iPhone 4 launches tomorrow on Rogers

By: RogersKeith

July 29th, 2010 a 1:35pm

We’re excited to share some news about how our customers can upgrade to iPhone 4 which launches tomorrow. As the Canadian carrier with the most iPhone customers and experience, we’re making a commitment to allocate the majority of inventory we receive from Apple to existing customers wanting to upgrade to the iPhone 4.

And while we can’t do this every year, we’re excited to announce a special upgrade offer that gives our iPhone customers the chance to get an iPhone 4 at a discounted price until September 30, 2010.

Rogers customers have the flexibility to upgrade to any new device at any time by paying full price for the device. However, as a benefit of being a Rogers customer, we’re investing in a special iPhone 4 hardware upgrade offer to reward our customers for doing business with us, as long as they activated a Rogers iPhone on a term contract on or prior to June 7, 2010 – the day Apple announced iPhone 4 at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

Here are the general guidelines about the iPhone 4 special hardware upgrade:

Did you activate or upgrade your Rogers iPhone on a term contract between January 1, 2009 and June 7, 2010?
Then you’re eligible for at least $250 off the no-term device price. That’s an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $399/$499 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.

Did you activate or upgrade your Rogers iPhone on a term contract on or before December 31, 2008?
Thank you for your business. You’re eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price. You can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.

Did you activate or upgrade the original Rogers iPhone 3G in 2008 and then upgrade again to the Rogers iPhone 3GS between June 19 and September 15, 2009?
You’re also eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price. You can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.

How do I check my eligibility for this special iPhone 4 hardware upgrade program?
The easiest way for you to check your hardware upgrade eligibility is through www.rogers.com/iPhone. (UPDATE July 29, 2010, 3:13 PM: We are experiencing technical difficulties with our HUP eligibility tool and it may be giving incorrect results. We’re aware of it and are working on it. While we do, the tool may be temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience. UPDATE August 16, 2010 11:20 AM: The technical difficulties are resolved and the tool is working correctly.) Aside from this special iPhone 4 offer, regular hardware upgrade program policies apply. If you take advantage of this early hardware upgrade offer, your new 3-year term will begin immediately. Savings under this special upgrade program are determined based upon the length of time remaining in your existing term and the specifics of your selected plans.

Any news for new iPhone 4 customers?
New customers can purchase a 16GB iPhone 4 for $159 or a 32GB iPhone 4 for $269, each with a new three-year voice and data plan on Canada’s proven and reliable network. With Rogers, you get unlimited access to Rogers WiFi hotspots for free as well as unlimited social networking to the top seven communities in all iPhone data plans and our Handset Protection Gurantee. The Handset Protection Guarantee is subject to terms and conditions. To read the full program terms, go to http://www.rogers.com/protection.

What about Fido customers?
Fido also has a special iPhone 4 promotion for its customers. For customers who entered into a Fido agreement on or before June 7, 2010 and want to upgrade early to iPhone 4, Fido will provide a special iPhone 4 discount by way of a bill credit of between $250 and $490. In addition, customers may contribute all accumulated FidoDollars towards their upgrade. Go to www.fido.ca/iphone for full details.

How to get your iPhone 4
Worldwide demand for the iPhone has been high and quantities are limited. At launch, the iPhone 4 will only be available at Rogers stores and authorized retailers, and not by Customer Care or Rogers.com. We recommend you contact your local Rogers retailer to confirm units are in stock. Our goal is to get an iPhone 4 into the hands of every customer who wants one, so visit www.rogers.com/iphone to find updates about stock levels.

Data on data

Here’s an overview of some great new and in-market plans that will get you up and running with your iPhone 4.

Return of special smartphone $30/6 GB plan
Effective July 30, and as a limited time promotional offer for smartphone customers who activate on a three-year contract, Rogers is offering 6GB of data for $30. This data plan can be added to any in-market voice plan before September 30, 2010.

Share with your family
Now that you’ve upgraded to iPhone 4, what do you do with your 3GS? Pass it on through our Family Share Plans and share minutes, messaging and data. Starting August 4, add additional voice and data lines for just $25 per month (plus Government Regulatory Recovery Fee) on a three-year term for up to five people!

*New* smartphone and iPad sharing plans
You’ve told us you love our in-market iPad plans and the ease of activation on Rogers – but some of you have asked for device sharing and we’ve listened. Starting July 30, and for a limited time until Sept. 30, customers on a 6 GB plan will be able to share data between iPhones and iPads for an extra $20 (plus Government Regulatory Recovery Fee). For details, visit a Rogers retail location.

We’ll also try to answer as many questions as we can in the comments below. We recommend that you do not call our Customer Care representatives as they have no additional information and will not be able to process your hardware upgrade at this time.

UPDATE (July 31, 10:18 PM) Rogers is committed to getting an iPhone 4 into the hands of every customer who wants one. We regret to say that for the time being, Rogers retail outlets are sold out of the device. We expect to receive regular shipments of iPhone 4 from Apple over the coming weeks and will update this site once we have more stock.

UPDATE (August 6, 2010, 8:58 AM 2:45 PM) Rogers is receiving a new shipment of iPhone 4, which will be available in limited supply in some retail locations starting on Monday, August 9 Saturday, August 7. In the meantime, Apple retail stores may have inventory available for both new customers and existing Rogers customers upgrading to iPhone 4.

UPDATE (August 9, 2010, 1:05 PM) Hi everyone. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused this past weekend as many of you expected iPhone 4 to be back in stock at our stores. In an effort to get devices available as soon as possible, we are expediting all shipments to stores outside our normal process. Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication on Friday and stock was not available as expected on Saturday.

We are trying to be as transparent as possible and provide you with timely information. Obviously, this isn’t a perfect process and we appreciate your patience. Stock that was en route Friday will be arriving in some stores today. Additional inventory will be arriving throughout the week. Due to high demand and limited quantities, we strongly recommend that you call ahead to ensure that iPhones are in stock.

UPDATE (August 12, 2010, 12:25 PM) We have more news for you on iPhone 4 availability. We regret to say that Rogers retail outlets have sold out of iPhone 4s. The good news is that we expect more stock to start appearing in stores later this week, most being on shelves by Saturday.

As before, inventory remains limited so we recommend you contact your local store to confirm units are available. In the meantime, Apple retail stores may have iPhone 4s in stock.

Rogers remains committed to getting an iPhone 4 into the hands of every customer who wants one. We’re reading each and every of your comments on this post and will respond with whatever information we can.

Are these updates useful to you? Please let us know in the comments below.

UPDATE (August 14, 2010, 3:00 PM) The latest round of iPhone 4 stock at Rogers stores is once again sold out. We’re receiving regular shipments from Apple, so we’ll update this post again once more stock is available. Until then, you may want to check Apple retail stores to see if iPhone 4s are in stock.

UPDATE (August 19, 2010, 11:45 AM) A limited number of iPhone 4s have started to arrive at Rogers retail locations. Considering the limited inventory, we recommend you contact your local store to confirm units are available. In addition, Apple retail locations may have stock.

UPDATE (August 21, 2010, 1:30 PM) iPhone 4 stock at Rogers stores has sold out. Regular shipments are coming in from Apple, so we’ll update this post again once more stock is available. In the meantime, you may want to check Apple retail stores to see if iPhone 4s are in stock.

UPDATE (August 25, 2010, 4:15 PM) A limited number of iPhone 4s have again started to arrive at Rogers retail locations. Considering the limited inventory, we recommend you contact your local store to confirm units are available. In addition, Apple retail locations may have stock.

UPDATE (August 29, 2010, 7:31 PM) iPhone 4 stock at Rogers stores has sold out. Regular shipments are coming in from Apple, so we’ll update this post again once more stock is available. In the meantime, you may want to check Apple retail stores to see if iPhone 4s are in stock.

UPDATE (September 1, 2010, 3:11 PM) A limited number of iPhone 4s have again started to arrive at Rogers retail locations. Considering the limited inventory, we recommend you contact your local store to confirm units are available. In addition, Apple retail locations may have stock.

UPDATE (September 3, 2010, 4:39 PM): iPhone 4 stock at Rogers stores has sold out. Regular shipments are coming in from Apple, so we’ll update this post again once more stock is available. In the meantime, you may want to check Apple retail stores to see if iPhone 4s are in stock.

UPDATE (September 10, 2010, 2:33 PM): This week, inventory of iPhone 4s was more limited than previous shipments. As a result, it sold out immediately in most cases. An Apple retail location may have stock.

UPDATE (September 16, 2010, 5:15 PM): A limited number of iPhone 4s have again started to arrive at Rogers retail locations. As in past weeks, they will likely sell out quickly. We expect to get new shipments in store each week. As shipments will be consistent on a weekly basis, we will no longer be updating this post. If you’d like to check iPhone stock near you, please contact a Rogers or Apple retail location.

UPDATE (September 29, 2010, 1:43 PM): Good news for those of you who have been unable to secure an iPhone 4: another shipment is starting to arrive in stores today.

We encourage you to head down to a Rogers retailer to pick one up over the next 24 hours or so. As always, we recommend you contact your local store first to ensure stock is available.

Our goal is to get an iPhone 4 to every customer who wants one.

UPDATE (September 30, 2010, 2:35 PM): An update on Rogers/Fido iPhone 4 promotions.

When Rogers/Fido launched the iPhone 4 on July 30, we announced special offers for our new and existing customers. Since then, we have activated a significant number of devices with 80 per cent having gone to our existing customers. These special offers were scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, but we have some good news to share.

First, we are extending the 6GB/$30 promotion until Oct. 5. Second, we are extending one component of our early Hardware Upgrade offer through the end of the year. Any customer who activated or upgraded an earlier version of the iPhone with Rogers/Fido on a term contract on or before December 31, 2008 will continue to be eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price when they upgrade to an iPhone 4. They can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.

While other components of our special iPhone 4 early HUP offer expire today, Rogers and Fido customers can continue to take advantage of our standard hardware upgrade savings. Fido customers can also add their Fido dollars to their Hardware Upgrade for additional savings.

Keith McArthur is Senior Director of Social Media at Rogers.

Rating: 2.0/5 (392 votes cast)

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1,384 Comments

L says: July 29th, 2010 a 8:21pm

What happens with the $30 6GB plan that I currently have on the iPhone ? Does it get extended as well ?
- RogersRob says: July 30th, 2010 a 10:08pm
  
  Yes, you can keep your current plan, L.
Peter Levey says: July 29th, 2010 a 8:21pm

Just used the Eligibility Tool after logging into Rogers site. Worked perfectly. Gave me the correct $159/269 split. I think it is a very generous plan, and am satisfied with everything about these offers, EXCEPT, I think that we should be able to split our 6Gb data plan between iPhone and iPad WITHOUT extra monthly charges. After all, it is a lot like tethering, which is allowed at no additional charge on a 6Gb plan. It should be taken into consideration that those who jailbreak their phones are already able to turn them into a WIFI hotspot through the use of a $4.99 App. So, in my humble view, this very high additional charge simply pushes people towards jailbreaking, especially given the ruling the other day that said that jailbreaking is not an illegal activity. I would suggest that $5 extra per month would be very fair; $10 (grudgingly) would be acceptable on a monthly basis.
- MrMiGu says: July 30th, 2010 a 8:49am
  
  You do realize that ruling by the US government do not affect other sovereign countries such as ours
David says: July 29th, 2010 a 9:03pm

Can you get the 6GB plan with a family shared plan? Can it be added to one of these plans?
Reni says: July 29th, 2010 a 9:24pm

If Rogers matched the Bell price of $10 for iPad sharing on the 6GB data plan, I’d sign up, but at $20 – sorry…
travis says: July 29th, 2010 a 9:48pm

anyone else camping out in the halifax area. i heard each store has 5-20 units
pRibby28 says: July 29th, 2010 a 9:53pm

Just called Rogers. They said that all upgrades are done at the stores. No more upgrades over the phone or online as of July 6.
pRibby28 says: July 29th, 2010 a 9:57pm

Is there the famous $35 hardware upgrade admin fee?
Courtney says: July 29th, 2010 a 10:01pm

I hated rogers, when I first signed with them years ago, I ended up switching to bell, but as soon as the iPhone came to Canada, I went back, and they have been nothing but amazing.

I’ll never switch, their 24/7 customer service is amazing, and friendly (didn’t used to be in my opinion).

Definitely get the iPhone 4 from rogers…after I buy it :) I don’t want them to sell out before I get it.
- Soon to be Ex Rogers Cust. says: July 30th, 2010 a 10:09am
  
  Which Rogers are you with? My experence has been nothing but horrific with Rogers!
Ash says: July 29th, 2010 a 10:05pm

So, I’ve taken specific notice to the statement:

Did you activate or upgrade the original iPhone 3G in 2008 and then upgrade again between June 19 and September 15, 2009?
You’re also eligible for at least $480 off the no-term device price. You can pick up an iPhone 4 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan.

I’m in this exact scenario, and upgrade to a 3GS in July 2009, but the upgrade tool shows the $399/$499 price point. Now, due to the obvious stock issues that will occur with the iphone as they always do with a product in demand like this, would my best course be to upgrade tomorrow and call billing to have it corrected?
- Rogers_Richard says: July 30th, 2010 a 10:33am
  
  HI Ash,
  We have been experiencing difficulties with the HUP tool, which may explain the different results.
  The text of the post details the correct upgrade terms.
  Richard.
Rob says: July 29th, 2010 a 10:06pm

It is really a shame that we cannot order the phone via customer care. I’ve have found that most rogers stores near me give very lousy service. I’ve been with Rogers for over 10 years and have never bought a phone in store…reps are often rude or only interested in new accounts. The customer care folks have always been great for upgrades, new phones etc.
I actually called 5 rogers stores today about iphone availability tomorrow and was basically told that if I was not activating a new account with a data plan, that I should not even bother to show up…nice huh?
Louise says: July 29th, 2010 a 10:35pm

When I take my new iPhone 4 home, and plug it into the iTunes which I have used to back up my iPhone 3G, what all will get moved to the new phone? Contacts? Notes? Paid-for apps? Photos? Two years worth of text messages? Email accounts set up?
Chris says: July 29th, 2010 a 10:46pm

I just checked if I can get an iPhone 4 via the tool on rogers website. I got my blackberry Dec 11th 2008. The tool is showing me that I can upgrade to iPhone 4 16gig for the 159 price. God I hope the tool is not broken. I was so pissed when rogers changed the upgrade policy 4 months before I was going to upgrade in dec 2009 so that id have to wait 12 more months instead. I really do hope the tool is right :)
javatyger says: July 29th, 2010 a 10:56pm

Glad to hear that Rogers is releasing the iPhone 4 finally and bringing back the 6GB data plan. But, I’ve had my experiences with owning an iPhone after leaving my beloved BlackBerry, and I went back to BlackBerry. I’m staying loyal to RIM and waiting for the BlackBerry 9800 to be released. :)
Ben says: July 29th, 2010 a 10:59pm

I bought a 32 GB iPhone 3GS last year on launch date (June 19), and it says on the eligibility tool that I only have a choice to buy the no term pricing. Whats up with that?
- Rogers_Richard says: July 30th, 2010 a 10:34am
  
  Hi Ben,
  You should take the text of the post as correct as we’ve been experiencing difficulties with the tool.
  Richard.
Chris says: July 29th, 2010 a 11:02pm

I upgraded to a Blackberry curve back in Dec. 11th 2008. I was pissed when I found out in Aug. 2009 that all of a sudden I won;t be able to get a new phone in Dec. 2009 because rogers changed their upgrade policy, well if that happened before I had upgraded I wold have waited.. god was i pissed. anyways so I checked the Rogers iphone 4 HUP tool as of 1045pm EST and it says that I can get the 16 gig iphone 4 for $159!! God I hope it’s not still broken beacuse I want to pick this phone up this weekend if possible for the 160 price!
Matthew says: July 29th, 2010 a 11:23pm

“Government Regulatory Recovery Fee”??? What the heck is that?? I thought Rogers got rid of the fee?

And there is no such fee authorized by the CRTC. More misinformation from Rogers, deceiving their customers again. Can’t wait to switch carriers.
- RogersKeith says: July 30th, 2010 a 1:29am
  
  As we stipulate clearly GRRF isn’t a tax or a fee that the government mandates Rogers to charge, but it represents fees and costs from various levels of government. Details here: http://www.rogers.com/web/content/grrf
  - Oz says: July 30th, 2010 a 5:19am
    
    I think the problem (and it IS misleading) are the words ” Government Regulatory” at the start. I know it’s “explained away” in the FAQ, but it doesn’t make it any less misleading. The fee’s etc that are listed in the FAQ are a cost of doing business … instead of listing it as a seperate fee they should be included into the plan price.
    - Tony says: July 30th, 2010 a 9:54am
      
      Exactly!
      
      The thing that gets me is that Rogers does some things right but a lot of things wrong, in the consumer’s eyes. You have a very good network but you blow it by doing silly things this like this. How can a customer trust you and have loyalty to Rogers when you play games.
      
      I hope one day Rogers wakes up!
Matthew says: July 29th, 2010 a 11:26pm

Why charge extra for sharing the data with an iPad? Tethering is free and is the right of the customer to decide how to use their data.

I pay for 6 gigs now, and I never use them all. How I use my data is up to me, not rogers. Besides, Rogers would make more money from overage charges than they would from a “sharing” data plan.

Nickel and diming your customers does not inspire customer loyalty.
Vince Offer says: July 29th, 2010 a 11:33pm

Does anybody notice how the Rogers Reps are only really answering HUP questions? So many people commenting on their lack of service and sticky fingers, guess they don’t care about that stuff. Have fun having a user base of people who like to waste money.
- RogersKeith says: July 30th, 2010 a 1:26am
  
  Hey Vince. We do care about that stuff. We take the time to read every comment even if we don’t respond to them all.
Neen says: July 29th, 2010 a 11:54pm

Why do you call it a “Government Regulatory Fee” when it has nothing to do with the government. Just call it what it is, a cash grab!
- RogersKeith says: July 30th, 2010 a 1:25am
  
  We’re transparent about what GRRF is and isn’t. Details here: http://www.rogers.com/web/content/grrf
  - BAT says: July 30th, 2010 a 9:09am
    
    The problem is why do we have to pay the GRFF if we want the $20 iPad data sharing plan and not if you go with one of the standalone plans (at least we are never told we are – could there be a surprise when I see my CC charge?).
    
    I also see no mention of the GRFF on the Bell site for their regular plans or for the “Half the Price of Rogers” iPad sharing plan.
    
    Thats what makes this look like a cash grab on Rogers part!
  - Alph says: July 30th, 2010 a 12:39pm
    
    In other words, it’s the cost of doing business but Rogers chooses to use the words ‘Government’ to confuse customers. I really wish Rogers just had the balls to advertise the total cost of a phone and line instead of hitting us with these obscure addons.
Jim says: July 30th, 2010 a 12:11am

Why is the 6GB data plan only available on a new 3 year contract?
- RogersKeith says: July 30th, 2010 a 1:22am
  
  As explained in the post, the 6GB plan can be added to any existing offer.