rogers wireless
Latest
Rogers wants some of that AT&T mojo, rolls out steeper iPhone 3G S discounts for current customers
Rogers must know a good thing when it sees it, because it's essentially copied AT&T's modified plans for providing deeper subsidies to more customers looking to upgrade to an iPhone 3G S in the next few weeks. The details are just a little bit different though: with Rogers, the new deal is that anyone who bought an iPhone 3G between July 11 and September 30 of 2008 -- and has averaged CAD $100 or more a month on their bill -- will be able to nab the 16GB or 32GB for $199 and $299, respectively, on a three-year contract. Buyers between July 11 and December 31 of last year or who didn't manage to average $100 a month will get the less heavily-discounted prices of $449 and $549, while any customer will be able to waltz in and spend $699 or $799, a princely sum indeed.
Sony Ericsson X1 upgrade pricing on Rogers: $499.99?
We figure that the Sony Ericsson X1 is destined for Rogers any day now -- just around the same time that we suspect the X2 will be announced, ironically -- and now we're starting to get an idea on pricing. A tipster writes in to tell us that this CAD $499.99 you're seeing here is for an upgrade customer with no data plan, which would be crazy high for a new lad coming in off the street and signing up for a three-year deal, we hope, but it gives us a good picture of what current customers might have to gear up for. Excessive, perhaps -- but then again, some of us will go to the ends of the Earth for WVGA.[Thanks, cell143]
iPhone 3G S plans revealed on Rogers, O2
It'd take a really acutely developed talent for shutting oneself off from news to not know how much the iPhone 3G S is going to run on AT&T -- $199 and $299 for the 16GB and 32GB models on contract, just in case you've forgotten -- but what about some of the other countries that are destined to be launching the new model alongside the US on the same day? Up north, we've been told by a company spokesman that Apple partner Rogers will be pricing them at CAD $199 and $299 on three-year contracts, which works out to about $177 and $266; the old 3G, meanwhile, will be sold for (you guessed it) CAD $99. Tethering will be available and there will be no-contract pricing, but details haven't yet been announced there. Meanwhile, O2 over in the UK has dropped details on its site that put both the 3G S 16GB and 32GB as cheap as free if you sign up for a rich-enough two-year deal. Must be nice, eh?[Thanks to everyone who sent these in]
Rogers' Android build for Dream and Magic deconstructed shot-by-shot
A dude with access to the ROM Rogers is using on its just-launched Dream and Magic Android sets has posted a truly epic, comprehensive set screenshots on Flickr, showing off some of the features unique to these particular versions of the phones. Examples include a highly-customized HTC virtual keyboard with XT9 support reminiscent of its modern WinMo keyboards, Exchange support, integrated Quickoffice, and an all-important PDF reader. It's a nice little journey into the heart of Canada's first Android sets -- unless you're jealous, in which case it's an emotionally draining nightmare.[Via Android and Me]
Android goes Canadian: Rogers launches HTC Magic and Dream
We knew exactly when the revolution was coming, and come it did. Just as promised, Rogers Wireless is now selling the Android-powered HTC Dream and HTC Magic, which marks the first official entry of the Google-built OS into the Great White North. Both handsets are ready to dabble in the Android Market and surf on the carrier's 3.5G network; all that's left for you to do is hand over $149.99 on a three contract and nab a box of Tim Hortons donuts. Mmm, donuts.
Rogers' HTC Dream and Magic coming in at $149 through Best Buy?
We'd say that Best Buy's phone pricing is never a set-in-stone indication of the price you'll pay direct from the carrier, but it's probably pretty safe to assume from these tags that everyone -- Rogers, Best Buy, Future Shop, you name it -- will be charging within a few bucks of CAD $149.99 ($135) for your choice of the Dream or Magic when the Android sets launch on June 2. That's not too terribly bruising on the pocketbook, but that's going to be on a three-year contract with a minimum $45 voice / data plan; if you step down to a two-year deal, you jump all the way up to a whopping $449.99, and a contract-free purchase is going to set you back $599.99. Tell you what, Rogers: give us both the black and the white Dream for $450 on a two-year and you've got yourselves a deal. Sound good?
Rogers' HTC Dream and Magic aren't "Google phones," have Exchange support
Remember how we found out that there's a difference between the Google-branded Android firmware and its HTC-modified equivalent, and the latter isn't allowed to feature the silkscreened Google logo? The HTC version is way cooler on account of its Exchange ActiveSync support and the much-improved camera app; the only downside is that you can't flaunt that logo on the case, which -- let's be honest -- is totally meaningless to an end user (unless you're some raving Google fanboy / fangirl, and in that case, no amount of awesome customization is going to sway you). Anyhow, it's up to individual carriers to decide which versions of the devices they wish to launch, and Rogers customers will be excited to know that they're getting the logo-free HTC builds. That makes Canadian Dreams and Magics a whole hell of a lot more useful to business users than the G1s down in the States, and going forward, this is an issue T-Mobile probably wants to think about -- as long as the base Android code doesn't license ActiveSync, anyway.
Rogers Wireless' Dream un-safing and hands-on
So, Friday rolls around complete with cryptic "you'll get something awesome tomorrow" message from Rogers. Of course we bite, and something awesome did show just after lunch today. Rogers first Android sets launch on the June 2 with both HTC's Dream and Magic taking center stage to usher in the OS' proper christening north of the border. Bundled in the safety of the fireproof (yes, fireproof) safe are a charger, USB cable, headset, and the HTC Dream proper. While T-Mobile's patrons south of the border wait for version 1.5 to arrive, Rogers seems set to launch the devices with the latest build already loaded and good to go. We've not had more than a few hours with the phone, but we're loving it -- and the fact that we finally have an Android device for the US 3G flavor we love doesn't hurt either. Pricing is still firmly in the land of chalk drawings, but we've heard tell that $199 would be the price of admission -- and to be honest, that seems about what we'd expect. Follow on for a pile of pics of the un-safing of Rogers first steps in the land of Android.
Sony Ericsson C905 comes to Canada by way of Rogers
It's not on Rogers' site yet, but Sony Ericsson's Canadian site proudly proclaims the C905 as "Now available" -- and MobileSyrup backs up the claim with reports coming in from stores that the device is in stock and ready to go. For interested parties, this probably comes as no surprise seeing how the device has been well-pimped by Rogers itself in UR Magazine, bringing an 8.1 megapixel camera with xenon flash (always a plus), HSDPA, and GPS; a 2GB Memory Stick M2 comes as a pack-in, but odds are you'll want to upgrade closer to the device's max of 8GB if you intend to use that cam on a regular basis. There's a promo running that lets you nab it for CAD $249.99 (about $223) when purchased with a qualifying data plan, otherwise you'll be paying anywhere between CAD $299.99 up to $474.99 on a three-year contract to contract-free, respectively. Not the cheapest phone in the world, but if it can take the place of a basic point-and-shoot, you can look at it as a money-saving opportunity by combining two devices into one. Yeah, that's it. [Via MobileSyrup]
Rogers Wireless' "relolution" coming tomorrow?
We just had this just drop in the mansion's mailbox courtesy of Rogers Wireless. Apparently, the "relolution" is coming, and coming tomorrow. So like the dutiful souls we are, we've cancelled our appointments chez the coiffeur and are gonna just chill and wait. We're not exactly sure -- but we can certainly guess -- what may be arriving: one of two Android-powered sets set to bow on Rogers shortly, that's what (and given a choice, we'd happily take both). Now, will this come pre-packaged with some Cupcake Android 1.5 love, or are we gonna have to wait for the same slow rollout many of you are still dreaming about? More tomorrow, you can count on it. Oh, and Rogers? Please remember, before every "relolution" comes a spellcheck.
Rogers to sell HTC Dream, Magic for $199.99 on contract
Canadians have had to wait quite a while to get their first official taste of Android, and even longer to know how much it'd cost, but it looks like that last detail has now finally been cleared up. According to The Boy Genius Report, Rogers will be asking the ever popular $199.99 for both the HTC Dream and HTC Magic on a three-year contract when they launch on June 2nd, or a hefty $649.99 off-contract. As Boy Genius points out, that's actually $100 more than the previously rumored off-contract price, which briefly spurred talk of a too-good-to-be-true $149.99 on-contract price.
Rogers nabs HTC Dream and HTC Magic for Canada's first look at Android
Rogers is launching both the HTC Dream and the HTC Magic in June of this year, snapping a "cold spell" of Android-lessness up north. The phones will Rogers exclusives in Canada, and it's one of the first spots we've heard of -- other than the fairly inevitable T-Mobile USA -- to be getting the elusive HTC Magic outside of Vodafone. Otherwise details are scarce, but Rogers promises more information soon, and has an online countdown for "the revolution" on June 2nd. How polite.
Rogers getting the 5 megapixel LG GT500?
Juicy XML metadata on LG's own site suggests that the GT500 -- which has yet to be officially announced for any market, though it was originally rumored for T-Mobile in Europe -- should be destined for Rogers at some point. That's pretty awesome news for Canadians of all shapes and sizes, considering the spec sheet has this one rolling deep (well, somewhat deep) with 3G, a 5 megapixel cam, and a WQVGA touchscreen. The only GT500 we've seen pass the FCC so far only received approval on EDGE bands, suggesting that Rogers will have to wait for a second version with North American 3G or forge ahead with EDGE alone; for everyone's sake, we're hoping they take the former option. [Via MobileSyrup]
Nadir Mohamed in as Rogers CEO
It's not terribly often that Canada's Rogers Communications names a new chief exec -- hell, the last one was none other than the company's founder himself -- so needless to say, it's a pretty big deal that the company has concluded its search and sealed the deal. As expected, Nadir Mohamed, who already has plenty of executive-level experience within the company serving as president and COO of its Communications Division, has been named to the CEO post, concluding a search both outside and inside the wireless giant for Ted Rogers' successor. Congrats, Nadir -- you've got big shoes to fill. [Warning: PDF link] [Via MobileSyrup]
Fido's LG Neon: seen, priced, and oh so available
Fido, everybody's fave low cost GSM alternative in Canada -- and yes, we do know they are owned by Rogers but are different brands, we live here, we use them -- has ponied up an LG Neon of its own today. While Rogers offering rumbles in off-contract at $199, Fido has chosen $179 as its entry point and a 2 year stint costing you $50. Well done Fido for a handset that while lacking the extra 3G speed certainly makes up for it with a bit 'o style and hard to beat messaging functionality.[Via MobileSyrup]
Rogers begins selling white Nokia E71, Americans consider relocating
You Yanks may bang on the Canucks for having to deal with those ridiculous three-year contracts, but every so often, something goes down in the Canadian mobile space that flat-out silences everyone beneath the border. Take this, for instance -- Nokia's white E71, which can only be scored over in Europe and now in Canada with support for native 3G bands, is finally on sale at Rogers Wireless. Oh sure, the only difference between this E71 and the black E71 is the colors involved, but we all know just how important that becomes when exclusivity is mixed in. The pain? $99.99 on a lifetime, er, three-year contract. Sorry, we had too.[Via MobileSyrup]
Rogers bumps BlackBerry prices skyward to help with "acquisition expenses"
As with any major company out there, Rogers Wireless has been burning through some cash in order to move its business forward. So far as we can tell, however, it's acquired nothing substantial enough to warrant a $30 million hole in the overall acquisition budget. According to a poorly scribed email that was allegedly whisked out by a Rogers bigwig, the senior executive team just realized that it was $30 million in the red when it came to acquisitions, and coincidentally (or not), the price of select BlackBerry handsets has crept up anywhere between $25 and $50 on a 3-year contract. Granted, there's no confirmed link between the price hikes and the budget fiasco, but simple logic could bring us to believe that one is definitely in reaction to the other. Who knows -- maybe those gigantic Bolds were way, way more expensive that anyone assumed.[Image courtesy of BlackBerry News]
Rogers close to appointing new CEO?
The Globe and Mail is reporting that Rogers is getting lined up to finally announce a new Chief Executive -- a rather important position at the company that's been left vacated since founder Ted Rogers passed away several months ago. Sounds like the lucky dude will be Nadir Mohamed, who's currently serving as president and COO of the company's Communications Group. Of course, no change of power would be complete without some behind-the-scenes drama, and in this case, it appears that there's at least some risk of a power struggle between Mohamed and Rogers' son Edward, so in an effort to nip that in the bud, it's rumored that Rogers will be given some sort of executive role at the company -- possibly in charge of acquisitions. Looks like this'll all be made public any day now, so we don't have long to wait. Anyone hoping this guy ushers in some change? [Via mocoNews]
BlackBerry 9900 "Pluto" spotted in leaked Rogers documents?
What's this little gem? According to a confidential / potentially dubious Rogers document landed by CrackBerry, it might be the BlackBerry 9900 -- or Pluto for you codename-loving types. Interestingly enough, this devices happens to look just like a Storm / Bold / 8900 Franken-Berry that we first caught wind of in October, packing a full QWERTY and a SurePress touchscreen like the one found in the Storm. We can't say for sure this is anything more than a clever Photoshop -- and that little "see page 99" bit on the bottom seems a bit too convenient of a number for our tastes. The trackball's noticeably absent from the four main navigation buttons, so we're already getting a little afraid of having to retain our BrickBreaker skills, but if any of you RIM insiders want to send over photos, video, or even the device itself before the "Late Q3 2009" presumed release timeframe, we'd be mighty glad to be proven wrong.Update: Like they say, when it rains, it pours. CrackBerry just posted another purported shot, but the possibility of this being real is highly unlikely. Apparently, the mic hole in the original pic is a clear sign that this is just a 'shopped 8800 -- and now in this latest "leaked shot," it's gone. So, chalk another one up for those crazy jokesters that have a little too much time on their hands, because it looks like this one was a bit too good to be true. [Thanks, Boy Genius]
LG Neon hits Rogers for $29.99
As expected, LG has graced our Canadian friends on Rogers with the Neon messaging phone for a decidedly easy-to-swallow $29.99 CAD (about $23) on contract after rebate. Your hard-earned $30 is gonna buy you a 2.4-inch QVGA touchscreen, 2 megapixel cam, media player with FM radio, microSD expansion, stereo Bluetooth, and a triband EDGE that'll be good enough to let you take the phone most of the way around the world -- as long as you're not expecting high-speed data anywhere. Your turn, AT&T? [Via HowardChui.com] Read - Pink Read - Grey
