Monday, March 31, 2008 -- 11:47 p.m. -- at my desk

Just read a fascinating article over at my favorite international Web site -- the CBC -- and think there's something potentially exciting in it.

We talk about how Rogers is the only game in town in Canada and how Canadians are almost held hostage to high data rates and the lack of an official iPhone.

But what if AT&T -- or T-Mobile -- was going to change the cellular landscape in Canada?

According to the article, either firm may be backing an auction application lodged earlier this month by unknown company Niagara Networks. The company, which has no operations in Canada, surprised the industry when it appeared on a list of applicants for the wireless spectrum auction that begins May 27.

The CBC says that Niagara has applied to bid on all the spectrum being auctioned and that requires $881 milliion in credit. Observers say a company would need the backing of a major company in order to achieve so much credit.

And, AT&T said they wouldn't comment. T-Mobile said the same. Verizon and Sprint flatly said it wasn't them involved.

So this is a case where one has to ask ... is a no comment the same as a no?

If there's a truth to this story and it's AT&T or T-Mobile -- it's likely one and not both -- that are interested in putting one foot into Canada's strange wireless landscape, then Rogers may lose the upper hand it currently holds as the only major GSM provider in the country.

AT&T actually used to own part of Rogers once upon a time but decided to get out of Canada. I like Canada. I say AT&T should come back and visit, bring the iPhone and become the national savior for iPhone users.

Check out the article for yourself and feel free to post your thoughts in the comments.

**UPDATE: Turns out, Niagara Wireless has just withdrawn its application. So much for that. Here's the link to the story in the Vancouver Sun.

Thanks for calling.

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Off subject but I love the new iPhone commercials!

SCOTT'S REPLY: That's ok ... you can talk about anything you want here ... they are pretty good, aren't they?

Hm, very interesting indeed.

SCOTT'S REPLY: But someone's telling me Niagara withdrew their bid. Have to look into that this morning and see. That wouldn't be good. Yep. Vancouver Sun reports Niagara Wireless pulled out.

Hi Scott

Would you happen to still have the link to the dictionary wikipedia and people search? Forgot to sync my iPhone before restoring it lost the icons.

SCOTT'S REPLY: Here you go, Jay.

Wikipedia: http://wikipedia.comoki.com/
People search: http://people.comoki.com/#_0

Sadly, Niagara has withdrawn its bid for spectrum.

SCOTT'S REPLY: Yep. Article in Vancouver Sun this morning. Amazing how news changes!!

i'd love an iphone... yes... i'm quite jealous... i'll get one someday....

SCOTT'S REPLY: I believe you will.

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