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Novatel Ovation MC950D set to burn up the aisles at Fido's shop
Seeing as Fido now has data plans worth mentioning, it only makes sense that we start to see some new products appear that'll let its Canadian customers use -- and abuse -- those plans. For speedy data download, the cross platform -- Windows XP / Vista / 2000, MAC OS X, and Linux -- USB Ovation MC950D will fit the bill handily at outrageous 7.2 Mbps down and up to 2.1 Mbps upload speeds. Connectivity is handled via a tri-band HSPA, quad-band EDGE, radios and the driver install, manuals and such for the supported OSes are in the stick itself. We didn't get any word on pricing or availability, but the parent company Rogers will let you take one home for as little as $49, so we're betting that's not too far off what you'll pay at Fido.
Rogers Wireless releases some iPhone data usage details, says nyaa-nyaa
Drumroll please! We all heard a fair bit of uncharacteristic anger echoing out of Canada with Rogers Wireless' announcement of its -- and FIDO's -- iPhone data pricing models. Of course, Rogers rethought its plans, launched the $30 / 6GB plan and all was well again in the land of the polar bear and beaver. We had a quick chat with Elizabeth Hamilton, the Director of Corporate Communications at Rogers, this week, and it turns out they may not have been so completely mistaken with the plans offered after all. First month stats show that 1.2% of iPhone customers used more than 1GB of data in the first four weeks, 95% used less than 500MB, and 91.2% used less than 100MB. Considering the original plans were as high as 400MB per month, it would seem they would have served the northern populace quite handily.
Canada's FIDO eyeing Nokia E71?
Nokia's slim and slick E71 has been touted -- OK, rumored, but we're hopeful -- to have its eyes set on the number two GSM provider in Canada, FIDO. While no pricing info is being bandied about, the "news" does see it landing during the November timeframe. Rogers, FIDO's parent company and only GSM competition -- at least for now -- has apparently passed on this little QWERTY gem, though these kind of stories do change with time. Look for more news once we get something a little more tangible.
Rogers announcing new data plans, peace of mind in October
Now that Rogers' iPhone users have had a month to play and Rogers have had time to look at usage, it comes as no surprise some new data plans are in the works. First off, the good news is that the $30 6GB plan will be extended until the end of September from the end of August -- mind you, this is less generosity and more wanting to sign new BlackBerry Bold owners on to the plan. On October 1st Rogers -- and Fido -- will launch a new $15 2MB plan, $25 500MB plan, $30 1GB plan, $60 3GB plan, and an $80 8GB plan. These new plans will apply to smartphones, data cards, tethering, and of course BlackBerry devices. Most notable in the good news binge are a few "peace of mind" protection tools also being launched in October, including SMS data alerts, Freedom of Data, and a $100 data charge maximum. SMS data alerts will let subscribers know before, when, and after they've emptied the data bucket for the month. Freedom of Data will give 3 months of real unlimited usage just on the off chance you completely blow it out, the overages will be zeroed out and you can learn, adjust and move on. The $100 maximum idea means that no matter what data plan you're on, your monthly bill will never be higher than a hundred bucks as a combination of your fixed cost plus your overage. It seems this may spell the end of outrageous data bills in Canada, and we're thinking that deserves some applause.
Motorola Z6w hits Fido for WiFi fun
If the 6301 from Nokia ain't your cup of tea, Fido has now added a second handset compatible with its Uno WiFi calling service. The new model is none other than Moto's Z6w slider, which continues the interesting choice of making Fido's WiFi lineup completely different than parent Rogers', which offers the BlackBerry Pearl and Nokia 6086 on its Talkspot service. When you're not around home, the Z6w offers quadband EDGE coverage, and the microSD slot plus Windows Media support and 2 megapixel camera should be enough to keep you at least mildly entertained. Grab the package now for $60 (about $57) CAD on a three-year deal.[Via MobileSyrup]
Fido offers up Motorola's MOTOROKR U9
Merely hours after Motorola began selling its simplistic U9 through its own webstore, along comes Fido to give interested Canadians another option for procuring it. Starting right now, those enamored by that ghostly external display can grab one for just $75 on a 3-year contract, $175 with a 2-year agreement or a grossly overpriced $350 with no strings attached. Any takers... anyone?[Via MobileSyrup]
Canadian iPhone: Consumer Revolt against Rogers tariffs
When Rogers/Fido announced the iPhone voice/data plans a few days ago, the proposed rates were not received warmly. Over ten thousand people are letting their eDispleasure be heard on the "Rogers + iPhone3G == Ruined" protest website. Canadian petitioners are unhappy with the high plan rates and the lack of affordable data. The site offers a list of Rogers/Fido contacts and suggests consumers take action, sending an email or letter, or calling. The petition itself is full of impassioned feedback, suggesting that Rogers is killing a potential new market by exploiting demand with subpar overpriced service. Are you Canadian? Let us know what you think of the the data rates in the comments. Thanks, heath
Rogers announces iPhone 3G plans, unlimited data isn't one of them
Here we have it, iPhone 3G pricing for our better mannered, gun-toting friends up north. All the plans from Rogers Wireless require that lovely, three-year contract and include visual voicemail, free evenings and weekends, and unlimited WiFi at all Rogers and Fido hotspots. The plans start at $60/month for 150 minutes of voice and just 400MB of data before topping out at $115/month for 800 minutes voice and up to 2GB of data. None of these plans offer unlimited data as previously rumored. See the details after the break.
Fido fetches Nokia's simplistic 3500
While most of us wait for "something really big" to land on Canada's Fido on July 11th, those looking for just the basics have one more option as of today. The Nokia 3500 candybar has arrived, packing Bluetooth, tri-band GSM connectivity, a microSD card slot, 2-megapixel camera, MP3 player and a battery good for up to four hours of straight yappin'. If that's plenty for you, it's available now for $100 sans a Fido agreement, $90 with a 2-year plan and just $15 with a mind-boggling 3-year contract.[Via MobileInCanada]
Rogers' and FIDO's iPhone 3G pricing and data plans revealed?
Howardforums user i.Fido (purveyor of fine rumors on several occasions) seems to have let the cat out of the bag as to what Canadians are likely going to be shelling out for plans with the iPhone 3G launch on July 11. Pricing seems to be set at $199 and $299 for the 8GB and 16GB handsets as new activations or for upgrades to a qualifying 2 or 3-year plan. Yes, you'll also need to grab yourself a data and voice plan, and options include a $30 unlimited Consumer Data Plan -- it's about freakin' time -- or $45 Enterprise Data Plan. Both of these include Visual Voicemail when subscribed to a voicemail plan, though, only the Corp. plan seems to let you get at your Exchange server for push mail. Of course, all is not lost if you don't qualify for the upgrade, as the note goes on to say that "Rogers has not determined the price of the 3G device for non-qualified upgrades." so we can only hope. True to what we've already heard, activations will be done in-store, you'll only be allowed to pick up three at a time, and prepaid's a no-go. So now that those details have potentially been put to rest, tell us Canada, still getting iPhone 3G next month?
Fido and Rogers both nabbing the iPhone in Canada
Yes, Fido and Rogers have now both committed to bringing the iPhone 3G to Canada on July 11, but let's be honest: that just means Rogers is getting the iPhone, since Fido is Rogers. It's no coincidence, then, that both carriers will be offering the thing for $199 and $299 CAD (about $195 and $293) for the 8GB and 16GB models, respectively. There's a nasty catch, though: unlike AT&T in the States -- and presumably many other carriers offering the iPhone 3G on a heavy subsidy -- these puppies are going to tie you up for a full three years instead of the typical two. Canadian carriers and their customers are already well acquainted with the three-year contract concept, true, but that doesn't make it suck any less.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - FidoRead - Rogers
Flaunt your fab phone: Fido scoops up Sony Ericsson Z750i
Hey, their catchphrase, not ours! Canada's Fido has gone public with Sony Ericsson's latest midrange 3G clam for North America -- the latest released one, anyway -- and they're celebrating the occasion with a nice little package deal. Purchasers of the Z750i are entitled to a free Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset -- though it'll take a three-year contract to win you the freebie, and we're pretty sure Bluetooth will have been succeeded by at least three or four technologies during that eon. Meanwhile, your children, their children, and their children will have all been born, man will have set foot on Pluto, and RAZR V3s will still be sold on carriers the world over. We digress, though; you can pick it up for $100 CAD (about $101) now on that three-year plan with a data package included. Silver appears to be the only color available at the moment, though we wouldn't be surprised to see that palette expand in the near future.[Via MobileSyrup]
FIDO adds a bit more HSDPA to its lineup with the Sony Ericsson Z750i
Nice to see FIDO isn't completely left in the mud when it comes to reasonable handsets in Canada -- as a reminder, Rogers, FIDO's parent company, usually enjoys all the glory -- with the launch of the Sony Ericsson Z750i. Nothing new to report here in comparison with AT&T's offering, that is, if you choose to ignore video calling. The Z750i hit FIDO stores near you on Tuesday, prices range from $100 -- with data plan, $200 without -- on a 3 year stretch, $325 on two years, and $400 off contract. Woof Woof.
Rogers pondering a UMA service called "Home Calling Zone"?
Well this is fun, apparently Rogers Wireless -- and likely FIDO -- is set to offer a UMA service (to bridge their GSM network with your home network) come May this year. Purportedly dubbed the Rogers Home Calling Zone, the service would roll out to consumer customers -- no mention in the "news" about Business, yet -- for $15 a month for local calling and $20 for unlimited long distance in Canada. The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 and a lower-end Nokia handset are apparently the launch handsets for the service -- if it proves true, and we think it likely will. You can expect more news once we get it, of course.
Nokia 6555 comes to Canada via Fido
Fido customers can now partake in all that fabulous Finnish midrange 3G action that AT&T customers have been enjoying for the past half year. That's right, Canadian friends -- the stylish 6555 flip can now be yours, offering quadband EDGE, microSD expansion (with a 1GB card thrown in to get you started), QVGA primary display, and 1.3 megapixel cam. Curiously, Fido makes no mention of the 6555's UMTS capabilities, so maybe they're pulling a bit of a T-Mobile there by concealing the full extent of the phone's power. Grab it now for $75 CAD (about $76) on a 3-year contract.[Via Mobile In Canada]
Fido picks up Samsung Jack and Motorola Q9h, just like mommy Rogers
Fido has announced the availability of the Samsung JACK (Americans will know this one better as the BlackJack II) and the Motorola Q9h, and although both these phones are old news for customers of Rogers proper, the handsets are actually a pretty big deal for folks on Fido. Why? Well, it turns out these are now the only Windows Mobile devices available on the carrier; prior to this, the Nokia E62 was the only smartphone available, period. One thing, though Rogers: let's try to tighten up the turnaround time on letting your goodies filter down to your subsidiary, k?[Via Mobile In Canada]
Fido wakes up, remembers to offer Motorola RAZR 2 V9
Hello, Fido! Welcome to, oh, about two months ago. We know that you live in Rogers' ginormous shadow, but let's try to be more on the ball, k? From the looks of your RAZR 2 product page, you're still a little sleepy, too: "Cristal [sic] Talk" isn't how Moto spells it -- and as curious as we are about "pear to peer gaming," we're pretty sure you meant "peer to peer." Anyhoo, unlike Rogers' V9, it looks like Fido is getting the same pinkish color scheme that AT&T is rocking -- for better or for worse -- and features the usual V9 goodness: HSDPA, A2DP, a 2 megapixel cam, microSD expansion, and so on. Speaking of microSD, Fido throws a 2GB card into the deal, but being a couple months behind the bleeding edge doesn't come cheap -- it'll run $150 on a three-year contract after $125 rebate.[Via Mobile In Canada]
FIDO announces 3G service and pricing, civilized world points and laughs
FIDO kicked off its 3G services today (even though it's been about for a bit) if you happen to have an HSDPA set kicking around. With the LG TU500 leading FIDO's charge into 3G-dom -- incidentally, this is the twin to the first 3G set ever sold in North America, back in 2006 -- they're off to a fairly sad start. Services being rolled out include XM Radio services, Mobile TV, Video on Demand, Video Calling, and of course web surfing on the HSDPA network it came into when purchased by Rogers Wireless. Of course, the fun seems to end the moment you want to actually use the service as rates are pinned at $10 a month for 12 MB data and a penny for every kilobyte in overages. To put that in perspective, a 250 MB month would cost you 'round about $2500 for the data services alone. Thanks, but no thanks, FIDO.
Canadian court certifies class-action lawsuit against carriers
If you're sick and tired of wireless carriers charging an arm and a leg for so-called "system access fees," you aren't alone. As wireless carriers up north rack in close to $800 million a year in said fees, they continue to brand the fees as required by the Canadian Radio-Television Commission -- even though the Government says that fees are no longer valid and don't need to be charged. Carriers were whacking Canadians with charges ranging from $6.95 for Rogers and Telus and up to $8.95 for Bell customers. Naturally, that kind of apparent overcharging can only lead to one thing: a class-action lawsuit. Get in while the gettin's good!
Fido outs Nokia 5200
For the brave souls willing to sign away the next three years of their life to a carrier, Fido's rendition of Nokia's 5200 slider seems like a pretty darned good deal. $25 Canadian (about $23) nets you the music-centric handset, featuring a VGA cam, Class 10 EDGE, Bluetooth, and microSD expansion with Nokia's ubiquitous but solid Series 40 backing up the whole package. Fido sweetens the deal by throwing in a 1GB card, too. Looking pretty good in black, ain't it?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
