An email I sent on Tuesday to Rogers Wireless via their site:

Hello there!

I recently got an iPhone for my birthday and I have researched online that Rogers will be the only network in Canada that can provide service for this fantastic new device. Most news items are rumours and conjecture but for now, I’m waiting patiently for your press release.

However, a friend of mine suggested I contact you regarding being a “test subject” for you when you do start setting up the network. Is this feasible?

Thanks for your time.

Ted

My automated response (sic):

Thank you for taking the time to write to us, we appreciate your use of online customer service.

In your recent email, you have informed us that you have received a Apple IPhone and are willing to try it on the
test network. What is recommd that you do is contact our regional office headquaters to see if they can give you any further information in this situation. Unfortunately right now there is know knowledge to us of this test network so contacting this office is recommded.

Rogers Wireless Regional Office
TORONTO CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS / OMP
One Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y 2Y5 (416) 935-1100

We are pleased to have been able to address your inquiry. For additional information please visit our website at www.rogers.com. You are a valued customer and we thank you for your business.

I pick up the phone and dial. I get a human right off the bat, making me stammer and not explain myself very well. After a few moments of banter, I get “Bruce”. He tells me (and I’m paraphrasing here) that Rogers and Apple have not come to any agreement at this time.

Will they soon?

“We have no information regarding that,” Bruce deadpans.

He suggests that I try “unlocking” the phone. “Fido?” I ask.

No comment. He doesn’t offer any assistance in that department. No surprise.

So I sit and wait.