BlackBerry Expected to Face Increased Competition from iPhone in Canada

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BlackBerry Expected to Face Increased Competition from iPhone in Canada

4:38 pm on October 8, 2009 | Category: Business, Mobile Devices, Cell Phones

Research In Motion could have a tougher time selling BlackBerry smartphones in Canada once Telus and Bell begin offering the Apple iPhone device, according to analysts.

Up until now, the iPhone has been available exclusively through Rogers Wireless, while various BlackBerry devices have been marketed by all three major carriers.

Analysts now warn that widespread availability of Apple’s iconic smartphone could put a dent in Research In Motion’s growth prospects and profitability in its home market.

“Competition is definitely going to heat up somewhat versus what it was before,” commented Kaufman Bros. analyst, Shaw Wu. “Apple is arguably really [RIM’s] only competitor. The other products out there simply just don’t match up.”

Wider iPhone availability “removes one of the key competitive advantages that RIM has had in the Canadian market,” added independent analyst, Carmi Levy. “This raises the competitive stakes for Research In Motion. I would expect that, as always, they won’t take that sitting down.”