Fido, like its parent company Rogers, is an interesting beast when it comes to product launches, specifically when launching Blackberries. Since launching Blackberry service support with the Pearl 8100 last year, Fido hasn’t supported another device since launching the Curve 8520 just over a month ago. Now, since the Pearl 9100 was first leaked there has been speculation on both who would carry it and when it would actually be released. Not too long ago pictures surfaced online of the 9100 “About” screen showing AWS Bands 1,4,8, indicating a possible T-Mobile launch in the US and WIND Mobile launch in Canada.

Well, MobileSyrup is reporting that a tip came in this morning from a source on the Fido marketing team regarding some notable updates coming our way for Q2 from Fido. Other than some beefing up of data plans there are 2 interesting points that really caught my eye. One being the screen shot seen above of the 9100BLKF, (which is a refreshed, 3G version of the hugely successful Pearl 8100) with a release date of May 4th (Although, no official price is mentioned). The other, which to me could be a huge game changer for Canadian consumers is the discontinuation of Fido’s “UNO” brand (Fido’s version of “Talk-Spot”, which is a service that allows one to use their Blackberry over their home wireless network and for a flat fee not incur any overage minutes included in their existing package) in exchange for a new campaign called “CarryOver Minutes”. If you are unfamiliar with what Carrying over your minutes means it’s a long overdue idea taken from our American counterparts (Going by the name RollOver out there). It’s the ability to carry any unused minutes from your previous month to the new month for a period of 6 continuous months instead of losing them. Thus, saving money on potential overages as situations change from month to month. There are stipulations that say it can’t be added to long outdated (but still classic) CityFido or any business plans in general, but otherwise you are good to go. As for the launch, it is scheduled to be rolled out June 1st, but could be delayed or postponed at a moments notice.

I’m very impressed with Fido’s proactive approach in implementing CarryOver first. I, and I’m sure most other Rogers customers agree, that we can only hope Rogers will follow suit.

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