For a moment it seemed like all-systems-go for Canada, where legions of Apple-hungry shoppers with wads of Canadian dollars burning holes in their pockets have been anxiously waiting for the iconic handset, as Molson Export – a beer company based in Quebec – advertised a competition in which several iPhones are to be the prize.  Listed as using the Rogers Wireless network and worth $800 each, it was claimed the handsets would be delivered to winners in January 2008.

However, Rogers Wireless claims that no deal has been made with Apple regarding the iPhone, and that while they would “love” to carry the handset Apple’s “attentions lie elsewhere”.  Presumably this means Europe and particularly the UK, which is ramping up for the cellphone’s launch in November.  Molson themselves are back-peddling and blaming a misprint: rather than suggesting the iPhone prizes would be presented in January, they would actually be give no earlier than January 2008. 

For the few winners of the Molson competition that means an unknown delay before they can start playing with their prize; for the rest of Canada, it means the vague hope of the iPhone dropping into stores at the start of the new year looks resolutely unlikely.