPhone! – anyone heard any updates on this supposed rumour?
    Start your own Community Newsletter

  • Joe

    The i Phone is a sweet phone, but its just the newest technology regarding cell phones… just think after your three years is up there will be another phone out there thats just as much better then the i phone as the i phone now is better then our phones

  • Shivam Jeyawan

    Hey I was wondering if you had a Mike network simcard could it work with the iphone. cuz the Mike network is owned by telus and i asked someone that worked there and they said the mike sim can add all the telus features they just were not sure if the iphone would be able to support it. if n e one has an answer get back to me

  • marc andré gagné

    restueusement,M. je vous demenda une bourse d étude collegiala,pour aller,étudier au college boréal,de sudbury,en thecniques des services policiers,à l’ automne au mois de septembre 2009.J’ai déjà un diplôme collégiale ,en thecniques des services correctionnels obtenu avec mention d’excéllence.Je suis un père de famille qui tient ,à coeur le bien-être, de ses enfants.S.V.P. M.aidé-moi, comme deuxième carrière,à réaliser mon rêve, de devenir policier,en pouvant aller étudier, au college boreal,de sudbury,ontario.vous avez de très beau produit,Iphone etIpod,j’aimerais beaucoup que ,vous m’en commanditiez.3405,ch,des quatre-bourgeois,app.6 ,sainte-foy ,Québec, G1W 2L1,1-418-659-1693,M, MERCI À L’AVANCE.

  • Verbal Kent

    First I know that I’m replying to a really old post but Titus Ferguson is COMPLETELY WRONG in regards to the there being on TWO MAJOR companies (Bell and Rogers). It’s actually THREE (Bell, Rogers, and TELUS). And for Titus to say that TELUS is nothing more than a subsidary of Bell you have NO CLUE what you’re talking about. TELUS in western Canada (BC, AB) is what Bell is in the east (ON, QB). Telus is slowly but surely making its way east. And to address the new changes, Telus is switching to HSPA which is a faster version of GSM in hopes of then switching to an even faster speed LTE (essentially 4G) which all of the EASTERN WORLD already operates on. In regards to the iPhone, its totally up to Apple, once the system is switched in early 2010 its up to Apple which of the TWO MAJOR providers that they feel they will make more money from. Rogers is already one of them, so it comes down to TELUS or BELL. In regards to the Mike sim card question, sorry buddy, Mike operates on IDEN, its NOT possible to attach the iPhone to the IDEN network (just not compatible, not to mention the IDEN network is garbage). Hepe this clears up some stuff.

  • michel whissell

    i was talking to telus a couple of months ago that i was thinking of switching to rogers just because of the iphone, my mom and her fiancee both have one and let me tell you, its a handy sweet device. telus has told me that they may be getting the iphone in the very near future

    in the mean time they where willing to give me pretty much any close version to the iphone to keep me going with telus

    so if telus is getting the iphone soon then i will stay loyal ;) lol

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  • Bernard

    Iphone would work , since Telus is building 4G with Bell ,the question is Apple is already under contract with Telus. Could Telus be enough strong and persuasive to show stats that will ensure to get enough sales with Iphone…. There is such most deployment made by other cell manufacturer to create so called Iphone killer version that, In effort to do so if Telus gain Iphone, that could compromise their agreement with other cell manufacturers ???

    It all form legal issue point of views, and in a short term the only alternative will be that users get unlock version to operate on Telus Network….

  • Bernard

    Humm u most have read that Apple is under contract with Rogers …

  • bruce

    I am already with Telus but if they offered the iPhone I would certainly take it. The Blackberry Storm is the most comparable phone on their PCS network and it lags behind the iPhone BIG TIME due to lag (typing, screen shifting from landscape to portrait). The web browsing on the STORM is fantastic though.

    The customer service from Telus has also been improved dramatically. I was SHOCKED recently when I needed to call Telus customer service and had someone answer the phone within 30 seconds on 3 consecutive calls. I could not have been happier. Perfect English and French speaking staff with personality and empathy from Telus compared to the robotic, confused (Rogers) and difficult accents (Bell). I used to hate Telus customer service which led me to canceling with them 3-4 years ago (post ClearNet)… but now they have things back under control

  • bruce

    REPLY TO VERBAL KENT.

    I can concur that the IDEN network of the Telus MIKE is complete garbage. In terms of a smart phone (Blackberry) stay AWAY from the Mike Network. I had done some speed tests of my own and over the phone with Telus and have confirmed that the maximum speed is that of a 14000 BPS modem from the early 90s. DREADFULLY slow for any type of data transmission beyond normal text emails. Unfortunately for me, most Telus reps are completely ignorant of this since the Blackberry Curve on the Mike network just came out not too long ago. They all think the IDEN network is just as fast for some reason. The only benefits of the MIKE network are: 1) 2 way radio is the best across the board, 2) WIDE local calling area (in Ontario anyhow), 3) better reception is rural areas. However, call quality is poor, random dropped calls are more frequent and the phones aren’t too cool.

    Bottom line, it was wrong for Telus to put a Blackberry on the MIKE network because most of the functions can’t be taken advantage of with the slow IDEN network.

  • TELUSkid

    telus is not getting gms they are get hspa. its like gsm but better and faster, its the 4g network. and they are getting iphone.

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  • telusREP

    Bruce,
    It would seem to me that you are dealing with the wrong rep when it comes to gaining info on a new product. Typically a kid at a store wont have the same knowledge as someone who has been paying their mortgage for the past 10 years courtesy of my Mike clients. I will agree that Mike data speeds are quite slow, but what are you trying to do with your device? It works the way its supposed to, deliver email to a handheld device while you are away from the office, and allow you to reply. If you are looking to for something with speed, why not connect to a WiFi connection with it? Or perhaps a AirCard would be a suitable option for you?
    One last note, MIKE rules!!

  • J Cooke

    Green lizards seem to work for Geico

  • ledia

    i am not quite sure what are all the hype about the I phone who would in right mind want a 5 year old phone. 2 g 3 g 4 g who cares its not a computer how much faster could u trasnfer files. get an i touch and wait for the new phones .
    plus black berry is way more reliable for emails and they come out with new models. apple is just makeing the same model just faster and faster.

    Nothing compares to a Blackberry and BB messenger where u can contact anyone in world free on BBM.

  • Kerry

    I have had nothing but great things to say about telus, they have treated me well since I started with them in 1994. Any time there was a problem it was promptly fixed.
    I work in film and my living relies on this mode of communication.
    I am looking forward to the new network and the ability to utilize the functionality of the iphone and it’s compatibility with my mac computers and the browser interaction for web editing on the run.
    All the best

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  • Chris

    Any news on how much the plans would be? I’ve tried searching around but to no avail…

  • Chris Brown

    That would be awesome because I already have a telus phone and an active plan with them which a friend is using. Now that I am coming back to Canada, I had thought about using my AT&T bought iPhone in Canada, but not sure if I really want to play around with Rogers again.

  • ericneil

    responce to telus/bell getting the iphone, for one its not a 4g network at all! its hspa+, nor has a 4g network been expanded in any shape or fourm in canada, still rogers does still have the advantage, and best customer service, and fastest network. A reminder to people how telus/bell treats there billing and how they will not help u out, only telling you that there is extra charges to your bill for changing the plan.

  • http://www.oliverkiss.com Oliver Kiss

    I guess the good lord has finally heard my prayers.

  • Mike Slaunwhite

    I’ve been reading into all of the postings and it has occurred to me that people will voice they’re opinion whether or not they actually know what is actually going on. It’s like a blind person goes into a car dealership and argues to the dealer on the colour of the car they are looking at. The blind man will argue until the dealer doesn’t care anymore and just except what he is saying.

    Everyone has something bad to say about Telus but do they have anything good to say? Well I’m going be the first to complement them. Telus has the widest coverage in Canada and the most reliable. Every company bills differently. But in the end it all costs the same between the 3 cell phone providers. (Telus, Bell, Rogers) There is no actual charges for Telus when you want to change your billing. Actually for those who don’t know Bell and Rogers both automatically renews your contract for the 3 years when you want to change your billing. Witch actually is illegal.
    Telus spent 450 million dollars to create a whole new network called HSPA (high speed packet access). Telus and Bell both teamed up to create this new network through out Canada. Now People are arguing that Telus doesn’t run on a 4G network witch is interesting because Rogers doesn’t either. With this being said the new HSPA network is a 3.5G network. A lot faster then the Rogers “3G” network, and more reliable. Let me ask you Rogers’s fans can you go to the Northwest Territories and use your phone….I dint think so.

  • Phil Hozer

    I am a current Telus client and am overjoyed at the news of the I-Phone being offered. I will switch from my current LG 8700 to the new I-Phone. I have steadfastly refused to contract with Rogers despite my desire for the Apple phone

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  • Mentor

    Well, it’s closer than you think. It’s coming next month (November). Bell as well as Telus websites already announced everything.

    http://www.bell.ca

    http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/home

    I’m on Fido prepaid and that was the only way I would ever use iPhone in Canada. Didn’t want to sign any contracts with those bastards Rogers and Fido, so I purchased my iPhone 3G unlocked and using it on Prepaid (without any data plan). Data I need is easily accessible through WiFi because I spend 30% of my day at home where I have my wireless, and the rest in office where I work… again free WiFi. That’s all I need besides SMS and voice which I have without any problems with prepaid.

    Now, I am sure I will ditch this FIDO card for good and go with Telus. Rogers and Fido are slowly going down.

  • Ben Lucier

    Thanks for your comments, Mentor. This post was written way back on January 2008 (more than a year and a half ago!) I added an update earlier this month reporting that Bell and Telus would be offering the iPhone soon, along with a link to the Globe’s full story. I would normally be with you regarding the carriers… but all things being equal, I’ve been a happy Rogers customer. My one wish would be that Rogers and its competitors in the mobile spacein Canada would become more competitive with their pricing.

  • Ben Lucier

    Phil, Mike, Oliver, Eric, et al: Thanks for your comments and feedback. Lots of great insight, stories and advice. Cheers.

  • Mentor

    Hey Ben,

    Sorry, I should make it more obvious… I was replying to Phil Hozer. His posted just few days ago (Oct.14th 2009), so I thought I should let him know if he hasn’t heard already.

    Cheers!

  • Mentor

    Just to add… regarding what you wrote up there:

    :…My one wish would be that Rogers and its competitors in the mobile spacein Canada would become more competitive with their pricing…”

    That’s my wish too, but I know it’s never going to happen. At least not in our lifetime. They are well known by what they are doing right now, and I am pretty sure it will stay like that.

  • Jeff

    I wonder how they are going to roll out GSM? Are they just converting their towers or will they be leasing space from Rogers/Fido?

  • ayou

    telus and bell have been working on their own towers creating a gsm network called hspa. but rogers has been upgrading their towers in response

  • http://jygt7iuh cool

    veery cool

  • Max

    I just bought the Iphone from Telus, my phone hasn’t worked yet, no incoming outgoing calls, no text messages, I haven’t been able to use my brand new phone yet. I talked to the telus store and they said they need to get the problems worked out with their new network. The problem is, they take your money up front, and expect me to pay each month, but I haven’t been able to use one service… Now im stuck in a contract for three years, my phone services don’t work AT ALL! Just a WARNING to all who are looking to get one! they aren’t ready for the iphone yet, They pushed it out so fast, now me and a whole line up are sitting out side not knowing what to do with our useless, expensive phones!

  • Teluskid

    With pricing and service, Telus has better customer service by far. Unlike Bell you do not spend an hour on the phone WAITING for rep. Same with Rogers, Telus customer service always tries to HELP you, and not BLAME you like Rogers does. I also agree with Mike S, Rogers recontracts its clients when doing rate plan changes and Telus will help you find the best plan you need. The difference between Rogers and Telus is that Telus tailors to your needs, they ask you questions so you dont pay for things you don’t need. For example, airtime and plan features. Rogers TELLS YOU what you need. And Bell, seemingly, do eenie meenie minie moe.

  • Adam

    WELL TELUS is being SHADY with the iPhone 4!!! They say that the reduced prices are with NEW CONTRACTS ONLY and that your contract is offered for renewal and is NOT completely over a person WILL PAY THE FULL AMOUNT OF $749.00.. that’s right!!!…Telus is making regular customers pay for the iPhone 4 full price if you are already a customer however new customer get the deal of the reduced contract prices!!! They also told me that the I could get the iPhone 3 which they still offer but I went to 8 yes ..8 stores looking for the iPhone 3 and none carry stock that includes Sony (iPhone store). Plus I was offered a refreshed iPhone 3 for the Mid-contract renewal where I had to laugh at the person at the other end of the line at telus…One other thing Telus also explained the existing customers have to wait for the iPhone for on contract renewal “because we are low on stock and save the new phone arrivals for new customers”

    • sid the squid

      re: Adam,

      That’s why they have you sign a CONTRACT. You see the reason you get a phone so cheap upon new activation is that Telus (and all the other companies) know that they have 36 months x (insert monthly plan rate here) of revenue stream coming in. Some people call this subsidising the phone which is kind of false… it’s more like rent to own. A new iPhone is around $750 retail, lets say your plan is $50 per month, so in 15 months of service, the retail cost of that phone is paid and the rest of the contract is Telus gravy. I’m not naive enough to believe that the cell phone companies get iPhones at retail price, mind you, but finding out what they pay is impossible… I would guess somewhere in the $200-$300 per handset range, thus taking 6 months to pay off. That leaves Telus with a guaranteed (because you signed a contract) take of 30 months worth of service. If everyone who was in a contract got the iphone at the new sign up price, Telus would basically be giving away free iphones to everyone which, in a perfect utopian world, sounds great but makes no business sense at all. Contracts are not inherently evil… a mobile phone businesses costs millions upon millions of dollars to operate and needs guaranteed revenue streams (ie contracts) to be able to function. If they can’t show that guaranteed revenue on the books they can’t get the credit secured to purchase things like $800 million dollar technology upgrades that everyone wants, or to bulk order iphones from Apple to satisfy demand. If you want ultimate choice, you have to pay retail, sign no contract and move around but in the end, if you buy retail, stay with Telus for three years anyway and then quit, you’ve still paid more in the end. New cell start up discounts (with a contract) is Telus doing us a favour and in return we’re doing them the favour of being able to add our 3 years worht of money to their revenue sheets, making shareholders happy and enabling them to stay on top of technology.

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