iPhone 4 released in Canada

Canadians have finally got their shot at owning the iPhone 4, which was released nationwide on Friday.

With Apple Inc.’s most recent incarnation of the popular technology, Canadians can choose whether to purchase a subsidized phone tied to a specific wireless carrier or an unlocked version.

Rogers, which was once the exclusive carrier in Canada, lists the 32 GB and 16 GB iPhone 4 at $269 and $199, respectively, for customers who sign a three-year voice and data plan.

The unlocked version of the iPhone 4 will be available directly from Apple, with suggested retail price tags of $779 or $659.

The U.S. launch of the iPhone 4 on June 24 was quickly tainted when customers started complaining that calls were being dropped when the device was held a certain way. But the bad press didn’t stop more than 3.5 million units from being sold in the United States.

Apple acknowledged the phone has antenna issues and is giving away free rubber cases that the company claims will improve reception.

Canada is among 17 countries that gets the iPhone 4 on Friday.