Rogers to launch iPhone in Canada with $30 6GB data plan
I'm glad I waited in posting any sort of "the iPhone with Rogers will suck" commentary, as it seems they have somewhat come to their senses. As usual, John Biehler was my iPhone news source, and here's the link to the Roger's press release.
A new "promotional" data plan is going to be available until August 31st (and I actually believe they'll extend it...), where you can bring your own voice plan, and add a 6GB data plan for only $30 / month. Hmm, maybe over 50K signatures at ruinediphone.com changed their mind? No, it's not unlimited ... but in talking to Roland -- who is the heaviest mobile app user I know -- he's never gone over 500MB. I think I used a couple of GBs when I was at the Olympics in Torino, and large megapixel camera phones and the fast 3G speeds could certainly eat bandwidth, but 6GB seems fair.
So...am I getting an iPhone? Nope. I don't really like contracts, and I don't like locked phones. I imagine we'll be able to get an unlocked iPhone at some point, where I'll be able to swap out SIM cards when traveling as I do now.
Meanwhile, looks like I'll be on CTV Newsnet talking about the other Canadian wireless barons -- Bell and Telus. They are going to start charging for incoming text messages. Well, this should be a fun ride ... Rogers isn't charging for incoming, it has the iPhone and the latest Nokia phones, and now -- decent data plans. Really, what are Bell and Telus thinking?
Update: Looks like this is not just for iPhone -- you can add this plan to *any* phone, as long as you sign a 3 year contract, and it does apply to Fido as well. See the post on howard forums for reference.
Similar
Comments
I was one of the many many
I was one of the many many people that got in on the iPhone $30 plan with Rogers. I am quite pleased with it -- I'd say that 6GB is more thn enough bandwidth for a month considering that there is wifi too for when I am at home.
But, I have to agree on the contract.....I don't them 'em either but had to get in with the rest of the sheep for a new phone!
contracts and locked phones
I'm sorry Boris, but I really don't get it when people complain about having to sign a contract to get a deal. When was the last time you switched carriers? You're the type of guy who would want a GSM phone anyways so you don't even have another carrier to switch to even if you wanted to. As for the locked phone - they've already cracked the new iPhone and it hasn't even been released yet. :)
Rogers relents, but insults consumers at the same time.
John Boynton, the senior vice-president and chief marketing officer of Rogers Wireless, commented on the tens of thousands of people that have taken a stand on cell phone prices.
He says: “What we’re trying to do is satisfy a very small group of people, the early adopters,” he said. “When those customers are done, we’re back to our basic user.” (Source: http://www.thestar.com/article/457180)
He says this on the same day that Rogers announces the new plan.
And Rogers was literally advertising their $30 for 300 MB plan as "the best rate in the industry" this week in the 24 Hours newspaper. The new plan delivers 20x more value for the same amount of money.
It's all lies and deceit. It's all spin in a desperate attempt to avoid doing anything to help Canadians and grow the market.
For $30 you only get 300MB,
For $30 you only get 300MB, if you want to add on the 6GB to a voice plan its $100.
Eh, nevermind. That's
Eh, nevermind. That's after August 31st.