The CANADIAN iPhone thread.....

[draz]

I read somewhere that the iPhone 4 will work on Wind.

Wind operates on AWS aka UMTS Band IV frequency 1700mhz. The iPhone does not support that frequency and thus does not support Wind or Mobilicity.

The iPhone works on T-Mobile USA because their 2G band is 1900mhz which the iPhone supports. T-Mobile USA's 3g band is AWS like Wind and Mobilicity which is why you can use the iPhone on T-Mobile, but not 3G
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands

1. What exactly is a month by month plan? Is it like pay as you go where you literally pay for however many minutes, texts, data you use? Or is it like I can sign up for the $50/mo plan except I'm not locked up for 3 years.

2. Are there any disadvantages at all to a no contract plan? If there aren't why don't people just buy unlocked phones instead of signing a contract? I'm assuming signing a contract gives customers better rates that will eventually be cheaper than going on a month by month plan.

3. I understand that sometimes rogers comes out with promotional plans that may be cheaper than what they currently offer. If I'm on a contract, will I be able to switch plans?

4. Finally, what would be suitable for me? Locked or unlocked?

-I don't exactly plan on switching carriers... I don't really see whats so bad about Rogers and I'm currently a rogers customer.
-I sometimes travel to hong kong, and it would be nice to be able to use my iphone there. I assume the iphone needs to be unlocked, but couldn't we unlock iphones by jailbreaking? Would jailbreaking slow up my iphone? I do have a spare import unlocked phone that I could use instead of my iphone if I do travel.
-I don't use voice too much so 200 minutes is good. I text a lot more than voice, and I would like to be able to use data (though I believe 500mb is more than enough).
-I would like to have caller ID.

Thanks for answering my questions! Please take the time to read and answer all the questions!

EDIT: I just noticed on that page that the $65 and $80 plans are tagged with iphone. Does that mean those plans are available exclusively for iphones, or does that mean iphone users are ONLY ALLOWED to use one of those 2 plans.

1. Month-by-month means that you can cancel at anytime without penalty you are not under contract. You have to tell them that you want this type of plan, they will complain and offer you free stuff if you sign up for 3yrs but if you want this plan you have to bug them for it. So yes it is like signing up for a $50/month plan but not being locked down for 3yrs.

2. Rogers might claim that some plans aren't offered on month-by-month but you can get nearly all plans on a month-by-month offer. If you were to sign up for one of these then for sure you won't get stuff like 6months Unlimited Calling, Early-Evenings, and other 'free' features which happen to be a promo at that time. More on unlocked vs locked below...

3. You can switch your plans anytime you like, if you are currently under contract then that will just be extended from the day you change and extend your plan. You cannot switch to a month-by-month plan unless your contract has expired. But yes if you find a better plan that you like switch it up.

4. I think you are better off with a locked phone. You seem to like Rogers and would not want to switch. If you go to Hong Kong then I believe your existing phone would work there, however international roaming charges apply and will change from time to time so make sure that you read and understand the roaming charges prior to departure. Don't think that "ok I paid Xcents per minute before its the same now right?" NO it changes

iPhone plans are only made for iPhones you cannot use them with Android phones, and for sure Blackberry's.

Now on to Unlocked vs Locked... Locked phones are great if you are certain that you can keep the payments for 3yrs and don't plan on changing your carrier. It is also good because you don't pay alot up front, and somewhat pay it over time via the plan fees.
Unlocked phones are great for someone who likes the freedom of switching to another carrier if they don't like the rates of their existing one. Or if they really want the phone to use on a prepaid plan. You can also take an unlocked phone and sign up for a prepaid plan with any carrier where you are traveling. People want Smartphones now, you can easily buy a "dumbphone" or perhaps even an Android powered phone for around $200 bucks, but then the carriers are selling that same phone for $25... Or takes the iPhone $199 or $700, what would you prefer to pay? Most would prefer the smaller amount, but then behind that small number is a catch 3yr contract!

 

[SkottDMD]

You're not going to like this then. A "tipster" is saying that the iPhone 4 will launch on August 2nd in Canada. I call BS, but who knows.

We need an official release date from Apple/Rogers! Let's go already!

Source

The tip is sourced from Rogers, unless that person is an executive at Rogers I wouldn't trust it that much. Go to three different Rogers stores and I'm sure you'll get three very different answers. Last week I asked two stores both gave different dates, one employee who looked quite nervous explicitly mentioned a sales central bulletin confirming the date (July 26th). Both were quite confident with their answers but a subsequent visit to another store revealed there was no such bulletin and singled out the store who had mentioned the date. Given that both Steve Jobs and a press release mentioned that there would be no delay, I'm fairly sure it will still be launched at some point this month. However, I wouldn't be surprised if some last minute snag caused a delay.

 

[draz]

Unless their tipster who they claimed was "Reliable" (just like the Rogers network... ?) in past tips then perhaps it might be the real thing.

But until we see an official release date from Rogers, Apple, or even Bell and Telus then we just have to take each rumor as just that... a rumor. I was hoping for something this week, but this week is now over... so next week then!

 

[taran420]

Rogers no longer offers blocking of data, but if you have it now great. But they will no longer be adding it for those who want it now.

Are you sure? I am 99.9% sure they still add data blocks. If they don't they will have a lot of pissed off customers. Do you have a link where it says they don't?

 

[draz]

Are you sure? I am 99.9% sure they still add data blocks. If they don't they will have a lot of pissed off customers. Do you have a link where it says they don't?

This link was the easiest to dig up:
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-rogers/rogersfido-begin-new-data-block-policy/

 

[taran420]

that is an amazing plan.. you spoke with an awesome rep lol.

i have some bullshhh

$45/month
callerid
300min
500mb of data
unlimited texts
evening and weekends free starting at 6
100 long distance minutes

uhhhh and some other useless addons.

i really need to negotiate with retentions, however.. i never go over anything.

i just WISH they didn't charge me $7 for callerID, that screwed up my entire plan. i've been with them so long and they can't even credit me $8.

Always speak to detentions since they are the only people that can give you credits.
Is that $45 tax in? I'm paying about $43 for almost the same plan but I also have unlimited incoming

 

[taran420]

This link was the easiest to dig up:
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-rogers/rogersfido-begin-new-data-block-policy/

Thanks for the link

Damnnnn robbers never seize to amaze me, what a retarded policy. Hmmm I have a data plan but I'm gonna call soon and ask them to block my data and see what happens. This should be interesting

 

[draz]

Always speak to detentions since they are the only people that can give you credits.
Is that $45 tax in? I'm paying about $43 for almost the same plan but I also have unlimited incoming

I like dealing with the beginners because they don't know what to say when they realize that they are wrong

 

[ianham]

Always speak to detentions since they are the only people that can give you credits.
Is that $45 tax in? I'm paying about $43 for almost the same plan but I also have unlimited incoming

How do you guys get these plans? I'm a cell phone newbie, and I'm looking forward to the new iPhone, but want a whole bunch of features that you have that aren't mentioned in the standard Rogers plan (unlimited text, etc), and I don't want to pay more than $50/month.

 

[draz]

A new customer you simply cannot. If you have been with them for multiple years then you can for sure get these plans. The longer you stay with them the more features you can get easily.

There isn't many options for new customers.... sadly


When I changed my plan a few months ago they threw a ton of free things my way without me even having to ask... I guess being a 10yr customer has its benefits....

 

[taran420]

How do you guys get these plans? I'm a cell phone newbie, and I'm looking forward to the new iPhone, but want a whole bunch of features that you have that aren't mentioned in the standard Rogers plan (unlimited text, etc), and I don't want to pay more than $50/month.

If you have been with rogers for atleast 6 months then you qualify for their retention plan. Basically call them up, tell them you are paying too much and tell them about the competitors. Then say you wanna cancel., this will get you transferred to detentions and then you can tell them that you are paying too much for the service you are getting. The less years left on your contract the better chance you have of getting a nice deal. Takes a few tries and the right retention person to get a nice deal, so yes luck is involved aswell.
Good luck

 

[DeathChill]

Well, my 3 year contract expires in August. So, I guess I could get to retentions and get a sweet deal for $45 like you guys? Hmm indeed! That means signing a new contract though, right?

 

[taran420]

A new customer you simply cannot. If you have been with them for multiple years then you can for sure get these plans. The longer you stay with them the more features you can get easily.

There isn't many options for new customers.... sadly


When I changed my plan a few months ago they threw a ton of free things my way without me even having to ask... I guess being a 10yr customer has its benefits....

Ditto. The years of service matter and also the years left on your contract. But I got my latest deal with still having 2 years left on my contract and being a 3 year Rogers customer.
So if you are an existing customer, doesn't hurt to try your luck

 

[draz]

To get a retention plan does mean extending your contract for another 3yrs. And as stated above does mean that it takes sometime to get some plan that you like.

But the benefits of these plans usually results in something that is cheaper than the other carriers for new customers.

 

[taran420]

Well, my 3 year contract expires in August. So, I guess I could get to retentions and get a sweet deal for $45 like you guys? Hmm indeed! That means signing a new contract though, right?

Yes indeed and you can get a really sweet deal. Check your pm in 5 mins, I'll send you something helpful

 

[ianham]

If you have been with rogers for atleast 6 months then you qualify for their retention plan. Basically call them up, tell them you are paying too much and tell them about the competitors. Then say you wanna cancel., this will get you transferred to detentions and then you can tell them that you are paying too much for the service you are getting. The less years left on your contract the better chance you have of getting a nice deal. Takes a few tries and the right retention person to get a nice deal, so yes luck is involved aswell.
Good luck

I've been a Rogers internet and Cable TV user for many years. Will this be of any help?

 

[draz]

I've been a Rogers internet and Cable TV user for many years. Will this be of any help?

Not unless you threaten to move all those services!
But my guess would be no to that.

 

[taran420]

As draz said those won't help unless you have been a wireless customer for atleast 6 months. Then you try to get an retention deal and use cable, internet services as a leverage to get good a deal

 

[Lancing]

I've been a Rogers internet and Cable TV user for many years. Will this be of any help?

I had the exact reverse of that situation. I had my cell with Rogers and all my other services with Bell.

I moved my home phone, cable and internet to Rogers in December and got a pretty good package deal and my cell over to Bell.

Got better deals on both sides by offering to switch. I had to forcefully and repeatidly specify no contract to both companies. Rogers even went to go so far as to sign me up for a 3 year contract against my explicit request not to. I had to get it corrected over the phone the day my services were hooked up.

Thus far there have been no issues with my cell on Bell. I even had them drop my monthly rate once so far when I found a better offer with a competitor and had them match it.

 

[MacModMachine]

Simple and smart reasons for getting it UNLOCKED!

1. YOU own the phone, legally, not Rogers (which owns it for the $199 subsidy price you pay on a 3yr Contract)!!

2. Your FREE to choose your provider(s) WHENEVER YOU choose without having to pay out of your contract price. I'll get to this in a bit. Choices: Rogers, Telus, Bell, Wind/Mobility City in the large metropolis'.

3. should you CHOOSE to purchase on Contract think the following:
3yrs x extimate $49/mth = $1764 [ $588/yr ].
This covers your voice & data service. Now ADD to this if you CANCEL you owe $20/mth up to $400 (yup no longer 200/300) & the remainder of the current bill.
ADD: the Data Contract: which entails another $20/mth up to $200/300 now for cancelling your contract.
NOW should you do this to jump to another provider guess what in 30days you own another $49+tax (again estimated minimum).

So ... $400 VoicePlan cancelling, $200(minimum) Data cancelling (EVEN though Data was already PART of your plan not an add on and your PHONE is subsidized not Data so this is why I consider this extortion), and your current bill. $650+tax (which will now include HST). Let's say you find a better plan & terms on Telus/Bell/Rogers from the current provider you're own, and its been say 6mths into your contract. SHOULD you're USED phone still hold BNIB retail value or market value? ITs a product and like any other amortizes over time thus value falls; but that Contract binds you.

Many on Rogers that got the 3GS where LOCKED into their initial pp at launch and could NOT take advantage of the adjust plan that launch in mid August. Do you see where I'm coming from?!

solution: Purchase it outright, if you don't have a pp ... take one existing from another client that already has a contract ... you get wiggle room since say 1yr may already be used up and also you did NOT get a hardware so next year when iPhone 4s or 4+ or 4HD or iPhone 5 launches you CAN get the HUP (hardware upgrade) at cheaper value should you like contract extension at that time. I have such a plan if you want it.
$65/mth 400 daytime minutes, unlimited eves/wkends starting at 6pm (I think) and 6GB data per month ... with that who NEEDS wifi when your mobile.

that is an amazing plan.. you spoke with an awesome rep lol.

i have some bullshhh

$45/month
callerid
300min
500mb of data
unlimited texts
evening and weekends free starting at 6
100 long distance minutes

uhhhh and some other useless addons.

i really need to negotiate with retentions, however.. i never go over anything.

i just WISH they didn't charge me $7 for callerID, that screwed up my entire plan. i've been with them so long and they can't even credit me $8.

one call to customer relations saying your moving to bell will change all that

 

[fuzion11]

i pay

53$ a month for

unlimited text
6gb data
350 mins
early 5pm eve + weekends
caller id
visual vm
unlimited incoming calls

which after a year with rogers you can easily get some serious discounts by calling customer retentions.

im not trying to support rogers(or any cell company)....but contracts are almost unavoidable these days.

That's like the best plan of all time!

How long have you been a customer and how long did you have remaining on your contract when you made the call to retentions?

So when you call C/S and say "I want to cancel" they'll automatically send you to the retention department right away??

I've been a customer for at least 4 years, have always had bills in the hundred range and now have 2 years left on my 3 year contract. My plan is like this....

$30 - 150 day min. Plus double your minutes and an additional 50 minutes on top equalling 350 day minutes total plus free evenings and weekends

$9 - starts my evenings and weekends at 5pm

$20 - iPhone value pack - call display, visual voicemail, unlimited text and picture messaging and who called

$30 - 6 gig of data

$2 - name display

$5 - auto roadside service

They also give me a $5 credit every month, I forget why that happened though.

Plus system access and 911

Do you guys think I can do better??

 

[simplymuzik3]

That's like the best plan of all time!

How long have you been a customer and how long did you have remaining on your contract when you made the call to retentions?

So when you call C/S and say "I want to cancel" they'll automatically send you to the retention department right away??

I've been a customer for at least 4 years, have always had bills in the hundred range and now have 2 years left on my 3 year contract. My plan is like this....

$30 - 150 day min. Plus double your minutes and an additional 50 minutes on top equalling 350 day minutes total plus free evenings and weekends

$9 - starts my evenings and weekends at 5pm

$20 - iPhone value pack - call display, visual voicemail, unlimited text and picture messaging and who called

$30 - 6 gig of data

$2 - name display

$5 - auto roadside service

They also give me a $5 credit every month, I forget why that happened though.

Plus system access and 911

Do you guys think I can do better??

You can definitely do better! I have Fido, and I got this plan 1 WEEK after starting a new 3 year contract! I pay $80 + tax (already includes system access fee).

Here is what I get:

- Unlimited calling
- 6GB Data
- Unlimited messaging
- Caller ID/Visual Voicemail

And I got all of this after only 1 week into my new contract. I've never had Fido before either! When you call, just ask for Retentions Department. If they ask why, tell them that "Wind Mobile is offering me a better deal for the same price". Works like a charm

 

[ianham]

Alright, so I'm wondering if someone could tell me some stuff to say to get some deals when the iP4 comes out. Here's my complete situation:
-Looking to get an iP4 with a plan <$50/month
-Been a Rogers internet and cable user for 5+ years
-Also on my family account is my brother's Nokia cell which he pays around $70/month for MY10 Nationwide.
-I want unlimited text, caller ID, visual vm, and 1gb of data.

Is it possible?

 

[krUnIzZlE]

So, can i walk into a roger's or telcom store and buy a iphone 4 contract free?? unlocked???

 

[jsh]

So, can i walk into a roger's or telcom store and buy a iphone 4 contract free?? unlocked???

Likely only apple. Rogers or other telco's may sell it contract free, but it will likely be locked to them still. If you want contract free AND unlocked, go to Apple.