Carrier News
Video Overview: Rogers BlackBerry Pearl 9100
May 21st
We can’t say enough good things about this device. I love it, thecellularguru loves it; everyone will love it! It’s just that good. It feels nice in your hand, it’s got a heft to it that leaves you with the impression you’re using a well-built device. The screen is crisp and text is clear. The keyboard has been redesigned with touch-typers in mind: they are raised significantly and allow for a more intuitive typing experience.
Because of the fast processor, this thing flies. It uses the same processor as the BlackBerry Bold 9700, and it shows. Basically it is the same hardware, just in a smaller form factor.
Enjoy!
PS. Sorry for the side profile video again, we will figure out how to use these phone cameras eventually!
Public Mobile to Officially Launch in Toronto May 26th, Followed by Montreal
May 20th
Another day, another new entrant into the already-crowded Toronto wireless sector. This time, however, of a CDMA variety.
Public Mobile, who won the rights to G-block CDMA platform back in the 2008 Spectrum auction, opened their doors back in March toting a $40 “Unlimited” Talk and Text plan. They cited a mid-May launch, with huge incentives if customers signed on (i.e. free Canadian long distance for life). Well, May is almost here and our friends over at Mobile Syrup decided to do some digging, emailing Public Mobile via their website to find out if any launch dates had been confirmed yet. The result? A response from the company:
“Our network will be launching in Toronto on May 26th and in Montreal on June 25th. For a limited time, customers who sign up ahead of the network launch will receive free unlimited Canadian long distance for life. After launch, the cost for unlimited Canadian long distance will be $5 per month.”
So, my question is: WIND and Mobilicity are both live, and both 3G/GSM (running on the AWS frequency similar to T-Mobile in the US). Do you think Public Mobile has a chance, when they are launching on,
A) an aging Canadian CDMA network
B) not offering anything spectacular enough to stand out above the other new entrants
May 26th is just around the corner so let’s see how well they can market themselves when launch time comes.
[via MobileSyrup]
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Ex’s Beware, Extreme Text Messaging Has Arrived On Rogers
May 20th
Ever have a person who just wouldn’t leave you alone? Being nice didn’t work, blocking texts/calls was unavailable, so you were forced to enter witness protection and change your number? Then having to go through the ever-frustrating task of notifying everyone of the number change. Being a former Rogers retail/corporate representative, one of the most common questions I received daily was: “Can I block incoming calls/text messages?” And the answer (unless paying for a third party service) has always been, “no.”
Well, starting immiedietley Rogers is changing that, plus, adding a few additional features to take the way you text message to the next level.
Welcome the Extreme Text Messaging plan.
Extreme Text Messaging lets you block unwanted texts, set up an auto-reply message and easily send a text to a distribution list.
Best of all, Extreme Text Messaging is available at no additional cost for any Rogers postpaid or prepaid wireless customer — whether you are using text messaging on a pay-per-use basis, part of your plan or as an add-on.
Features and benefits:
- Text Blocker: Have an ex you’d rather not hear from? Getting spam messages? You can now add any phone number to a blocker list and stop receiving messages from that number. The owner of the number won’t even know they’ve been blocked
- Text Auto Reply: If you’re away on vacation or not checking messages, you can set up this feature to send an auto-reply message to anyone who sends you a text
- Distribution lists: Quickly message your family or a group of friends all at once without having to add each recipient to the message one by one.
- Text Copy: Want to send a copy of any text message you receive to your computer so you can see your text messages while you email? Need a written backup of your text messages? Have a copy of your text messages automatically sent to an email address or another wireless phone number.
- Text Forward: No more carrying around a personal and work phone on the weekend. Have all your text messages automatically forwarded to another phone number, just like call forwarding.
- Personal Signature: Add some fun to your text messages by creating a personal signature or message that will automatically be included at the end of any text you send.
You can read more on Extreme Texting from Rogers, via Rogers’ website, or to add it directly to your existing plan by clicking here from your Rogers cell phone.
[Via Rogers Redboard]
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WIND Mobile CEO Speaks on Bill 60
May 19th
June 30th, 2010 will be a historic day in the Canadian Wireless sector, not only is it the 25th anniversary of wireless in Canada, but its also the day that Bill 60 comes into effect.
What is Bill 60 you may ask? It is the equivalent to Canadian consumers being able to have the upper hand on overbearing carriers and their “hidden” agenda with getting out of long term contracts. It is finally protection, something that we as consumers have needed for a long time. WIND has prided themselves on no contracts, easy to understand plans, and overall great customer service and so far they have met and exceeded those promises. Today, CEO Tony Lacavera, took to the WIND blogs to speak candidly on his thoughts of the implementation of Bill 60 and what WIND’s thoughts are.
Read the full editorial at WIND.
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Now Live! Twitter for iPhone, Sprint Hero Gets 2.1
May 19th
What a night! First, Twitter for iPhone is released (well, it’s kind of released) and Sprint Hero customers finally get theirs!
According to various sites, T4i is being propagated through various App Stores around the world, and has yet to reach these shores. What we do know is that there are tons of new features and UI improvements, but is essentially a rebranded Tweetie 2. UPDATE: Get the app now from the app store!
In other news, Sprint has gone official with its 2.1 update for the HTC Hero. Again, nothing OTA, but you can download it from their support website.
Koodo Mobile Getting BlackBerry 8530 on May 25th, Two Plans To Choose From
May 19th
Pretty simply, we’ve known Koodo (who is owned by Telus) will be getting the BlackBerry 8530 for a number of weeks now. We knew that it was going to arrive sometime late in May, and be around $150 on the tab (or $300 outright). This is now confirmed.
The two things we didn’t know were pricing, and they have been revealed too. And are equally simple:
The BlackBerry Social Plan will be $10, and include unlimited social networking such as BBM, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc., though only through approved apps. No data service will be allowed.
For $25/month, you can add on a generic 500MB to your account to do with as you please. Not exactly pittance, but still generally competitive.
And you can have any colour you want, as long as it’s silver.
(via Mobile Syrup)
Motorola QUENCH Available At Rogers: The MOTOBLUR Revolution Is Complete
May 18th
First it was the BACKFLIP on Telus; then the DEXT from Bell; now, Rogers has released its Social View phone, the QUENCH.
The phone, which we tried at the launch party for MOTOBLUR last month, was well received amongst journalists and fans, but in my opinion, was the least exciting of the three MOTOBLUR phones. It was the only one without a hardware keyboard, which does make it thinner than the other two devices, but adds very little to the repertoire in return.
One thing I do remember enjoying about the phone was the textured back of the phone, which made it very comfortable to grip with one hand.
At $49.99 on a three-year contract, this is a good contender for your son’s or girlfriend’s first Android phone, but, as I’ve said for all the MOTOBLUR devices, if you are any kind of technology enthusiast, or someone who wants to avoid using two year old technology, stay away from this phone. It runs Android 1.5 and its upgrade path is less than assured.
Check it out at Rogers.
Rogers Confirmed Stock of White BlackBerry 9700
May 17th
Let’s get this straight: for the past few days there have been some conflicting stories regarding the wide availability of the white version of the Rogers BlackBerry 9700. I can confirm that Rogers stores are starting to stock the device and the Eaton Centre location has it for purchase today, at $149.99 on a 3-year term and $599.99 off-contract.
So, if a white 9700 is your idea of perfection, give your local Rogers store a call and let ‘er rip!
Bell Really Wants You to Buy The Palm Pre (Or Have It For Free, and Sign a Contract)
May 17th
Could Bell have a bit too much stock of the Palm Pre? In a final effort to move units the beleaguered phone has been put on the front of the company’s mobile website, priced at an attractive $0.
Only the marketing teams knows for sure, but you will notice where once was the Blackberry Bold 9700 is now the Palm Pre. Hopefully this change will drive sales for the device, though realistically, if someone hasn’t already purchased the aging handset, it’s unlikely this move will affect your decision. I mean, who buys phones online anyway? I have used the Pre as a primary device and being someone who isn’t too reliant on apps, loved the device.
To read more on The Palm Pre or some of the rate plans from Bell, click here.
[Via Mobile Syrup]
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