The smartphone should become available for purchase later this month

Jul 16, 2012 11:41 GMT  ·  By

Canadian mobile phone carrier Rogers is gearing up for the release of Sony’s Xperia ion smartphone on its network, and the first batch of units have already started to arrive at its retail locations.

Featuring model number LT28i, the handset is expected to become available for purchase later this week, most probably on the 18th or 19th of the month, MobileSyrup reports.

Xperia ion will be Rogers-exclusive in the beginning, though it’s yet uncertain how long it will take for other wireless carriers in the country to pick it up.

When released, the mobile phone will sport a price tag of $49.99 with the signing of a 3-year contract agreement with the wireless carrier. Contract-free, it should go for $549.99.

Xperia ion landed on shelves on the North American continent earlier this year, at AT&T in the US.