Rogers to Introduce Cheaper Data Plans in Canada?

[MacRumors]

The National Post claims that Rogers Communications will be instituting changes to their mobile phone plans in the next two weeks in preparation for the iPhone launch. Rogers has traditionally charged significantly more for data plans than mobile carriers in the U.S.

"There's a recognition on the part of Rogers that the world has changed," Mr. Mohamed said. "We'll be changing our prices to reflect that."

Today, an unconfirmed data sheet was posted to ehMac.ca (via Electronista) claiming to be leaked plans from Rogers. If the specs are to be believed, Rogers is planning on introducing data plans comparable to AT&T data plan pricing.

Specifically, Rogers is rumored to be offering $30 unlimited data plans for consumers, and $45 unlimited data plans for enterprise. Customers, however, will have to sign 3-year agreements. The remainder of details are very similar to leaked AT&T records. We should note that this data has been unverified and could simply represent a hoax, and there are some doubts in the original discussion thread.

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[Darkroom]

it's the least they can do, as Canadians will be locked into a 3 year contract for the iPhone, while Americans with AT&T only have 2 years to fulfill...

and whatever... Rogers still sucks...

[edit] $30 data plan + voice plan + the controversial "system access fee" + tax = $100ish/month (or higher)... too keep it simple lets say $100/month...

3 years = 36 months
36 * 100 = $3600 (+200 for the iPhone)...

Total = $3800...

hummm... *weighs my options*... i could have an iPhone... OR i could buy a top of the line iMac or Mac Pro, PLUS an iPod Touch for less than an iPhone... REALLY HARD DECISION.

[MacGohil]

Now, I hope even Vodafone follows the suit and makes announcement for some cheaper mobile data plans....

[akislot]

I personally like Rogers, I find the service good and I never have any issues. That is great news!!!

[monke]

Rogers is trying to pull one on us here. Don't get me wrong, $30 is unbelievable for a data plan from them, but most people will think $30 is amazing and cheap, and not look at the 3 year contract.

Rogers is being Rogers, as usual, it's never going to change.

[ebouwman]

Originally Posted by Darkroom

and whatever... Rogers still sucks...

i agree
as much as i really really want an iPhone, i'm not sure i'll get it if i can't get an unlimited data plan, otherwise it's just not worth it!

[dawnrazor]

Sticking it to the man! or not as the case my be.

[brewno]

Humpf. ATT makes it 30$ and it's expensive. Rogers makes it 30$ and it's cheap.
Lets see how it goes along with the voice plans + sms.

[jockeyrob]

Canadian Identity on the Front Page!!!

[sinalet]

Almost a verbatim copy from AT&T.

http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-...hone-3g-policy

[Abstract]

Somehow I hope Fido gets cheaper rates. I know it doesn't really make sense, since Rogers bought Fido years ago. However, I liked Fido because they were different, and I always planned on using Fido again when I moved back to Canada.

[SeaFox]

ROFL!

Three years? The way things are going soon buying a mobile phone will be as big a commitment as signing a mortgage.

[Bwilky]

Originally Posted by SeaFox

ROFL!

Three years? The way things are going soon buying a mobile phone will be as big a commitment as signing a mortgage.

My sister made a mistake by signing a 3 year contract with rogers for $30.00 a month on a normal cell phone plan. Cell phone prices are ridiculous in Canada. Somehow I don't see rogers going that cheap.

[phakebrill]

Originally Posted by Bwilky

My sister made a mistake by signing a 3 year contract with rogers for $30.00 a month on a normal cell phone plan. Cell phone prices are ridiculous in Canada. Somehow I don't see rogers going that cheap.

Three years is an absolute joke! I simply cannot understand why Apple would want to give an exclusivity deal to a carrier who will tie it's customers in like that. Nor can I understand anyone who'd agree to such a long contract, but that's just my opinion.

THREE YEARS MAN!!!

Ridiculous!

[winmacguy]

Originally Posted by MacGohil

Now, I hope even Vodafone follows the suit and makes announcement for some cheaper mobile data plans....

Here's hoping. They don't appear to be totally on to this one...yet...

[maestrokev]

I'm not signing a 3yr contract. I upgrade phones every year, imagine how outdated today's iPhone will be in 3yrs!

You knew this was going to get nasty when Rogers/Fido started bringing out cheaper data plans a few months ago but banned any phone IMEI's not purchased from them and only gave the cheaper data rates to WAP access.

So $30, if that's true, is for data, then another $30+ for voice/sms, and don't forget the $6.95 system access fee (whatever that means) and 9/11 fees + GST + PST etc.

I think people are getting too caught up in the iPhone frenzy and not realizing how much they will have spent over 3yrs on a gadget.

Originally Posted by MacGohil

Now, I hope even Vodafone follows the suit and makes announcement for some cheaper mobile data plans....

Yeah, Vodafone NZ's pricing is ridiculous. Just spent 3wks there and paid through the nose using my mobile. Guess that's the problem when the country only has 4million people.

[tjcampbell]

This YouTube iPhone parody pretty much sums up Canada's bizarre pricing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVpigiRO72Y

[TonyHoyle]

Damn. 3 years? And there was me thinking 18 months was too long.

[arn]

Originally Posted by sinalet

Almost a verbatim copy from AT&T.

http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-...hone-3g-policy

While it is nearly identical to the AT&T copy, it doesn't necessarily mean its fake.

arn

[sunfast]

Three years is unbelievably harsh! You need to hope they offer good upgrade deals as most mobile phones just don't last that long (at least mine never do).

Is three years typical in Canada?

[maestrokev]

Originally Posted by sunfast

Three years is unbelievably harsh! You need to hope they offer good upgrade deals as most mobile phones just don't last that long (at least mine never do).

Is three years typical in Canada?

It's starting to become the norm, 2-3yr contracts if you want to get a decent phone. Unlike Australia/Europe/Asia, the phones available on contract in Canada are mostly outdated jokes.

Rogers/Fido has always disliked people buying unlocked phones and using on their networks so the push to 3G data pricing is a win for them. You can't get the unlimited data prices that the iPhone brings unless your phone IMEI is a registered unit purchased from them.

[heikkipekka]

In Finland you usually get unlimited data plan 1 Mbit/s for 19,90 euros a month and 384 kbit/s for 9,90 euros a month.

What are the speeds in US and Canada for that $30 a month data plan? 1 Mbit/s or full HSDPA (what is it, 2 or 3 Mbit/s...?)?

[queshy]

wow, this is pretty good news. Thanks MR!

Hope it's true. Still - though - if there's an option for no data plan - I probably won't take it. But if it's either 30/mo data plan (unlimited) or nothing, I'll take it. About the 3 years - i find that SUPER long for a phone contract - but can't you renew and upgrade to a newer iPhone when Apple releases one? The way I see it is that whoever buys an iPhone now will pretty much be an iPhone customer for life (this is a huge generalization but I can see a lot of people ONLY buying iPhones now). So I don't really mind committing because we can just get a hardware upgrade down the road.

Originally Posted by maestrokev

I'm not signing a 3yr contract. I upgrade phones every year, imagine how outdated today's iPhone will be in 3yrs!

You knew this was going to get nasty when Rogers/Fido started bringing out cheaper data plans a few months ago but banned any phone IMEI's not purchased from them and only gave the cheaper data rates to WAP access.

So $30, if that's true, is for data, then another $30+ for voice/sms, and don't forget the $6.95 system access fee (whatever that means) and 9/11 fees + GST + PST etc.

I think people are getting too caught up in the iPhone frenzy and not realizing how much they will have spent over 3yrs on a gadget.

I hate the hidden fees. Realistically, let's say you spend 60 for the voice/data, plus another 10 for the hidden fees, then the tax..could be 75$/month. Pretty expensive. Still lame. Like I said in my above post - if there's an option for no data plan I'd probably go with that.

[maestrokev]

Originally Posted by queshy

wow, this is pretty good news. Thanks MR!

Hope it's true. Still - though - if there's an option for no data plan - I probably won't take it. But if it's either 30/mo data plan (unlimited) or nothing, I'll take it. About the 3 years - i find that SUPER long for a phone contract - but can't you renew and upgrade to a newer iPhone when Apple releases one? The way I see it is that whoever buys an iPhone now will pretty much be an iPhone customer for life (this is a huge generalization but I can see a lot of people ONLY buying iPhones now). So I don't really mind committing because we can just get a hardware upgrade down the road.

I'm just guessing but I suspect Rogers won't sell the iPhone without a data plan. But then again, I find the iPhone useless without a good data plan, otherwise I might as well continue with a slim candy bar phone.

You can probably buy a newer iPhone when it is released but Rogers will make you sign another 3yr contract, that would be my guess. I would doubt they'd let you have the new iPhone at the subsidized price and continue on the balance of your contract.

[Takeo]

My solution? Unlocked iPhone + Rogers SIM + WiFi + Pay as you Go.