Canadian iPhone 3G S buyers get late discount, Apple store option

[AppleInsider]

With just hours to go before the iPhone 3G S reaches its stores, Canadian provider Rogers and its sister brand Fido have promised heavy discounts for existing iPhone 3G customers trading up to the faster model. Also, Apple stores in the country will finally let customers buy the devices there instead of carrier stores.

Rogers' and Fido's price reductions depend heavily on when customers bought their phones and how much they spend per month on service. The most privileged are those who bought an iPhone 3G before September 30th and who spend at least $100 CAD a month on their total service plan; these get a full subsidy and pay the same $199 CAD for a 16GB iPhone 3G S, or $299 CAD for a 32GB version, as customers new to the service or who qualify for a full upgrade.

Those who spend less than $100 per month but who still bought their iPhones before the end of 2008 get a partial discount. Here, the 16GB iPhone 3G S costs $449 CAD while the 32GB version costs $549.

Additionally, those specifically on Fido can use their FidoDollars to help cover the cost of the iPhone 3G S at any price and get $100 in FidoDollars without having to extend or renew their contracts.

Rogers paints the gesture as its way of rewarding early adopters and says it's offering existing customers a dramatic discount even though they would normally have to wait up to two years to qualify for the full price. It says those who don't qualify for any upgrades or as new customers will pay exactly what the carrier does: $680 CAD for a 16GB model and $780 CAD for the larger capacity. If true, this sets the at-cost US prices of the 2009 phones at about $600 and $700 respectively. The holdover 8GB iPhone 3G will cost $580 CAD (about $514 US) but won't have an early upgrade option.

The move comes after an unusual amount of silence from Rogers. It was quick to provide its new subscriber pricing shortly after Apple unveiled the handset last week but, even as late as Thursday afternoon, didn't have any more to share.

Apple for its part is also tending an olive branch to Canadians. Starting Friday, all the company's retail outlets in the country will also sell iPhones to Rogers and Fido customers much as American and UK stores do now. Details of which plans will be offered and how many discounts will apply are unknown, but shoppers will have at least the choice of signing up as new subscribers or else buying a given phone outright without extending a contract. Rumors have circulated that the absence of Apple store purchasing was part of retaliation against Rogers for poor data service, though little has been said since to corroborate the claims made nearly a year ago.

Canada's nine current Apple stores will also be the first to sell the iPhone 3G S and will open their doors at 8 a.m. -- an hour later than the 7 a.m. US opening, but two hours sooner than most Rogers and Fido locations. Fido's flagship Montreal store, just blocks away from Apple's downtown Montreal store, is said to be opening at 8 a.m. as well.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[teckstud]

Please- can we get one , just one, non- iPhone related thread at the Appleinsider already? Do we really need to have a thread for each and every country ? Can't you just lump them all into one and call it a day?

[canadan]

Hmmm, I'm gonna have to give them a call then and see if I'm eligible for the full discount. I just might be and I just might upgrade if it's that easy.

[CanadianMac2008]

This is still stupid.

It's great if you're with Rogers, but sucks if you happen to be with Fido, like me. I pay well over $100 a month, but because I'm with Fido, somebody else paying the exact same amount on Rogers will get the regular pricing.

Rogers acts like they're different companies, but really they both copy and paste their press releases, mention each other and to the consumer, appear the be essentially the same.

I hate that Rogers is treating me like I'm some cheapo. No, I pay well over $100/month and am more than willing to extend my contract. It's not like I'm paying $60/month as some are without a data plan. No, I gladly use my services and have a number of extras on my account. This whole thing is just idiotic. I didn't sign up for Fido because they were branded as being cheap, I did so because when I moved to school, I heard they were good. If I'd known that we'd be getting the short end of the stick I'd have gone with Rogers instead. Screw Fido and Rogers.

[cameronj]

This is so not fair! How come ATT customers have to spend $200 US and Canadians only have to spend $176!

I'm totally protesting.

Can anyone tell me why ATT is being so unfair?

Did I mention I'm a loyal ATT customer? I pay them $69.99 of my hard earned dollars every year and I get a new phone every year for as little as I can, and I HATE ATT and I say it from the rooftop every chance I get. And I'm soooo loyal! How can they do this to meeeeeee!?!?!

I expect a reply, ATT, because I know you're reading. And Apple, too! If Apple doesn't make this right, I'm going to hate them too. Because I'm totally Apple's most loyal customer and they can't let ATT screw me like this!

[MacTripper]

$100 a month?

I get same AT&T voice for only $10 a month and the $30 phone is paid for!

Now just trot those iPhone apps over to OS X and I'll be happy.

Someone build a port, emulator, time machine or something...

I'll pay $$ to have the iPhone apps on my Mac.

[Abster2core]

Now I am in a dilemma. I was going to hold off. Now I have to convince my wife to take my 3G so I can move up.

Tethered earlier tonight. Great speed over 3G. Safari flew.

[Quadra 610]

Early upgrade for $199 for the 16gb. Very nice. Same as a year ago.

I'm eligible June 5th, even though I'm only a year through my 3-year contract.

I'll be upgrading for sure. I spoke to them today, and everything sounded very favourable towards this option. As the iPhone is my ONLY phone, with the full services package from Rogers + 6gb data plan, long-dstance package, etc., (I have everything on it) my monthly bill comes out to around $110-$125. So I'm eligible for the most favourable upgrade pricing.

Nice move, Rogers. Not the cheapest service by any means, but still the best by miles and miles.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by CanadianMac2008

This is still stupid.

It's great if you're with Rogers, but sucks if you happen to be with Fido, like me. I pay well over $100 a month, but because I'm with Fido, somebody else paying the exact same amount on Rogers will get the regular pricing.

Rogers acts like they're different companies, but really they both copy and paste their press releases, mention each other and to the consumer, appear the be essentially the same.

I hate that Rogers is treating me like I'm some cheapo. No, I pay well over $100/month and am more than willing to extend my contract. It's not like I'm paying $60/month as some are without a data plan. No, I gladly use my services and have a number of extras on my account. This whole thing is just idiotic. I didn't sign up for Fido because they were branded as being cheap, I did so because when I moved to school, I heard they were good. If I'd known that we'd be getting the short end of the stick I'd have gone with Rogers instead. Screw Fido and Rogers.

You pay over $100/month with Fido???

I pay that with Rogers. What are you doing with Fido??

I have Rogers' complete package - everything, on my iPhone, from long-distance, to 6gb data plan, etc., (since I have no landline) and my bill usually comes out to around $120/month, but not more.

Fido is Rogers' budget brand. You seem to be spending a bit too much on it, no?

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by CanadianMac2008

This is still stupid.

It's great if you're with Rogers, but sucks if you happen to be with Fido, like me. I pay well over $100 a month, but because I'm with Fido, somebody else paying the exact same amount on Rogers will get the regular pricing.

Rogers acts like they're different companies, but really they both copy and paste their press releases, mention each other and to the consumer, appear the be essentially the same.

I hate that Rogers is treating me like I'm some cheapo. No, I pay well over $100/month and am more than willing to extend my contract. It's not like I'm paying $60/month as some are without a data plan. No, I gladly use my services and have a number of extras on my account. This whole thing is just idiotic. I didn't sign up for Fido because they were branded as being cheap, I did so because when I moved to school, I heard they were good. If I'd known that we'd be getting the short end of the stick I'd have gone with Rogers instead. Screw Fido and Rogers.

Exactly.

The article really should be corrected. Fido customers only see a discount of $100. period. The FidoDollars that we are 'allowed' to use have been around for years and have always been allowed to be applied to any phone, accessory or option (they are clawing this back now too). So, while Rogers iPhone owners can get the iPhone for the same prices a new customers (through a $500 discount), Fido owners get $100 discount and are allowed to use their FidoDollars. Since most used their FidoDollars last year when buying the iPhone, they will not have accumulated much in the last year.

To have spent enough on their monthly bills to equal $400 difference in discount between the two brands, the Fido customer would have to be spending an average of $666 per month to earn $400 in FidoDollars over the last year.

Obviously the Fido customer are being screwed. I have been with Fido for many year, well before Rogers took them over and took them downhill. They ruin a once great little carrier that appealed to the underdog, much like Apple. Imagine how MS would ruin the relationship Apple has with the customer if they bought Apple. That is much the same as what Rogers did by buying Fido.

[CanadianMac2008]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

You pay over $100/month with Fido???

I pay that with Rogers. What are you doing with Fido??

I have Rogers' complete package - everything, on my iPhone, from long-distance, to 6gb data plan, etc., (since I have no landline) and my bill usually comes out to around $120/month, but not more.

Fido is Rogers' budget brand. You seem to be spending a bit too much on it, no?

I know, I realize that but I got in before it was the "budget" brand. At the time, back in 2006, I got it because I heard it was good, it was GSM, and for all intents and purposes it appeared to be Rogers with fun looking dogs and a couple perks. Now though they've completely changed it.

I still pay my SAF, 911, and all the other crap though, so it's not like I'm cheaping out or anything. But hey 3 year contract, aren't they great lol

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by Tulkas

Exactly.

The article really should be corrected. Fido customers only see a discount of $100. period. The FidoDollars that we are 'allowed' to use have been around for years and have always been allowed to be applied to any phone, accessory or option (they are clawing this back now too). So, while Rogers iPhone owners can get the iPhone for the same prices a new customers (through a $500 discount), Fido owners get $100 discount and are allowed to use their FidoDollars. Since most used their FidoDollars last year when buying the iPhone, they will not have accumulated much in the last year.

To have spent enough on their monthly bills to equal $400 difference in discount between the two brands, the Fido customer would have to be spending an average of $666 per month to earn $400 in FidoDollars over the last year.

Obviously the Fido customer are being screwed. I have been with Fido for many year, well before Rogers took them over and took them downhill. They ruin a once great little carrier that appealed to the underdog, much like Apple. Imagine how MS would ruin the relationship Apple has with the customer if they bought Apple. That is much the same as what Rogers did by buying Fido.

You're using Rogers' budget-brand as a regular, Premium-tier service. You shouldn't be spending anywhere near $100 with Fido for one phone. If you are, then you should be with Rogers' regular service.

I know it sucks, but You'll get less with Fido in terms of favours, customer service, etc., than you will from Rogers, even though Rogers owns Fido. The two brands are completely separate, however. Their plans and such are also completely separate

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

You pay over $100/month with Fido???

I pay that with Rogers. What are you doing with Fido??

I have Rogers' complete package - everything, on my iPhone, from long-distance, to 6gb data plan, etc., (since I have no landline) and my bill usually comes out to around $120/month, but not more.

Fido is Rogers' budget brand. You seem to be spending a bit too much on it, no?

It has only recently become their budget brand of record. Until last year, while they were treated as second class, they were not considered budget. This changed last year with their rebranding of Fido to compete.

It is just as easy to rack up large bills with Fido as with Rogers, though they get you in different ways. When Fido was independent, they were substantially cheaper than Rogers. Overage and LD were 1/5 what Rogers charged. Now that most everything is equal, the only real difference is how the customers are viewed. I stay with them because after a decade I have racked up enough loyalty goodwill that my would difficult to walk away from as it is a grandfathered retentions plan.

[CanadianMac2008]

Originally Posted by Tulkas

Exactly.

The article really should be corrected. Fido customers only see a discount of $100. period. The FidoDollars that we are 'allowed' to use have been around for years and have always been allowed to be applied to any phone, accessory or option (they are clawing this back now too). So, while Rogers iPhone owners can get the iPhone for the same prices a new customers (through a $500 discount), Fido owners get $100 discount and are allowed to use their FidoDollars. Since most used their FidoDollars last year when buying the iPhone, they will not have accumulated much in the last year.

To have spent enough on their monthly bills to equal $400 difference in discount between the two brands, the Fido customer would have to be spending an average of $666 per month to earn $400 in FidoDollars over the last year.

Obviously the Fido customer are being screwed. I have been with Fido for many year, well before Rogers took them over and took them downhill. They ruin a once great little carrier that appealed to the underdog, much like Apple. Imagine how MS would ruin the relationship Apple has with the customer if they bought Apple. That is much the same as what Rogers did by buying Fido.

Yeah, I didn't join as long ago as you did, but long enough ago that they weren't anything budget really, nothing like what they are today. I'm really pissed and will be calling retentions. It's a complete double standard when they are copying and pasting the press releases and then suddenly change their tune when it comes to pricing.

Although I realize some people who maybe only pay $60 a month or pay the bare minimum are not profitable enough, I ran the numbers and I have definitely made Fido/Rogers some good money.


They need to evaluate on an individual basis and stop automatically assuming us Fido customers are just out to pay the bare minimum. Most people I know are shocked when they hear how much I pay for my phone.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by CanadianMac2008

I know, I realize that but I got in before it was the "budget" brand. At the time, back in 2006, I got it because I heard it was good, it was GSM, and for all intents and purposes it appeared to be Rogers with fun looking dogs and a couple perks. Now though they've completely changed it.

I still pay my SAF, 911, and all the other crap though, so it's not like I'm cheaping out or anything. But hey 3 year contract, aren't they great lol

See if you can switch to Rogers' full service and somehow get a better discount. Call them. If you bitch hard enough with Rogers, they'll usually throw you a bone of some kind.

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

You're using Rogers' budget-brand as a regular, Premium-tier service. You shouldn't be spending anywhere near $100 with Fido for one phone. If you are, then you should be with Rogers' regular service.

I know it sucks, but You'll get less with Fido in terms of favours, customer service, etc., than you will from Rogers, even though Rogers owns Fido. The two brands are completely separate, however. Their plans and such are also completely separate

I have been with them for a decade, well before they were owned by Rogers or viewed as budget. I was with them when they were a national, top tier, premium brand. Sure Rogers has made them mini Rogers, but Rogers downbranding of them 6 months ago does not mean my bill drops, sorry.

In terms of what you will end up paying, they are hardly budget. Certainly they have now become 'budget' in the minds of the decision makers. Are there now benefits to moving from Fido to Rogers? Not so much benefits to moving as much as fewer problems or artificial limitations. And I would lose a lot of credit as a long term fido customer and start off as a newbie in terms of goodwill for long term customers.

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

See if you can switch to Rogers' full service and somehow get a better discount. Call them. If you bitch hard enough with Rogers, they'll usually throw you a bone of some kind.

You can port between brands but they no longer waive the ECF completely. if you are over 12 months into your 3 year contract, they will charge you $100 ECF to port to Rogers. If you are less that 12 month in, you pay the full $400 early cancelation fee.

As a fido customer, you will always end up paying more. So much for being the budget brand...

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by Tulkas

You can port between brands but they no longer waive the ECF completely. if you are over 12 months into your 3 year contract, they will charge you $100 ECF to port to Rogers. If you are less that 12 month in, you pay the full $400 early cancelation fee.

As a fido customer, you will always end up paying more. So much for being the budget brand...

I suppose you have a point. It's a shame, though, that Fido got this second-class image. Rogers at the time wanted to compete against Bell's Solo Mobile, and they picked up Fido in order to do it.

[hypercommunist]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

You're using Rogers' budget-brand as a regular, Premium-tier service. You shouldn't be spending anywhere near $100 with Fido for one phone. If you are, then you should be with Rogers' regular service.

I know it sucks, but You'll get less with Fido in terms of favours, customer service, etc., than you will from Rogers, even though Rogers owns Fido. The two brands are completely separate, however. Their plans and such are also completely separate

Why are you so on Roger's ****? It's a phone company.

I'm on Fido, pay 92$ per month as my only phone line. I don't pay extra for long-distance because I just use 1011555.

As far as I'm concerned, the phone service is still very expensive.

If they don't want to sell me a 32GB for 299$ I'll just save my cash for next year, with the ultra-zoombonic-octocore one.

PS What are Fido users actually paying? 100$ off what?
PPS Do Rogers users have to re-up for a three year contract, while Fido users continue their existing contract?

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by hypercommunist

PPS Do Rogers users have to re-up for a three year contract, while Fido users continue their existing contract?

Yes. For most people that bought there phones around launch time, that means 1 extra year for the Rogers folk under contract. Big deal. I have been with Fido for so long, does it seem like I would stop using them just because my contract expired? I HATE ROGERS and they have killed Fido.

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

I suppose you have a point. It's a shame, though, that Fido got this second-class image. Rogers at the time wanted to compete against Bell's Solo Mobile, and they picked up Fido in order to do it.

Not at all. The bought Fido in order to eliminate their only national GSM competitor. Fido was taking customers away at a very rapid rate and Rogers was very concerned. Unfortunately, Fido was not able to sustain the price war that Rogers initiated and it drove them to the point of having to sell to Rogers. Rogers kept them as a premium brand for a long time. In fact, they marketed them more as a boutique brand that was in some ways more upscale than Rogers, since that was the clientele Fido had been successful with pre-sellout.

It was much more recently that Rogers started to really start to treat it as a afterthought. And it was only last year that they went into fully no frills, budget mode (in branding only) to compete with Solo and Koodoo.

[zygoat]

The device-only pricing is sort of amusing given the contract rates.

16 GB 3GS without contract: $699.
16 GB 3GS with contract ($199) + termination fee ($400) = $599.

A savvy shopper wanting a new 3GS unencumbered would simply sign the contract, and immediately cancel it.

-ben

[hypercommunist]

Originally Posted by CanadianMac2008

This is still stupid.

It's great if you're with Rogers, but sucks if you happen to be with Fido, like me. I pay well over $100 a month, but because I'm with Fido, somebody else paying the exact same amount on Rogers will get the regular pricing.

Is this correct?

The way I read the article, the Fido perks (being able to apply your FidoDollars, getting 100 FidoDollars in return, not having to extend your contract) are IN ADDITION ("additionally") to the offer to Rogers custies.

I.e. a cheap bastard like me would have to pay 549$ for the phone, minus my 50 bucks or so in FidoDollars, get 100$ FidoDollars in return, and maintain my current contract (25 months remaining).

If you're paying over 100$ a month, I think you're eligible for the full discount.

?!

[ouragan]

Fido is a dog's name, both in French and English, a fun way to refer to an obedient dog or person.

Montreal based Fido used different breeds of big dogs to advertise its phones, often combing or dressing up dog owners to look just like their pets.

Fido is now owned by Toronto based Rogers Canada, but is still big in Montreal.

[tekneeq53]

Got my hands on a iphone 3GS today before launch tomorrow, I played with it a little bit and it is genuinely faster than the iphone 3g. I wouldn't count on a large amount of stock in at&t stores though (just an inside tip). Compass works really well and so does the video recorder option. Same exact casing as on the iphone 3G so dont worry about buying new cases. Apps are way more responsive and very good on the load time. See you guys tomorrow at 7am for pre-orders.

[Shunnabunich]

Wow, Canada already has nine whole Apple stores? Considering you can't turn over a rock in the dinkiest, most out-of-the-way hick town in the U.S. without finding an Apple store, I think it's clear where their priorities lie (hint: it doesn't depend on population — remember, Canada is an urban myth so it doesn't make business sense to devote resources to it).

Anyways, Rogers is Rogers, and the regulatory bodies that govern technology in our glorious "country" know less about technology than the average consumer (if that's even possible), guaranteeing Rogers a monopoly on GSM phones and service for the foreseeable future. Rogers is acutely aware of this and treats its customers accordingly, because it can. Said customers are nearly all too ignorant to stand up for themselves. And the beat(ing) goes on, the beat(ing) goes on.

[ajmas]

Originally Posted by zygoat

The device-only pricing is sort of amusing given the contract rates.

16 GB 3GS without contract: $699.
16 GB 3GS with contract ($199) + termination fee ($400) = $599.

A savvy shopper wanting a new 3GS unencumbered would simply sign the contract, and immediately cancel it.

-ben

The again is the 'with contract' option provider locked and the other not. This is an important factor. Does anyone have the details on this?

As to the Rogers/Fido I am pissed at them, and all the other Canadian cellphone companies, mainly because of stupid monthly data fees and three year contracts. I opted to block non-wifi data with the phone I got (did not get via either Rogers or Fido), since they wanted to charge me stupid amounts for the pleasure, and I don't feel like rewarding them. I have no idea how we could encourage sensible plans to be put in place?

[brucep]

Originally Posted by Shunnabunich

Wow, Canada already has nine whole Apple stores? Considering you can't turn over a rock in the dinkiest, most out-of-the-way hick town in the U.S. without finding an Apple store, I think it's clear where their priorities lie (hint: it doesn't depend on population — remember, Canada is an urban myth so it doesn't make business sense to devote resources to it).

Anyways, Rogers is Rogers, and the regulatory bodies that govern technology in our glorious "country" know less about technology than the average consumer (if that's even possible), guaranteeing Rogers a monopoly on GSM phones and service for the foreseeable future. Rogers is acutely aware of this and treats its customers accordingly, because it can. Said customers are nearly all too ignorant to stand up for themselves. And the beat(ing) goes on, the beat(ing) goes on.

I LOVED Nova Scotia and Cape Breton . The Apple pie was wonderful. Back to topic, So what your'e saying Is that we're lucky to have AT&T in the USA because rogers is so bad.

9

[Mooch]

I didn't even they there were nine. Most of them are in Toronto anyway. Hopefully they open one up in Waterloo...that is closer for me.

I have a pretty good deal from my company....my plan is only $60 a month. I am not intending to upgrade anyway though, so I'm happy.

what I think is more significant is that you can now buy an unlocked phone from Apple.

[Xtrail]

What about the new competition like globalive.com?

Why do they stay silent? I really do not want a 3yr contract with them if a new provider was about to start.

Anyone selling thier iphone 3g around Kitchener, Ontario?
email me @ bradnanne@hotmail.com

like I say;
Canada's cancer "Rogers and Bell"

[Quadra 610]

Actually, I find Rogers' service to be excellent, both wireless and high-speed internet.

They aint cheap, that's for sure, but I've never had a problem with them, and whenever I call in, the service is fine. Sometimes I moan at them about something and I get freebies. They even offered to pay a month's bill once, when I told them I was unaware that their promo pricing on a particular service had changed.

Problem is, there is no viable compeition. No one offers the level of services that Rogers does. Bell is just pathetic, in nearly all areas. Over the past year there have been droves of Bell execs and personnel leaving for Rogers.

[brucep]

Originally Posted by cameronj

This is so not fair! How come ATT customers have to spend $200 US and Canadians only have to spend $176!

I'm totally protesting.

Can anyone tell me why ATT is being so unfair?

Did I mention I'm a loyal ATT customer? I pay them $69.99 of my hard earned dollars every year and I get a new phone every year for as little as I can, and I HATE ATT and I say it from the rooftop every chance I get. And I'm soooo loyal! How can they do this to meeeeeee!?!?!

I expect a reply, ATT, because I know you're reading. And Apple, too! If Apple doesn't make this right, I'm going to hate them too. Because I'm totally Apple's most loyal customer and they can't let ATT screw me like this!

It took a minye or an hour or two , I got the joke .lol

[Abster2core]

Based on our research, there is barely any difference between iPhone plans between AT&T, Rogers or Fido.

They are basically identical. Some subtle differences mind you, but virtually minor, particularly when you consider the exchange rates between the two countries.

For example, the base iPhone prices tied to a contract are in favour to Canadians. All three companies start at $199 for a 16 GB iPhone 3GS. Americans pay $199 US and Canadians pay $199 CDN or $176 US.

Re DATA PLANS, whether it is Rogers or Fido, the charges are similar although they may initially appear not to be. The differences are compounded by the way they itemize their offerings. Voice minutes, data amounts, etc., are displayed in a minor that is not directly comparable. One plan contains 400 minutes vs 500 for the other. Thus a difference in prices, which is further complicated by mixed data plans, evening rates start at different times, multiple text messaging rates, etc., etc., etc. But in the final analysis the total price runs around the $95/month mark. The same that AT&T charges, but in US currency.

True, AT&T Data Plan is unlimited. However, this is offset somewhat in that they are are going to charge extra for tethering, whereas, it is included as part of the limited data plans that Rogers and Fido offer. AT&T's plan seem to include nationwide long distance. Rogers' and Fido's are tabled separately. Often if impossible to find exactly what the costs are or will be. But it would appear that planning properly, the extra that is charged is again partly offset by the exchange rate. Note that AT&T also tables unlimited nationwide roaming; Rogers and Fido also has it, but it doesn't bother to show it.

We are in progress of developing an international comparison chart for our own satisfaction. The problem is that there is not two companies in the world with identical pricing tables. Thus a direct comparison is not possible and the disclosures under the table take up 5-10 more space than the table itself.

NOTE: In noticing the comments that have appeared here and virtually every other article on 'what I pay' it is evident that we are not comparing apples with apples. Some include for example additional service charges, activation fees, state, provincial and federal taxes, etc., other don't. Re taxes, they shouldn't be included as part of the discussion; afterall, it is a 'national' thing, that separates those rights which allows one to carry guns while the other gets free medical care if shot by a gun. Others have stated charges for other smart phones and some for just regular cell phones. Thus further complicating the discussions.

[auxio]

I looked around the Fido website and couldn't find anything about this, so I called Fido and asked about this promotion. The customer service rep didn't know anything about it, they also asked their supervisior, and that person didn't know about it either. They said the earliest I could upgrade my handset was 6 months before the end of my 3 year contract.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by auxio

I looked around the Fido website and couldn't find anything about this, so I called Fido and asked about this promotion. The customer service rep didn't know anything about it, they also asked their supervisior, and that person didn't know about it either. They said the earliest I could upgrade my handset was 6 months before the end of my 3 year contract.

Well the Rogers info is true. Unfortunately, it seems Fido users are somehow getting the shaft.

[auxio]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

Well the Rogers info is true. Unfortunately, it seems Fido users are somehow getting the shaft.

So you've verified that with Rogers then?

It could just be that the information hasn't been passed from Rogers to Fido yet (Rogers is the parent company). Here's hoping...

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by auxio

I looked around the Fido website and couldn't find anything about this, so I called Fido and asked about this promotion. The customer service rep didn't know anything about it, they also asked their supervisior, and that person didn't know about it either. They said the earliest I could upgrade my handset was 6 months before the end of my 3 year contract.

To what are you referring?

Does this page help? http://www.fido.ca/web/content/faq/iphone_qa09?lang=en

[auxio]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

To what are you referring?

I'm talking about the central point in this article:

The most privileged are those who bought an iPhone 3G before September 30th and who spend at least $100 CAD a month on their total service plan; these get a full subsidy and pay the same $199 CAD for a 16GB iPhone 3G S, or $299 CAD for a 32GB version, as customers new to the service or who qualify for a full upgrade.

I would fit in this category. Yet no one at Fido knows about such an offer and there's nothing in the page you linked to which refers to it either.

[ghuczek]

So, for an existing iPhone user with Rogers, what happens to your old phone when you upgrade? Do you still get to keep it or do you turn it in or sell it privately. Also, how do you transfer all your data from the old phone and do a full erase of sensitive data?

[Abster2core]

@ auxio

It looks like AI has mixed the two services together.

Fido, is still requiring that the 3 year contract be honoured, although, you can but it out at a rate of $20 per month for each remaining month. So if you have 2 years left, it will cost you $480 plus the cost of the new 3GS at $199 for a total of $689. You get to keep you 3G.

In 18 months, you are entitled to an upgrade without the penalty.

Otherwise, you can, as a current 3G owner upgrade to the new 16 GB GS for $499 less $100.