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Rogers Tries to Save iPhone Launch With 6GB for $30 Data Rate
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by Rob Walker | July 9, 2008 at 09:01 am
946 views | 0 Recommendations | 1 comment
At first glance, it seems that Rogers has paid attention to the huge backlash they've gotten over their overpriced iPhone plans and reduced the rates for their data plans, offering an extra 6gb a month for $30.
However, when you read between the lines, you realize that they're actually charging you an *additional* fee for a measly 6gb. I say measly because AT&T in the states offers unlimited data for a cheaper price on the iPhone. It also doesn't count your normal voice line, voice mail, text messaging, etc. It's an *additional* charge to your account every month.
Not only that, but you still need a 3 year contract and the offer is only good until August 31st (which is coincidentally when 3G phones from other competitors are hitting the marketplace).
Too little, too late Rogers.
Don't take my word for it though, check out what other people are saying:
The offer, which runs through August 31, will allow customers to add the $30 package to any in-market voice plan. Rogers said 6GB of data should be sufficient to view 35,952 web pages, exchange 157,286 emails, or watch 6,292 minutes of YouTube videos each and every month.
Those kind, gentle Canadians have been oh-so-politely demanding a few heads on sticks ever since Rogers' super-spendy iPhone 3G price plans were announced. Well, apparently their cries have been heard, and now Rogers is launching a promotional offer along with the iPhone of 6GB of data for $30 a month -- not quite unlimited data, but close enough -- which can be added on top of any regular voice plan. The promo will be available for iPhone buyers who activate with a three year contract before August 31. Also, perhaps in a bid to dispel some nasty rumors about a major iPhone shortage, Rogers will be hosting 8AM launch day events at six Rogers Plus stores in major Canadian cities, complete with a free breakfast. Mmm, breakfast.
Rogers got a lot of heat from Canadian customers and Apple for the expensive and restrictive monthly plans for the iPhone 3G. Today along with their iPhone 3G launch plans the carrier announced a sweet promotional offer for customers who activate by August 31st on a three year contract.
Rogers offers a data-only offering of 6GB of data for $30 per month that can be added to any in-market voice plan.
Users will also be able to upgrade to the iPhone 3G, according to the company, and should be purchasable online. However, Visual Voicemail is considered separate from the data plan and will cost an additional $8 per month, as will text messages. Subscribers can still order these individually or as part of value packs.
Read previous NowPublic coverage here:
Now this little rumour actually makes sense. I remember a year or so ago Steve Jobs said he was going to bring the iPhone to Canada, but that the rates would have to be similar to those of the rest of the world.
Unfortunately, when Rogers released their iPhone pricing just recently, the price was extremely high and there was no unlimited service available.
In anticipation of iPhone 3G launch on July 11, Rogers Wireless today announced plans to open the doors of select Rogers Plus retail stores across Canada in advance of regular hours. Starting at 8:00 am July 11, Canadians will be able to purchase the new iPhone 3G at special launch day events to be held at six Rogers Plus stores across the country. Be among the first in Canada to get the next generation iPhone 3G and have the choice of a 6GB data plan through a limited time promotional price offer.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (1)
at 01:33 on July 10th, 2008
I am confused with all these plans. I looked at the Rogers website and in my account information and still can't figure it out. I really want to get the iPhone, which fills a need I have for a combined unit with phone, agenda, web access, MP3 player and other functions, but I can't determine what is the better deal for me. Since I need to get an agenda now to replace a broken palm pilot, I have to find a soltion.
The announced plan still requires me to get a voice plan, which is at least 20$ per month. I add the 30$ data plan, the 6.95$ network charge and 8$ visual voicemail and another 15$ for the wireless packadge, it works out to nearly 90$ per month + taxes, over 100$ per month. This make the total 3 year cost of the iPhone to about 4000$. It's too much.
So in the end, I think I will have to wait until I understand... If I don't understand, with a few graduatre degrees and a PhD nearing completion, I think the whole thing is way too complex !