It pains me to say this, it really does.

I won’t be getting an iPhone.  I was looking forward to retiring a few items I would be replacing with my iPhone.  Things like my rather antiquated iPod, my cell phone, even my Nintendo DS.  I thought, given the plans everywhere else in the world, that maybe Rogers would offer a decent plan.  I was wrong.  I’ve spent the last few days trying to convince myself that purchasing the iPhone would still be a good idea, but to be honest even the cheapest (mandatory) plan doesn’t include enough of what I need to justify the purchase.  It isn’t even data I really need but a decent amount of text messages and call display, both of which just become added expenses on an already expensive plan.

So here is what I’m hoping:  So far all the evidence seems to be pointing to a massive dissatisfaction with what Rogers is offering.  I hope that people, even apple freaks like me, realize that we’re being screwed and don’t buy the iPhone.  If demand is slack rogers will be forced to rethink their strategy and reprice.

If that fails I have another hope.  This is that when the ongoing spectrum sale by industry Canada comes to an end we will see the emergence of another national carrier with GSM capability.  Heck, I even hope Bell gets in on the action.  Only when there is real competition will prices go down, but I’m not holding my breath.

My only consolation is that by 2009 there will hopefully be a newer, better iPhone.  An iPhone with plans I can afford.

Some links that brought me to this conclusion.
iPhone in Canada: iPhone pricing incurs Internet Revolts
Matthew Wingram: Rogers iPhone, Get a Second Mortgage
Update: Commenter Roger has a post where he breaks down some of the numbers here, also encourages people to sign a petition here.  I should mention that this petition is also pointed to by iPhone in Canada as well.