Rogers wraps 'unlimited' mobile browsing in small print
The True North not so free
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In announcing its unlimited mobile data plan, mega Canadian telco Rogers Communications has redefined the word unlimited.
As revealed by the folks at the metro-blog The Torontoist, Rogers' new data plan is completely unlimited except where it's limited.
First off, the seven-Canadian-bucks-a-month plan applies only to "on-device mobile browsing". That means there's a cap on text messages (2500 per month) and photo or video messages (1000 per month).
And "on-device mobile browsing" applies only to certain devices and certain sorts of mobile browsing. As long as you're using one of four Rogers-approved handsets in tandem with Rogers-approved applications, you can browse the mobile web as much as you like without paying an extra penny. Otherwise, you're charged five Canadian cents for every kilobyte.
"[The plan] is available on select phones only (PDAs such as Blackberry or Windows Mobile devices, PC cards and non-Rogers certified devices are not eligible)", reads the fine print. "Data usage incurred on ineligible devices, incurred while tethering (using device as wireless modem for laptop) or incurred using non-Rogers (3rd party) applications downloaded to your device will be subject to pay-per-use charges of 5 cents/KB."
So, this unlimited plan doesn't even apply to all Rogers-certified handsets. It's not available with Rogers BlackBerries, for instance, and it's certainly not available with unlocked iPhones (the Apple status symbol isn't officially available north of the 50 states).
We gave Rogers the chance to discuss this unlimited data plan, but a spokeswoman told us it would rather not. "We are declining the opportunity," she said.
Meanwhile, the company said this to the CBC: "We're in the business of offering high-value services to customers. As subscribers grow, as applications change and are adopted over time, pricing can change," said another spokeswoman. "New plans come into play all the time."
A word to all you Apple-loving Canucks: Don't hold your breath. Rogers also owns Fido, Canada's only other GSM carrier. Your unlocked iPhones will continue to cost you a pretty (Canadian) penny. ®
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COMMENTS
Bittorrent etc.
"The modem point I'm not so sure on. It might be as simple as them looking for traffic a phone simply isn't capable of doing, like downloading torrents."
It's possible on my phone. You need a better phone :-)
Limited - unlimited
Personnaly I'm sick and tired of wholesale lying.
We're supposed to be a semi-socialist country where Caveat Emptor just doesn't cut it. I mean there isn't a large scale corporation who is not trying to capitalize on deceit. Downsizing products or ambiguously-fine-printing advertizing is now the new money maker.
How can we get more for less. Let's face it, imroving a product is more costly than just fleecing your customers. Yet, I think in the long run being a bettre company has it's advantages.
I hate to admit it but I think some countries such as Japan have figured this out and for their efforts risk ending up owning most of the modern world. I mean they have beat the #1 capitalist country at their own game.
But I digress...
Charge me what it is worth and I will pay for it no fuss. 25¢ a text message. You have to be kidding me. 0.05$ per kilobyte you are simply nuts.
30$ a month 200GB is reasonble. I already get that from my DSL provider. I don't care if it's wired or not. You have technological hurdles that make it less feasable via wireless? Then don't tout it as Unlimited.
Shame on you Rogers, shame. Be honest, you want use the appeal withou being the real deal.
End Of Rant.
More details on EV-DO in NS
@Adam Williamson: The "Connect $75" plan is just left of the "$100" version (at least on my screen). As I mentioned before, $75 := $93 with all the fees and taxes.
As far as 'tethering' goes, my EV-DO gadget is the Sierra Wireless 595U and its only purpose in life is to be tethered. They can't exactly complain...
Furthermore, I've plugged the 595U into a CTR-350 "Travel" router and placed the whole kit on a shelf. The only wired connection is the AC adapter. The house is now a WiFi hot-spot. It just plain works. I'm using it now.
It makes me laugh that this whole kit-and-kaboodle could easily be installed in a car and thus make the 'WiFi Limo'. The 595U even has a jack for an external antenna. Or, it is small enough to fit under a hat and could be powered by AA cells (using an external battery pack of some sort).
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