BlackBerry Bold Vs. Curve 8900

After a bit of play time with the BlackBerry Curve 8900, now available through Rogers Wireless, I must say that I'm thoroughly impressed. While I'm still a 3G gal (once you go 3G, you never go back!), I can safely say that the 8900 is a viable upgrade for current Curve owners, or even as a step-up for Pearl users. And if having the absolute fastest speed isn't of grave concern to you, it might even be a better option than the Bold.

My first impression upon taking the device out of the box was "wow": as an objet, it's probably the nicest-looking BlackBerry to date. Sorry to disappoint you, my current Bold, but you look like a massive clunker next to the new Curve! The 8900 is tiny, almost feather-like in weight, and has a slightly higher-resolution screen than the Bold. To accomplish the device's small stature, however, the resulting screen is not as wide, and the keys are slightly smaller.

I started to type, and my eyes lit up even more. The buttons are spaced out and raised in a petal-like design. Motions aren't as fluid as they are when typing on the Bold, but it's still a comfortable experience, nonetheless. The quiet "tap, tap" that emits from each key as I spell a word is just as reassuring as the tactile feedback you feel with touch-screen models like the Samsung Instinct (and similar to the experience with the previous-generation Curve). The one drawback: the soft-keys for "menu" and "back" are stiff, requiring that I push down on them much harder than is needed for the Bold. Since these are often-used buttons, this could get frustrating over time.

Despite the sleeker and sexier look of the new Curve, the fact that it operates on the slower EDGE network is a deal-breaker for me. Surfing sites side-by-side, the Curve always took longer to load a page. Sometimes, the difference was minimal (e.g. 23 seconds for the Curve vs. 18 seconds for the Bold). In one instance, there was even just a two-second difference between load times. But when surfing particularly image-heavy sites, the difference is much more telling. For example, the Curve took 47 sec. to load the homepage at http://www.hereshow.ca/ in its entirely vs. just 23 secs. for the Bold.

Still, if you don't often surf the Web or stream content on your mobile device and can deal with slightly slower speeds, the EDGE network might suit you just fine. And keep in mind that, like the Bold, the Curve has WiFi as well, so you can latch on to hotspots whenever they are available. As an aside, the Curve also has a much better camera at 3.2 MP vs. 2 MP, along with flash and image stabilization.

Bottom line: if you're a speed-demon who surfs the Web often on your phone, you're better off getting the Bold. The Bold might also be a better option if you have large hands or thumbs, and hate manipulating tiny gadgetry (which I know many guys hate to deal with!) But if you want small, lightweight, and multifunctional, I'd opt for the Curve 8900, even over the Pearl. It's only slightly larger, but affords the ability to manipulate a full QWERTY keyboard instead of using SureType.

As with anything else, to each his own. But if the Curve was 3G, I'd have a hard time convincing myself that I needed the Bold instead.

Rogers Wireless Extends $30/6 GB Plan-UPDATED!

Not surprisingly, Rogers Wireless has reportedly extended its $30/mo. for 6 GBs of data usage 3G cell phone plan to accomodate buyers of the just-announced BlackBerry Bold. The plan, which was initially announced as a promotion the day before the highly-coveted iPhone was released, was also made available to customers buying any 3G device on the Rogers or Fido network.

Rogers says that, after monitoring customer usage, very few people have even come close to the 6 GBs worth of usage. I'd tend to agree, knowing that, after almost a month of heavy data usage with the iPhone 3G, I barely managed to cracked 2 GBs.

The promotional $30 plan will now run until the end of September instead of the end of August, so Bold buyers need not worry about joining the line-ups of back-to-school last-minute shoppers just so they can get the extra GBs worth of surfing. From October on, Rogers will supposedly add new plan options that include 500 MB of data for $25/mo. or 1 GB for $30/mo. An idea I had alluded to months ago has also been adopted by Rogers: the company will be offering unlimited data for the first three months of certain plans so that customers can observe average usage and adjust the plan accordingly if needed. I have to give credit where it's due, and this is a very smart move on Rogers' part.

Existing Rogers customers looking to upgrade to a new 3G device like the iPhone or Bold should keep in mind that the purchase price of the actual phone will vary depending on where you are in your current contract. For example, a colleague of mine who's in the third year of his current contract was told that he could get the Bold for $444: slightly more expensive than the$399 price tag given to new customers.

It seems like Rogers dodged a bullet on the issue of unlimited data for now. But data usage will become even more intense. Networks are getting faster (I'm blown away by how quickly a web page can load on the BlackBerry Bold!), and people will begin to adopt new on-the-go activities, like video streaming. It might take a few years, but we'll probably hear cries for unlimited plans once again; and hopefully carriers will oblige.

UPDATES:

Here's a full list of new BlackBerry data plans to be offered by Rogers Wireless starting October 1, 2008:

$15/mo. = 2 MB of data (such a plan doesn't currently exist)

$25/mo. = 500 MB of data (used to include just 4 MB)

$30/mo. = 1 GB of data (currently the 6 GB promotional plan)

$50/mo. = 2 GB of data (currently not available)

$60/mo. = 3 GB of data (currently not available)

$80/mo. = 8 GB of data (currently not available)

$100/mo. = will not be available. Rogers previously offered 1 GB and then 6 GB for this amount, but will not be offering a $100 plan going forward.

BlackBerry Bold Update: What Sets it Apart?

The BlackBerry Bold officially launched today through Rogers Wireless, and Canadians can be proud that we're the first North American country to have the device! The Bold features some enticing, though not earth-shattering, upgrades in comparison to previous generation models. Here's the scoop:

As previously mentioned, it has WiFi access, which can help save dough since you can surf using WiFi when available instead of using up your cellular data minutes. Of course it's also a 3G device, operating on Roger's HSPA network, which makes it the fastest BlackBerry product currently on the market. According to Rogers' John Boynton, that's "not by a little, but by a lot." In addition to the faster 3G/HSPA network, the Bold also has its own quicker internal processor at 624 MHz.

The feature most-touted by Rogers and RIM, however, is sharper screen, which boasts 480 x 320 pixel resolution: the same as the iPhone, but at a much smaller size, this results in a really clear, punchy picture. Video is striking on the display, though I'm not sure how many people watch videos on their phones. Nevertheless, because the device is 3G, it also now supports streaming video content, which will make full use of the high resolution screen. Like the Curve, the Bold lets you shoot short video clips, as well as 2 MP digital still photos.

A really useful upgrade is 1 GB of built-in memory (as well as the standard microSD/SDHC card slot) for storing documents, music, etc. In terms of the former, the Bold uses Dataviz Documents To Go to allow BlackBerry customers to actually edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents; not just read them. While making major edits will be cumbersome on such a small screen, this can come in handy for making quick notes to a file, or more likely, an Excel sheet.

A question I've had about multi-use smartphones in the past is: how can you use the phone for its primary function (voice chatting) while it's also being used as a web browser or a navigation device? With the Bold, you can continue chatting (logically with a Bluetooth headset or other device) while the hardware is being used to navigate to a location, or while you're sending an e-mail.

Aesthetically, the Bold is finished in black chrome with a leatherette backplate (thanks: no fingerprints!), and the keyboard employs a slightly revised design. During my short time using it, I didn't find it any easier, nor more difficult to use, than previous generation BlackBerries.

After having gotten used to browsing the Web on an iPhone, it was a sub-par experience with the Bold, to say the least. It's obvious that with a much larger screen and touch functionality, you're going to get a more robust browsing experience. With that said, even on the tiny Bold screen (which is not touch-sensitive), I found it easy enough to scroll through Websites (using the trackball) and zoom in/out of pages as needed.

Other features include stereo Bluetooth support, and a new application called Media Sync, which allows for syncing DRM-free iTunes songs to the device for listening on-the-go. Naturally, this model is also compatible with the multitude of third-party, downloadable apps currently on the market.

The magic question on everyone's mind is always price: how much is it? The BlackBerry Bold will cost you $399.99 on a 3-year voice and data plan that totals more than $45/mo. The limited time $30/mo. for 6 GB of data option that Rogers announced prior to the iPhone launch does in fact apply to any 3G phone from the carrier including this one. You have until August 31, 2008 to take part in this plan, which is arguably the most attractive one the carrier currently offers.

While I haven't had extensive play time with the Bold just yet, I can say that my original stance still holds true: if you spend more time browsing the Web, downloading apps, and listening to tunes, the iPhone is probably the better choice. But if you're a business user that swears by on-the-go e-mailing, the BlackBerry is still king; and the Bold is clearly leader of the pack.

How Bold is the BlackBerry?

While I'm not actually a smartphone owner myself (I know, it's hard to believe, isn't it?) I do find myself somewhat excited about the upcoming launch of the BlackBerry Bold. As the latest incarnation in the BlackBerry family, this model looks sleeker, sexier, and has some exciting new features that might not rival the iPhone, per se, but it will pique current BlackBerry users' interests.

For one, it will have integrated WiFi, which is an important features for Canadians. Why? We arguably spend more on data than most other countries do, so to be able to log on to a WiFi network whenever one is nearby and surf without using cellular minutes is a huge advantage. Even in a paid WiFi network, like a coffee shop or certain airports, you might find the pricing to be more affordable.

A nicer, crisper screen, and a revamped interface are two other potentially new features. One advantage that the new breed of touch-screen devices has over the BlackBerry is the fact that the screens are larger, and therefore much easier to use when navigating Web pages or documents. While the screen might not be bigger, better resolution could make a world of difference for some.

This new device launch comes at an opportune time for BlackBerry: just as there are loyal Apple/iPhone followers, so, too are there loyal BlackBerry users waiting for the latest and greatest. The latter group just isn't as vocal! Can the Bold meet their expectations as a valid step-up from the currently available Curve and Pearl? Time will tell.

One thing's for sure: if you're an avid business user that's constantly on-the-go, and who sends tons of e-mails and text-based messages to colleagues, the BlackBerry is likely still your number-one choice. But when it comes to cool, intuitive web browsing, and fun apps, the iPhone may just have RIM beat. Now if only we could combine the best of both worlds...

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow once I've had a closer look at the Bold.

Warming Up to the iPhone

I've been playing around with an iPhone 3G for the past week, and I have to admit...I'm warming up to the device.

While I'm still not too keen on touch-screen typing, it is getting easier and easier. However, I still haven't mastered the "two-thumb" typing method, and continue to use one thumb or finger to type one letter at a time. If you're used to sending quick e-mail replies and text messages from your mobile device, the touch-screen will probably be just fine. But for those who often compose long e-mails on-the-go, you might find the task a bit trying at times. For example, I'll often attempt to hit a key 2 or 3 times until I accurately hit the one I want, constantly punching in the one beside it by accident. It's a pity that the keyboard doesn't orient horizontally when e-mailing and text messaging so I'd have a larger space to work with, but it does expand in the web browser.

There are small, intuitive features that I appreciate as well, like logical button placement, easy navigation of menus, and that one, centre button that always brings you back to the main screen. Another feature I like is that the device can be set to automatically pick up WiFi signals whenever they're available so you can instantly connect and get off the cellular network to save minutes. Cute, but fun, features, include the option for a "swooshing" sound whenever an e-mail is sent; and the slide to unlock function. Of course the popular "pinch" action to zoom in/out (just pull your thumb and index finger together to zoom out or move them apart to zoom in) is amazingly useful. Within the web browser, each site you visit is automatically saved as a different page, which is really handy if you're often surfing several sites at a time.

Some drawbacks: you can't send MMS (multimedia messages) to other mobile phone users, which is odd since the built-in digital camera offers only 2 MP resolution (what else can you do with a 2 MP photo?) There's also no ability to capture short video clips; and no tactile feedback (slight vibration) which you depress keys. When web surfing on sites that require a lot of scrolling (e.g. long news stories), I found that it often took two or three finger swipes for the scroll-up act to actually register and the screen to respond and take action. Speaking of finger swipes, I feel like I have to wipe down both the screen and back of this glossy-finished phone every 5 minutes because it's so prone to smudges!

The biggest drawback with the phone, however, is the battery life. I don't think there has been one day that I haven't had to recharge it because the battery was either fully, or almost, depleted. This is even with just a few hours per day of downloading e-mails and Web surfing; plus a few phone calls. My advice to anyone buying the iPhone 3G is to charge it whenever you're not using it! And buy a 12-volt charger, because you'll almost definitely need one.

Last night, I decided to sift through the available third-party apps, and I finally understand their addictive qualities. There are so many of them! I saw everything from $1.99 fun games to $139.99 full-fledged health program applications. I downloaded a few free apps including Facebook access, weather reports, and a Magic 8 ball: ask a question, press the button, shake the phone (OK, so you don't really have to shake the phone), and your answer will mystically appear. My favourite app is called More Cowbell, which includes an audio clips of Christopher's Walken's catch-phrase from the popular Saturday Night Live comedy sketch, along with a huge image of a cowbell that appears on the screen. Touch your finger on the image, and you'll hear an authentic cowbell sound. Sure, there really is no functional purpose for this app, but it did make me laugh!

While the iPhone won't be for everyone, it's clear that a bit of play time with one can really convince naysayers that it is, in many ways, a very intuitive and functional device. And the limited time, $30/mo. add-on plan for 6 GB of data isn't too shabby. In one week of constant e-mail access and web browsing, I used up only about 100 MB of data. Times four, and add more time on the weekends, and I'm still not likely to use more than 1 or 2 GB at most.

If you're holding out for an unlimited plan, you can pretty much forget about it. Liz Hamilton, Director of Corporate Communications for Rogers Wireless confirmed with me that Rogers "does not believe in unlimited data plans," calling the term itself an "urban myth". And that's that.

Roger Debunks iPhone Myths

I have been communicating extensively with Elizabeth Hamilton, spokesperson for Rogers Wireless regarding all the controvery surrounding the upcoming release of the Apple iPhone 3G in Canada.

For those who have been sleeping under a rock for the past few weeks, here's the gist of the issues: consumers are protesting the high data plans that Rogers is imposing on the device, mainly because there is no option that would include unlimited data: the most extensive plan includes 2 GB of data for $115/mo. (a limited time option will supply 6 GB for $30; see below for more information). The other terms that has consumers livid is the fact that the iPhone will only be purchaseable with a three-year contract.

The most recent myth that Hamilton was quick to debunk is that Apple will be scaling back shipments of iPhones to Canada, diverting them to other countries because of all the negative consumer attention that the carrier has been getting. While she prefaced her stance with the typical "Rogers does not comment on rumour and speculation", she did confirm that inventory remains "unchanged throughout our announcements." Despite this, the iPhone will not be sold through Apple stores in Canada; but rather just through authorized Rogers and Fido dealers. This makes sense, given that the customer has no choice but to sign a contract to get it: how would he have done so at the Apple store anyway?

While Hamilton refused to comment on competitors Bell and Telus, both of which have recently announced unlimited data plans for competing touch-screen phone models (the Samsung Instinct and HTC Touch Diamond, respectively), she was quick to point out that Rogers isn't the only country foregoing the unlimited option: carriers in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Sweden are the only four of the 12 countries to launch unlimited plans for the 3G device. "Unlimited plans are clearly not offered by the majority," she adds.

Further to this, Hamilton advises that Rogers has been conducting its own internal testing on mobile Websites and other data applications to determine what a customer can actually get on an iPhone in the way of data consumption with the existing plans. Her samples indicate that, with 2 GB, customers would be able to get 51,2000 text-based e-mails, 11,703 Web pages, 6,827 photos, or 2,048 minutes on YouTube.com. While certainly extensive, it seems that, at this point, in the consumer's mind, the issue has gone way beyond the amount of data consumption used, and well into the way of becoming a matter of principle. The four biggest countries are getting unlimited, as are customers on CDMA networks in Canada, so why can't we?

Meanwhile, it seems like all the negative consumer attention has convinced Rogers to add at least something to appease us: aside from opening select store locations early at 8 a.m. on Friday for advance purchase of the device, Rogers has also launched a new, limited-time plan. While it still doesn't include unlimited data, it does up data limits to 6 GB for $30, which can be added to any voice plan. This offer will only apply to customers who sign on (for three years, of course) prior to August 31, 2008.

Rogers is clearly also expecting the device to sell out, despite an online petition that is asking customers to boycott the device. The site, calle RuinediPhone, currently has over 56,000 virtual signatures. As of this morning, a note at the very top indicates that MP David McGuinty will be making a video statement on the issues posed by the site today at 3 p.m. Stay tuned.

Canadians Petition iPhone Pricing with RuinediPhone Website-UPDATED!

There's no denying that Canadians are passionately angry about mobile phone data plan pricing in Canada. This issue has heated up to a blazing degree since the announcement of the iPhone and, most recently, new data plans for the device. In fact, things have gotten so hot that consumers have created their own protest Website at http://www.ruinediphone.com/ (do you think the site address gets their point across?) that's petitioning for Rogers to create more suitable plans for the device. Currently, more than 25,000 Canadians have signed the electronic petition, and several news report claim that many plan to congregate outside of the Rogers office to present the signed document.

Unknowingly making the situation worse is AT&T's announcement that the carrier will allow U.S. customers to purchase the 3G iPhone on its own...eventually. Sure, AT&T won't do so at launch, but the carrier giving customers a head's up on this small fact just adds salt to the wounds of Canadian cell phone users. Add to this the fact that U.S. customers can buy the device by signing up for a two-year plan rather than three years like in Canada, and you have the recipe for a lot of pissed off people.

A spokesperson for Rogers Wireless pointed out to me that, while the new pricing plans, which range from $60 to $115 per month, will be available to iPhone 3G users, customers don't have to sign up for one of those. They can still use most other previously existing plans provided that they renew or sign on for 3-years. As for their eligibility to upgrade to the iPhone, this all depends on where they are in their current contract.

"Customers do not need to take the value packs, and can order most other features a la carte, such as $7 for Caller ID," explained the Rogers spokesperson. "Any customer with a monthly service fee that is over $30 can upgrade to an iPhone 3G at $199 (for the 8GB model)."

In alluding to the absence of an unlimited data plan (the highest amount of data supplied is 2 GB for $115/mo.), the spokesperson said that "Rogers believes that unlimited data plans may well charge customers for more than they are using." Indeed, that's true. But I'd argue that anyone purchasing an iPhone is probably a heavy data user: why else would you want a highly-intuitive mobile device with a massive touch-screen interface? Surely not to make calls using oversized number keys! What's more, an unlimited plan could certainly be offered in addition to existing limited data plans rather than just in place of them.

Canadians quite obviously view these new plans as being the best of the worst. In an open letter to Steve Jobs posted on the RuinediPhone Website, the creator, James Hallen, pleads with the Apple head to do something about the situation. "We are loyal customers," he says, "[and] we don't want to lose faith in Apple." In an effort to make the point even clearer, a cute slogan beneath the Web address at the top of the page claims: "Screwing iPhone customers since '08".

While I have to agree that the new data plans are really not that appealing, I think the issue goes way beyond just the iPhone, and even just Rogers. Data consumption in Canada has reached all-time highs. Study after study reports that Canadians are one of the top Internet using countries in the world. Something needs to be done north of the border to accomodate our increasingly healthy appetites for data across the board, not just in the wireless space. The underlying issues behind this Website are indeed very important to the future of data in Canada. It's interesting, though, that a mobile phone is what spawned such a harsh backlash. After all, it is just a phone, guys!

On that note, will the RuinediPhone Website succeed in changing data plans or, at the very least, in convincing customers not to buy an iPhone 3G when it becomes available here? What's more, how will Apple react at all to the negative press surrounding the issue? By July 11, we hope to have that answer.

Read More on the ongoing iPhone saga:

Canadian iPhone Plan Pricing Revealed

iPhone Plan Pricing Announced-UPDATED!

Why Can't We Just Buy Phones Direct?

Rogers Says it Will Lower Price Plans

Fido Gets iPhone As Well

iPhone in Canada This Week - UPDATE!

BREAKING NEWS: 3G iPhone Comes to Canada on July 11 - UPDATED!

Canadian iPhone Plan Pricing Revealed

Rogers Wireless has just revealed data plan pricing for the iPhone once it arrives in Canada.

Is it disappointing? Not really, only because I wasn't expecting that we'd get an unlimited offering (which we didn't). The largest amount of monthly data usage is 2 GB, which comes partnered with a voice agreement for $115/mo. If you want to use the iPhone just for data, sorry, no cigar: you will have to pay for talk time minutes as well. As mentioned in a previous post, you also won't be able to buy the device on its own or sign up for less than a three year contract either.

A $15 add-on includes things like extra sent text messaging and caller ID, the latter of which I assumed would be standard on pretty much any phone these days. Does this mean that without such a plan, or an additional fee (no matter how nominal), you won't see who's calling? Odd.

What's more,where's the similar plans for owners of other devices? iPhone owners shouldn't be the only customers deemed deserving of "reasonable" data rates right now. Hopefully Rogers will launch similar rates for other smartphone owners at the same time the iPhone makes its way here. It only seems fair.

Visit our sister Website to find out all the details about the four plan options that will be offered for the phone, and leave your comments. Will you buy one of these plans and, if so, which one do you think is the "best deal"?

Why Can't We Just Buy Phones Direct?

The ongoing debate about how Canadians pay too much for mobile phone data services, how we lack competition, and how we always get locked into long-term contracts, has begun to heat up again with the upcoming launch of the iPhone next month. A CBC News report just pointed out that, while customers of the 3G iPhone in Australia will be able to buy the phone outright and carriers like AT&T in the U.S. ask customers to sign-up for a two-year agreement, Canada's Rogers Wireless is requiring that you purchase a lengthy three-year plan if you want the highly coveted device.

From a business perspective, the reasons for this decision are obvious. Why not? There is currently no competition in the GSM arena in Canada, and, with the wireless spectrum that's currently underway, there just might be in the near future. We recently employed number portability in Canada, which lets a wireless customer take his number and port it to a new carrier, should he so desire. Of course, if you're locked into a contract when a more desirable carrier pops up, you're out of luck. You have to either wait for that contract to finish, or pay through the nose to cancel it early. Naturally, anyone I know who wants an iPhone is gritting their teeth at this news, and actually considering foregoing the device based solely on principle. Why should they have to lock in for three years, the longest term reported anywhere in the world thus far, if they want it?

What would make things so much easier would be to simply start selling mobile phones directly to consumers. Sure, their sale prices would no longer be subsidized by the wireless carriers, but customers would be 100% untethered, able to purchase whatever data plan and options best suit their needs from their desired wireless carrier. Contracts are contracts, and if they are still to be offered, than so be it. But carriers should not be able to essentially hold a mobile device ransom in order to tie a customer to their services for a set period of time. I can't think of any other media and entertainment offering that works in such a manner.

I've long talked about a day when we'd actually buy the SIM card itself outright, load it up with desired options and features, and slap it into any mobile phone we like. We're a long way from that sort of open source landscape, but it really would be the most ideal option for the customer. Not only would it have the potential to improve customer service on the provider side, but it would also make it much easier (and likely!) for more people to get involved with the latest and greatest mobile phone options; and even to purchase that brand-spanking new phone as a gift for a loved one.

Rogers Says it Will Lower Price Plans

Rogers Wireless COO Nadir Mohamed said yesterday at the Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto that the company would finally be lowering data rates to fit in line with today's cellular landscape.

Unlike the way things used to be in what seems like eons ago, mobile devices are now used for everything from surfing the 'net to sending and receiving e-mails, editing documents, streaming music and video, and even playing games. Naturally, the inflated data rate charges that are inflicted on Canadians are simply no longer relevant for the growing group of data-intensive users.

Many are reporting that this move from Rogers will be a huge leap for wireless services in Canada. But I'll wait and see the details and fine print of the actual data plans before making a judgement call. (Official announcements are scheduled to be revealed some time prior to the iPhone's arrival in Canada on July 11).

Despite what many reports are implying, Mohamed did not blatantly confirm (to be fair, nor did he deny) that the plans would actually apply to devices other than the iPhone. A representative from Rogers already confirmed to me last week that Rogers would indeed be developing a new plan for the iPhone, but made no mention about whether this plan would cross over to other devices. If anything, Mohamed seemed to focus predominantly on the iPhone and BlackBerry's upcoming Bold device (launch date TBA). Will more attractive data plans be available for owners/buyers of other smartphones as well? If I were to make an educated guess, I'd say that Rogers will offer a new plan for the iPhone and Bold, and eventually roll out new plans across the board upon monitoring customer response.

It's long been said that Canadians pay one of the highest rates for cellular services of all the developed countries. While U.S. carriers are launching unlimited data plans left, right, and centre, we have no such truly unlimited offering in Canada. I doubt we will see comparable plans to the U.S., any time soon, but hopefully we can take things one step at a time to create a more affordable wireless landscape that properly recognizes and tailors to the usage habits of mobile users today.

On that note, the Wireless Spectrum Auction, which is where telecom companies bid for the airwaves required for cellular services to operate, is still underway. Industry Canada has set aside a portion of Spectrum for a new entrant into the wireless space, which could potentially see another GSM/3G carrier enter the Canadian market. Mohamed reportedly refused to comment on the Auction.

iPhone in Canada This Week - UPDATE!

Will the highly-anticipated iPhone be available in Canada this week? Many are confident that it will be. Although there hasn't been an official announcement from either side, Steve Jobs is gearing up for Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference today in California, and the rumour mill is buzzing that he'll be launching the next-generation iPhone there. So while consumers around the world are salivating over a new iPhone, us Canucks are tapping our fingers while we patiently wait for the new one, which will actually be our first (to be available legally, at least).

Last month, Rogers Wireless confirmed that it would be bringing the iPhone to Canada "later this year", but did not confirm an exact date. With the impending launch of the next-generation device, which will operate on the faster 3G network (the existing device operates on 2.5G), Canada might finally be ready for take-off.

But more important than the rumoured new features, which include things like tactile feedback and support for a variety of third-party applications, is price plans. Will a new, and more affordable, data plan be offered for iPhone customers? Or will we be plagued with the same hefty data fees that Canadians arguably endure now with other smartphones, like the BlackBerry or Windows Mobile devices? What's more, will there be an uproar from other smartphone makers if the iPhone is given more favourable pricing options?

Rogers was not available for comment, but stay tuned for more information on the iPhone in Canada as it becomes available.

Update: OK, So I was wrong: the iPhone is coming next month, not this week. But many of the anticipated new features have been confirmed, including 3G operation which will afford faster load times and surfing capability.

Would You Use a PC on the Wireless Cellular Network?

This week, Rogers Wireless announced that it would be offering the new HTC Shift, a computer that's a mix between a portable notebook and a data-intensive smartphone but for one small detail: it doesn't include phone functionality! What is such a product doing on the Rogers Wireless 3G HSPA network? Isn't that supposed to be for phones with data capability, not dedicated PCs? What's more, would you buy a PC that operated on a wireless network, or one that used traditional Internet Service Providers (which, of course, also includes Rogers High-Speed Internet as an option). I'd tend to stick to the latter.

True, the computer is very portable at just 5.08" x 8.14" x 0.98" (h/w/d) and 1.76 lbs., so it's meant for on-the-go usage just like mobile phones. And it does have integrated WiFi if you prefer to use a free or paid HotSpot instead of the wireless spectrum. But the most data-intensive plan for this device on the Roger's Wireless network is $100/mo. for up to 5 GB of usage. Any data over this will cost you $0.03/KB. A comparable Rogers High-Speed Internet plan runs for $99,95 for 95 GB ($1.25/GB over). So I definitely wouldn't select the wireless plan if I was using the device at home. On the road, you'll end up incurring hefty roaming fees if you're traveling outside of the province or country, but then you can connect virtually anywhere, anytime. Wait, isn't that what BlackBerries are for? And you can chat using those as well!

I just can't wrap my head around who the market might be for such a device, especially at a price of $1,600! I can use a smartphone to access files, write e-mail, and surf the 'net on the go; and if I'm traveling on business, I can use the hotel's WiFi service to connect using my full-sized notebook, and any HotSpot out there, the most expensive of which I've ever logged onto at $15/24-hr period. When Rogers adds the GPS functionality to the Shift, it'll certainly become a bit more enticing. But I think before Canadians will accept neat and cool devices like this one (and it is indeed very cool!), we need to see more affordable plan options and unlimited offerings. Until then, I'll admire the Shift from afar.

Is the iPhone Coming to Canada or Not? - UPDATE!

I think I'm asked this question more than I'm asked how I'm doing today, or what I'd like to eat for lunch. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I do find myself in the middle of a discussion about the iPhone, and "hey, when the heck are we going to see it in Canada?" at least once every few days. For the most part, it's others asking me and not the other way around. I really could care less (yes, I'm serious). But clearly I'm the exception to the rule in this case. So when is the holy-grail-of-phones, the iPhone, coming to Canada?

As of late, there has been another swarm of rumours that Rogers (the only GSM provider in Canada) and Apple are working out the terms of a deal. The Toronto Star even claims that it could be here between May and July. Of course, the paper doesn't cite its "industry sources", and is quick to note that there have been no official confirmation from either side. I can't seem to get one either. A Rogers spokesperson simply told me that there "is nothing new to report on the iPhone." As Chandler from Friends would say, "Can you BE any more vague?"

I recall similar rumours having been stirred up a few months ago, so it could just be someone, somewhere trying to rock the boat again and get the Canucks all excited. My instinct tells me that we won't see the iPhone here until after the Advanced Wireless Spectrum Auction at the end of May, which is when carriers bid for additional spectrum to enhance their services, and new entrants can bid to start their own service. Why do I say this?

1) With Rogers being the only main GSM carrier, there's no rush to bring the iPhone here since no one else can swoop in and carry the phone under Rogers' nose!

2) Data plan pricing in Canada is significantly higher than in the U.S. To my knowledge, Rogers does not offer any unlimited data plans. This means that data-intensive users will either have to pay through the nose to use the iPhone, or continually monitor and limit their on-the-go usage so as not to incur hefty additional fees.

3) Apple likes to play to the tune of its own song, and I get the feeling that Rogers is the same way. The Toronto Star report claims that Apple takes a portion of customer's bills as part of its agreement with carriers. If this is indeed true, Rogers is probably not too keen on that idea. And trying to agree on a deal will be tough with two strong-headed, powerful forces, neither of which wants to let up on its terms.

But then again, the AWS Auction could very well be a reason why we might see the iPhone in Canada before the end of the year. Here's why:

1) There will almost certainly be a new wireless carrier in Canada after this Auction, who will very likely be ready to set up shop by 2009. (Industry Canada has decided to set up a portion of the spectrum exclusively for a new carrier). Knowing this, Rogers might bite the bullet to smooth out a deal with Apple before competition heats up.

2) Canadian born and bred Research in Motion (RIM), makers of the popular BlackBerry device, reportedly has some cool devices on the horizon, and the longer we become used to the BlackBerry model, the more residents will hold it as the standard. People will only wait so long before they upgrade to a new phone! And once it's done, they won't too easily fork over another $400 for an iPhone.

3) People are quite obviously (and vocally) becoming frustrated that it's been almost a year since the iPhone debuted in the U.S., and yet we still haven't seen it north of the border.

4) "Grey" market iPhones that have been unlocked and cracked are widely being used across Canada on the Rogers network already. The longer it takes for the device to arrive her legitimately, the more it will become available illegitimately (although I'd argue that a huge percentage of those who have it illegitimately would have obtained it that way to begin with).

So what's the bottom line? Hurry up already so I can go back to using my regular, Sony Ericsson camera phone in peace.

UPDATE: One day later, and we have our answer. Rogers finally issued a statement confirming that it WILL be bringing the iPhone to Canada "later this year". Read all about it on our sister Website at http://www.marketnews.ca/.

Will Canadians Ever see the iPhone?

Believe it or not, I'm not one of those people sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the Apple iPhone to arrive in Canada. But I do find the fact that it still isn't here a bit insulting. What's the deal?

When it comes to downloadable movies or TV shows through iTunes, I understand the reasons for the delay. Separate licensing agreements need to be worked out with Canadian broadcasters, CRTC regulations met, and so forth. But here, we're just talking about a phone. A mobile device just like any other mobile device that lets you make and receive phone calls, surf the web, compose e-mails, listen to music, and the like. Partner with a wireless carrier, and let's get going, already!

The iPhone has been available south of the border for about seven months, and yet we haven't even received a confirmed date as to when we'd see it here in Canada. Sure, the rumour mill has been going crazy as of late, with many reputable sources claiming that a Canadian launch announcement would be made during Apple's MacWorld conference earlier this week. Well, the conference has come and gone, and still no announcement.

Since the iPhone operates on the GSM standard, it's pretty safe to assume that it will be available through Rogers Wireless once it does arrive here. However, with the wireless spectrum set to open for auction for additional competition in May, is it possible that Apple is waiting to weigh its options and perhaps join with another partner? Or maybe the company is waiting for a next-generation model to finally let Canadians join in on the fun.

Whatever the reason for the delay, let's hurry it up. Or pretty soon, all the anxious Canadian mobile phone upgraders will get tired of waiting. The longer the iPhone takes to recognize the Canadian market, the more popular devices like the BlackBerry and HTC Touch will become.

Are Canadian Cell Phone Users Getting Hosed?

An interesting study conducted by Canadian research firm The Seaboard Group discovered that, of the developed countries, Canadians pay the most for their cell phones services. According to the study, the average cell phone user forks over 33 per cent more dough a month than even our neighbours to the south. This number rises to 56 per cent for those considered to be “heavy” users (1,200 min./mth.) This is due to high per/minute rates and long distance charges, as well as hidden (or not so hidden) additional feels, like 9-1-1 access, and that pesky service charge for which no one can really explain the purpose (really, what the heck does that cover?)

Because of this, Canadians are reluctant to jump on board the cellular wagon. Seaboard says that even though 58 per cent of Canadians own a mobile phone, we’re way behind other countries: America is at 75 per cent, while 86 per cent of Germans are chatting it up on-the-go.

How do we change this? Well, more competition would help.

We have, ultimately, four main wireless carriers in Ontario: Rogers Wireless, Fido Wireless, Telus Mobility, and Bell Mobility. Virgin Mobile uses Bell’s network; while youth-oriented newcomer Amp’d Mobile piggybacks with Telus’ EVDO network. GSM, the international standard for wireless technology, is only available through Rogers Wireless and Fido, the latter of which Rogers owns. It’s like choosing between apple pie made with granny smith or mcintosh apples. In the end, it’s just apple pie. Why don't we have some cherry, lemon meringue, and key lime? (getting hungry, yet?)

As they say, variety is the spice of life. Let’s get some in the wireless arena.