anadians have waited for Apple's highly coveted iPhone for well over a year. When the original version first entered the American market during the summer of 2007, retailers were overwhelmed with demand, leading to overnight and all-day lines, black market bidding, and a general deluge of tech Euphoria. While Canadians prepare to endure/indulge in their first bout of iPhone chasing at 8:00am today (Friday July 11th), Rogers Wireless stores ready their game plan.

Many stores across the country opened early and will remain open late to accomodate the gigantic queues. However, not all is gravy and chips for Rogers. Protests continued to mount, a much-talked about online petition grew, and rumours about an Apple reprimands persisted.

Much ballyhoo has surrounded the impending launch of the iPhone in the Canadian market. Over a year has passed since the revolutionary phone hit American markets while its neighbours to the north have patiently waited, fingers poised for texting, calling, and browsing. In the interim, unlocked, bootlegged iPhones snuck across the border, ready for sim cards and clandestine usage, but legitimate service still eluded phone enthusiasts. Then, in April, Canada's Rogers Wireless announced plans to introduce the sought after handset, becoming its sole carrier; placation was transient.

Following Apple's May unveiling of the 3G version - a faster, cheaper upgrade to the original - Canadian anticipation became more fervent. However, excitement soon soured as Rogers, the country's largest service provider, drew fire for exorbitantly priced data plans. In the ensuing months, ire grew into civil protest. When Rogers' contentious pricing plans were announced, an e-petition popped up at the freshly minted www.ruinediphone.com. To date, the ever-ballooning number of signatories has passed the 61 000 mark. The suddenly popular site has also called for Rogers cancellations, with over one thousand people agreeing to drop out.

Regardless of detractors - or in part because of them - it is set to be a historic day in the history of iPhones.

The source of the strife stems from relatively outlandish pricing, inflexibility, and fear of commitment. Canadians looking to get their hands on an iPhone will have to shell out at least $199 for the 8G model, and that's just the beginning. The tariff on monthly plans will prove steep and require a three year contractual commitment. Furthermore - and particularly controversial - no plan will provide unlimited browsing and internet usage. Eventually, kowtowing and acquiescing to continued demands, Rogers introduced a temporary $30/month 6G plan will that will last until the end of August before reclaiming its regular fee of $100/month.