Agreed. There are 3 carriers in Canada. the type of network is completely irrelevant and pretty much nobody knows what GSM or CDMA is. Go outside and do a poll. See if anyone using a Telus phone has any clue whatsoever that there is a difference compared to a Rogers phone.
There is NO monopoly and if all 3 carriers were GSM or all 3 were CDMA it wouldn't make a difference. Most people will choose Telus for their pink Pearl or choose Rogers for their 8GB music phone. That's the only REAL difference and that's where they compete, because that is all the general public understands.
Period.
It is sort of a monopoly for those in the know, who want to use the newest devices. You're not tied to your phone on GSM, you can get a different unlocked phone and pop in the SIM and you're good to go. That's the major upside to GSM.
Rogers has effectively rendered that advantage null. I guess it helps your "there is no monopoly" argument as it takes away the only differentiating factor between the three networks.
And Yes, it's true that no one forced me to use Rogers. But I wanted GSM so I could use different phones. I want to use Data. And I want it at a reasonable price like everyone else in the world has.
Phone History
Nokia 6160 -> Nokia 8260 -> Siemens M46 -> Motorola V300 -> HP iPAQ 6955 -> HTC Touch -> iPhone 3G 16GB Black -> HTC Google Nexus One -> Samsung Galaxy S Captivate -> Samsung Galaxy Tab -> Dell Streak -> Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G -> HTC Sensation 4G -> Galaxy Nexus
Not bad, but even Rogers gives 1GB for $65 to 5GB for $100....
Line 1: (Mobilicity) BTS 25 on PAC - Unlimited local talk/text/data @ $23/month Line 2: (Wind) Irresistible35 - Unlimited everything @ $35/month Line 3: (Wind) Holiday Miracle - Unlimited everything @ $40/month Line 4: (Fido) Retention - Unlimited North America talk & text @ $50/month Line 5: (Wind) All in the Family Laptop - Unlimited data @ $15/month
All my posts are my own opinion only and not necessarily that of any of my employers, past or present.
Both O2 and Orange have also been heavily flamed at times for their data gouging as well. Remember when the iPhone plan was first released over there? Unlimited was capped at 200MB. Also the O2 data plans for consumers originally only went to 25MB, unless you had 10 lines or more and then qualify for the "business" data plans of 125MB or so.
In other words, the carriers will charge what they can and not a penny less, and give as little as possible.
I didn't know about how bad O2 and Orange have been flamed, but this "Deal" is a complete ripoff. Rogers should decide whether it wants to be a service provider, or a hardware reseller.
If they're a service provider, which they should be; it's they're primary business, then give a real unlimited data plan. Don't limit it to using the POS dumbphones, limited to WAP-only, limited to phone sold to you by Rogers, limited to built-in browser only, limited to EDGE data speeds. What else can they possibly put a limit on?
If they're going to subsidize phones, then fine, but don't bar unlocked phones from service. Rogers has repeatedly proven themselves to only selling craptacular phones, and waiting about a year before bringing out modern handsets. (I realize they're not barring phones, but charging a premium for non-rogers phones; but with the data rates as high as they are, it is essentially a barring) Judging by this plan, on my HTC Touch, purchased through Rogers BTW, just loading the RFD homepage once, would cost me about $20. Not clicking on anything, just loading the page once.
BS!
Not bad, but even Rogers gives 1GB for $65 to 5GB for $100....
Ok, I'll concede my point about European carriers; but that still doesn't speak to the point that even a $15 plan capped at 200MB kicks the hell out of a unlimited WAP only plan that's only available on certain phones, only provided by this specific company, only using specific applications.
They're really stretching the meaning of the term "Unlimited"
You can add it to any account. That does not mean the system won't bill you according to device. just cuz you have the option doesn't change the way it works. It's just like Fido's value packs that include the MSN messenger usage. If your phone is non-Fido you cannot use the included messages and you will be charged on your bill.
Good point.
I'm wondering if the 6682 is eligible since it's a smartphone and I've read different stories coming from different reps on eligibility of the E62/E61.
Further, the included Opera Mini is technically a 3rd-party app but was pre-loaded on the phone by Rogers, so that adds more confusion.
I just got off the phone with Rogers CS and then Tech Support. Told them I had a Windows Mobile device and an iPhone and was worried about overages (I have the $20 pack which they are auto switching from 5MB to the unlimited. I dont seem to have a choice.). I was told by both departments, after they talked to a supervisor, that I could in fact use it on any phone, and it is true unlimited. I told them I was still a little concerned and they put in my notes that they had told me it was unlimited and would work on my iphone so if I incurred any charges they were to be wiped for the first month. So...we shall see exactly whats what after my first bill.
I don't understand people's fanboy obsession with GSM.
I was a die hard Rogers/GSM user for 6 years until I switched to a corporate Bell BB for unlimited data a year or so ago. There definitely used to be a significant advantage for Rogers users... Better devices, better access to affordable data, etc. Now, not so much.
Data plans limited by IMEI? I leave for a year and this is what I come back to . And what's with the Rogers web site? I mean it was never great, but now it's even more of a mess. If I'm shopping for a data device and plan, I can find what I'm looking for in a minute on Telus' site. On Rogers' site - well, I'm still looking.
With these new restrictions on data plans, Rogers has really lowered itself to a new level. So much for the promise of an "open" GSM network if you have to close it up to be profitable/greedy.
I don't mean to flame anyone, but Dammit! SMARTPHONES AREN'T ELIGIBLE!!!
UNLOCKED PHONES AREN'T ELIGIBLE!!!
3RD PARTY APPLICATIONS AREN'T ELIGIBLE!!![/SIZE]
Although some people have said smartphones aren't eligible, the Rogers website does not indicate that:
"PDAs such as Blackberry or Windows Mobile devices, PC cards and non-Rogers certified devices are not eligible."
Only if rogers named which phones can't be used...but i guess they are too lazy to update it every time they get a new phone...plus if you call and complain they probably can lie and say "X" is a smart phone. Then somehow it's your fault for not knowing if it was a smart phone even though they don't mention it.
One Question!
I never found a decent answer
Does the OLD $20 Communication Value pack get automatically upgraded??? Or do you have to call and change it...IF it gets upgrade automatically I'm Complaining cause they NEVER Mentioned it in their bills. I Love my Opera Mini on my K790...K790a from rogers..but unbranded...
I see this differently - they are abdicating the high ARPU market / users to Bell / Telus. Their current plans simply say to the educated customer - shop and find we don't even try to compete with Telus et. al..
I am in the market for a BB / data device - I want to stay with Rogers but there is a significant return on investment to move to Telus.
Originally Posted by i.Fido
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. And what's with the Rogers web site? I mean it was never great, but now it's even more of a mess. If I'm shopping for a data device and plan, I can find what I'm looking for in a minute on Telus' site. On Rogers' site - well, I'm still looking.
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