Rogers says Canadian iPhone 3G plans to start at $60 for 150 mins

[AppleInsider]

Rogers Wireless, Canada's exclusive service provider for Apple's upcoming iPhone 3G handset, announced Friday that monthly service plans for the new touch-screen handset will start at $60 for 150 anytime minutes, 75 outgoing text messages, and 400 megabytes of internet data.

The wireless carrier said 400MB of data will provide subscribers with "up to 200,000 text emails or 3,100 web pages or 1,360 photo attachments." A $75 plan will include 300 anytime minutes, 100 outgoing text messages and 750MB of data -- good for "up to 380,000 text emails or 5,900 web pages or 2,560 photo attachments."

For $100 per month, Canadian iPhone users get 600 anytime minutes, 200 outgoing text messages and 1GB of data, which should be sufficient for "up to 524,000 text emails or 8,000 web pages or 3,500 photo attachments." Finally, a high-end plan priced at $115 per month offers 800 anytime minutes, 300 outgoing text messages and 2GB of data -- good for " up to 1,048,000 text emails or 16,000 web pages or 7,000 photo attachments."

All price plans require a three-year contract and include unlimited weekend and evening minutes, unlimited Visual Voicemail, and unlimited incoming text messages. Each plan also includes free Wi-Fi access at all Rogers and Fido hotspots.

Separately, Rogers will offer two voice value packs for popular wireless features: a $15 monthly value pack including Caller ID, Who Called, Caller Ring Trax, 2,500 Sent Text Messages and 2,500 Call Forwarding Minutes; and a $20 monthly value pack including Caller ID, Who Called, Caller Ring Trax, 10,000 Sent Text Messages and 6:00 p.m. Early Evening Calling and 2,500 Call Forwarding Minutes.

Rogers Wireless iPhone 3G Price Plans

Data Usage - What You Get

Fido, Canada's fourth largest wireless provider and Rogers partner also announced Friday that it will offer an identical set of iPhone 3G service plans.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[cameronj]

Since when is caller ID given space on a feature sheet?

[solipsism]

That is actually good for Rogers.

Now why can't AT&T include SMS as part of the data. I have a feeling a class action is brewing with the US price gouging of text messages among its main carriers.

[webhead]

This doesn't seem too bad, but still too expensive for me. If the basic package was $40.00/month I would definitely get an iPhone next month, but I think I'll wait until the monthly rates come down. I really don't see why we have to pay a monthly fee for internet access on our home computers and on our wireless phones as well. I'm only paying for the internet once, paying twice for the same service is just nuts!

Is there a device out there that can broadcast your wi-fi connection from your home computer strong enough to cover your own home city, or is that just dreaming?

[dellarsoul]

Since when is "incoming SMS" given space on a feature sheet?

[Restalot]

Don't forget about the $8/month "system access fee" (= Ted Rogers 'bet I fooled you to think this was a gov't surcharge' Stupidity tax)

And the $0.50 911 access fee's...

So the basic plan with Caller ID (who doesn't want/deserve caller ID?!?) is:

$60 Base Fee
$15 Caller ID (and other less know/unused features)
$8 Ted Roger's Stupidity Tax
$0.50 911 Fee
======
$83.50 /mo
+ 5% GST
+ 7% PST (depends on province)
======
$93.52/mo
x 3years
======
$3,366.72

Old Teddy will be very happy.

[bsenka]

Wow. I knew Rogers was going to hose us, but even I didn't think it would be that bad.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by webhead

This doesn't seem too bad, but still too expensive for me. If the basic package was $40.00/month I would definitely get an iPhone next month, but I think I'll wait until the monthly rates come down. I really don't see why we have to pay a monthly fee for internet access on our home computers and on our wireless phones as well. I'm only paying for the internet once, paying twice for the same service is just nuts!

Is there a device out there that can broadcast your wi-fi connection from your home computer strong enough to cover your own home city, or is that just dreaming?

Yeah, despite how "revolutionary" this pricing is for Rogers, it still pretty much sucks. This is what happens when you allow for monopolies in areas of the economy that should really be "given" services.

The base package is $60, but with system access fees and taxes you are still talking more like $75 bucks a month. If you have any overages or roaming fees, then more like $85 or even a hundred. And that's for the cheapest package, and for what? A phone.

I also still have to pay $40 a month to the monopolist land-line phone company for a line I don't even use. And I still have to pay $90 or so to the monopolist cable company just to watch TV.

There is no reason, given the actual costs of providing them, that these services could not be priced at about a quarter of what they are now and if there was some kind of competition in the market they would drop to that in a week. I'm not opposed to people making money but why as a society we allow monopolistic companies to prey on people in this way is beyond me.

[bigmc6000]

Looks like Rogers would cost me the same as AT&T except with AT&T I actually get a bit more.

450 mins + Unlimited Data + Unlimited Texts = $90

Rogers
300 mins + 700MB of Data + the $15 plan for 2,500 texts = $90

I think those 150 mins are huge tho. Looks like those in the US aren't the only ones getting the shaft on this deal.

As far as the incoming text message thing - I think that'd be great as it would cut my text message usage nearly in half... Then I might not need the unlimited package, just the 1500 package from AT&T (AT&T counts each text message, incoming or outgoing, against your allotment)

[wheatieheel]

Originally Posted by solipsism

That is actually good for Rogers.

Now why can't AT&T include SMS as part of the data. I have a feeling a class action is brewing with the US price gouging of text messages among its main carriers.

Did you see the prices Rogers is charging? They ARE charging extra for SMS. And there is no unlimited data plan with Rogers. Rogers is the definition of price gouging. All of the Canadian carriers are ridiculous. Look at the minute and data limitations for the above price points.

[mariofreak85]

And I thought AT&T was bending customers over....

[ajmas]

Is it possible to use the data mode only in Wi-Fi mode, without using the 3G data mode? If I could do that, then it would allow me to pay something more reasonable and then limit my data uses to where there are Wi-Fi hot spots.

[Booga]

Originally Posted by mariofreak85

And I thought AT&T was bending customers over....

Yeah, enough articles saying the US has it worse than other countries in the cellphone industry... we may not be as good as east Asia, but we're a far sight better than Canada!

[Toprock]

Not to mention it's only available on a 3 year contract. 2 would be fine with me, but as much as I want an Iphone there's no way I'd sign that.

[webhead]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

Yeah, despite how "revolutionary" this pricing is for Rogers, it still pretty much sucks. This is what happens when you allow for monopolies in areas of the economy that should really be "given" services.

The base package is $60, but with system access fees and taxes you are still talking more like $75 bucks a month. If you have any overages or roaming fees, then more like $85 or even a hundred. And that's for the cheapest package, and for what? A phone.

I also still have to pay $40 a month to the monopolist land-line phone company for a line I don't even use. And I still have to pay $90 or so to the monopolist cable company just to watch TV.

There is no reason, given the actual costs of providing them, that these services could not be priced at about a quarter of what they are now and if there was some kind of competition in the market they would drop to that in a week. I'm not opposed to people making money but why as a society we allow monopolistic companies to prey on people in this way is beyond me.

Agreeded, would I pay a separate electric bill to charge my cell phone? No. So why do I have to pay for home inetrnet access and cell phone internet access??? Plus add to that cost the yearly cost of mobileme.com. I think I'll hope that free wi-fi access makes it to Edmonton soon, then I can use an iPod Touch for email and internet, because getting dinged twice for the same service is bogus!!!

[lfmorrison]

Originally Posted by cameronj

Since when is caller ID given space on a feature sheet?

Caller ID is a separately billed feature with every major Canadian wireless carrier, at least in Atlantic Canada. For their prepaid plans, last time I looked into it, most of the carriers generally threw in caller ID automatically, but for their contract plans they usually don't include it in the advertised plan price and charge extra to add it.

[Matthew Yohe]

Wow. A friend of mine said Rogers is a criminal... I didn't believe him until I saw these prices.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by wheatieheel

Did you see the prices Rogers is charging? They ARE charging extra for SMS. And there is no unlimited data plan with Rogers. Rogers is the definition of price gouging. All of the Canadian carriers are ridiculous. Look at the minute and data limitations for the above price points.

It looked like SMS was counted as data.

[whuzza]

I'm a Rogers Wireless customer and I'm currently paying $65 CND/month for 1GB data access on EDGE on my iPhone. No, there is no cheaper plan, even though I only use 15-20 MB of data per month.

Without a plan, Rogers charges a ridiculous $30.72 per 1 MB.

Therefore, a $60 plan that includes 400 MB on 3G with 150 minutes, unlimited evening (9PM? Bah.) and weekends is a decent deal for the only GSM provider in Canada. It even includes voicemail, which used to be a $7 add-on.

Unfortunately, the new scheme forces people who want Caller ID to pay an additional $20/month. Rogers has never offered just Caller ID as a separate add-on.

it possible to use the data mode only in Wi-Fi mode, without using the 3G data mode? If I could do that, then it would allow me to pay something more reasonable and then limit my data uses to where there are Wi-Fi hot spots.

With the current iPhone, yes. The data access gateway for EDGE (APN) is "internet.com" for Rogers Wireless. (Settings -> General -> Network -> EDGE -> APN)

If you change this value, the iPhone will not be able to connect via EDGE. However, you can still connect to any Wi-Fi hotspot.

However, you will not be able to buy an Apple iPhone 3G without a phone plan. You're forced to sign on a minimum of $60/month 3-year plan to buy the iPhone at the $199/$299 price.

[webhead]

add in the cost of mobileme.com as well, because you'll want to sync all your stuff with your computer too.

[Tulkas]

Here is the actual press release for Fido:
http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/storie...4840127&EDATE=

So, what does this mean for those of us on EPP plans or other nonstandard voice plans? Since it doesn't appear they will be offering data on top of existing voice plans, will we have to give up our current plans? That would be complete shit.

ihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihater ogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersi haterogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihatero gersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersih aterogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterog ersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersiha terogersihaterogersihaterogersihaterogersihateroge rsihaterogers

And from Rogers site:
http://www.rogers.com/web/content/wi..._data_packages

[iVlad]

OMG we're so spoiled in US.

[rener]

Does Apple Inside own shares of Rogers?

Why not report on them accurately? Why not compare Rogers' rates with other iPhone carriers? Why not try to help out your Canadian readers?

Fido is not Rogers' partner. Rogers owns Fido, which is why they are a GSM monopoly in Canada, and engage in all sorts of anti-competitive practices, without any government oversight or consumer redress.

These plans are hideous.

[tuncer]

Wow, Rogers takes a dump on Canadian customers yet again. No wonder Rogers is nicknamed Robers...

Unfortunately I'm with Rogers...bring on T-Mobile Canada!

[whuzza]

Originally Posted by webhead

add in the cost of mobileme.com as well, because you'll want to sync all your stuff with your computer too.

Not really. I'm using Google Mail and Google Calendar with my iPhone today. I don't really need MobileMe, especially if it costs $99/year.

My iPhone uses IMAP to access Google Mail. So e-mail is always accessible through the Web or my phone.

The calendar syncs with Google Calendar (through Spanning Sync) when I charge my iPhone every night. It's not as slick as MobileMe, but it's cheaper at $25/year.

[apprehensive]

I hate this company so much!

I thought Apple demanded unlimited data plans?!

What a downer.

[John_Drake]

OH. MY. GOD!!!

Rogers you incredible bastards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so f-ing happy I'm moving to the US in September. If I wasn't though I wouldn't even consider purchasing an iPhone with these plans.

Fellow Canadians lets make a stand here and now and not get locked into a horrible contract with Rogers.

This is absolutely, unequivocally unacceptable.

[rothmans]

First off, $60 for a complete plan is in the ballpark for Canada. I'm not happy about it but that is what friends who have owned treos have had to pay.

The real problem is coverage. Canada's old telephone companies are provincially and/or regionally based. 15 years ago they formed an loose partnership to better manage long distance and a new thing - the Internet. This alliance/partnership has long since faded.

Rogers is a relative upstart evolving out of the cable TV business. And while they have a presence in all provinces - making them the only real national company - there coverage outside larger cities is sad. Where I live it is considered a joke. That is not an exaggeration.

In addition to the old companies and Rogers there are a bunch of smaller companies. None of these smaller companies have there own network of cell towers. All carries are required by law to rent out usage of there cell networks to their competition. Fido, and most other non-traditional companies, use the Rogers network.

I have always felt that this situation has presented a dilemma for Apple. Do we go with Rogers and have one national carrier for the iPhone in Canada - or do we try to manage relationships with a bunch of regional (and far better established) companies? In the largest country on the planet with a population of 33 million (less than California) the answer was a no-brainer.

I have used Macs since 1985. As do all my kids. I have run three different Mac-based businesses. I am also am Apple stockholder.

I will not be buying an iPhone because if I go more than 30 miles from my home I will have no coverage. Fewer bars in fewer places.

[durangotang]

What a f*cking joke. I mean really. But at least you Canadians get healthcare ;-)

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by rener

Why not report on them accurately? Why not compare Rogers' rates with other iPhone carriers? Why not try to help out your Canadian readers?

The Rogers/Fido partnership was incorrect, but I see no reason why AI should compare and contrast the plans from Rogers in Canada to AT&T in the US to 02 in the UK, etc. I don't recall them doing that yet for any carrier, so why now? What would be the point of it? Different countries have different costs depending on terrestrial size, per capita coverage, per capita density, and government support. There is also things like free incoming calls in the EU that make it impossible to compare to countries that account for incoming minutes.

If you want to compare Rogers with other carriers in Canada, the US, or elsewhere feel free. I'm sure there are plenty here who would be interested (me included) in seeing how much Canadian cell service really sucks in comparison, but please try to cover all the bases and be objective in your assessment.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by John_Drake

Title: Unconcievable

This is absolutely, unequivocally unacceptable.

I am under the impression that 400MB for $60 is cheap for Rogers. Please correct me if wrong.

PS: While un- and in- mean the same thing they have different origins. the first is Germanic and the latter is Latin. 'Unconceivable' is an inconventional spelling for 'inconceivable'.

[krafix]

Don't forget: Evenings start at 9pm without extra

[rener]

AI has reported "incorrectly" on Rogers before:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...in_canada.html

Every little piece of BS disinformation hurts the cause for reasonable data in Canada because it may make just one more person think it's no longer a problem, or Rogers isn't the GSM monopoly, or whatever.

And AI doesn't have to post anything, of course, but if posting something would be of great benefit to part of their readership, then why not? Heck, get Dilger to post it. He's on fire lately.

Forget Spain, Prince. Get into the Rogers BS.

Originally Posted by solipsism

The Rogers/Fido partnership was incorrect, but I see no reason why AI should compare and contrast the plans from Rogers in Canada to AT&T in the US to 02 in the UK, etc. I don't recall them doing that yet for any carrier, so why now? What would be the point of it? Different countries have different costs depending on terrestrial size, per capita coverage, per capita density, and government support. There is also things like free incoming calls in the EU that make it impossible to compare to countries that account for incoming minutes.

[ajmas]

Which countries are going to be selling the iPhone without a plan, unlocked? I am almost tempted to pay $700 for the iPhone and then use it as I wish, without EDGE or 3G data.

[Cam'ron]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I am under the impression that 400MB for $60 is cheap for Rogers. Please correct me if wrong.

PS: While un- and in- mean the same thing they have different origins. the first is Germanic and the latter is Latin. 'Unconceivable' is an inconventional spelling for 'inconceivable'.

Yeah, I have no problem with the data side of things. If the $60 offered 200 min and 200 txt (not 150 and 75) I would be very happy to take it. It looks like I might have to bend over for the $75 plan.

[munkynuts]

Originally Posted by rothmans

In the largest country on the planet with a population of 33 million (less than California) the answer was a no-brainer.

That would be Russia. 17,098,242 sq/km vs 9,984,670 sq/km

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I am under the impression that 400MB for $60 is cheap for Rogers. Please correct me if wrong.

PS: While un- and in- mean the same thing they have different origins. the first is Germanic and the latter is Latin. 'Unconceivable' is an inconventional spelling for 'inconceivable'.

No, it isn't cheap. Rogers/Fido offer other 3G "unlimited" date/browsing packages for $7, $11, $15 and $20. For that, you keep your existing voice plans and add the 3G data package on top. The iPhone packages throw your existing voice plans out. Many people have grandfathered voice plans or EPP plans for negotiated retention plans. These people are SOL with the iPhone. They have to give up their existing voice plans and go with a canned voice+data plan that potentially gives them fewer minutes and certainly fewer voice side features (like call display).

Their other unlimited 3G data plans will not be offered on their iPhones.

[ronster]

Not surprised, as Rogers has a stranglehold on GSM in Canada. Come on emerging carriers, get your #$%@ together and build on the new spectrum you spent billions on.

I guess if I want an iPhone, it the v1 unlocked one for me.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Tulkas

No, it isn't cheap. Rogers/Fido offer other 3G "unlimited" date/browsing packages for $7, $11, $15 and $20.

That makes no sense unless you quantify it. Id est, why would I choose the $20/month unlmited data plan if their an unlimited data plan for $7.

[rener]

Originally Posted by solipsism

That makes no sense unless you quantify it. Id est, why would I choose the $20/month unlmited data plan if their an unlimited data plan for $7.

Because its BS, and deliberately confusing BS.

The other "unlimited" plans are not unlimited, they only work under an incredibly complex series of conditions like: only on feature phones, not smartphones. Only on WAP browsers, not real browsers. Only on Rogers' branded browsers. Only on links from Rogers' page. Etc.

They've also experimented with an ever-increasingly confusing set of plans for Blackberry or Nokia unlimited email but not web, or vice versa.

EPIC FAIL.