If you are looking to get an iPhone 3G/3GS, you may want to consider service from Bell, as they are giving customers some lucrative credits when they buy.

Bell has detailed a promotion for potential iPhone buyers that gives customers an $85 credit. At this time, the promo is available at Best Buy and Future Shop locations and requires the purchase of an iPhone 3G/3GS on a 3-year agreement.

The $85 worth of credits breakdown into a $50 store credit (can be used for hardware or accessories) and a $35 bill credit. The promotion expires on March 31, 2010, so if this is worthy, maybe check it out.

[MobileSyrup]

Buy A Bell iPhone And Get $85 In Credits is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

Leading up the launch of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics (which we all dearly miss!), Bell and Telus worked feverishly to build a shared HSPA+ GSM network. Both companies managed to successfully complete the network early and it was fully operational for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Bell was an official sponsor and yesterday they released stats of Olympic usage during the period from February 12-28.

Bell network statistics for Vancouver 2010 - 1 trillion packets of data traversed Bell’s Vancouver network
- 90 million minutes of mobile voice traffic
- 30 million megabytes (30 000 GB) of mobile data
- 65 million mobile text messages sent and received
- 750,000 calls made from 6,000 landline VOIP phones
- 4.9 billion bytes (4.9 GB) of data delivered to the Internet on behalf of the
Games
- 1.2 million metres of Cat5 cabling installed to support 31,000 ethernet
ports
- 300 million people visited vancouver2010.com – representing 1.1 billion
page views
- An Olympic record-setting 24 billion bps (3 GB/s) of capacity connected Games
broadcasters to the world
- 300 billion bps (37.5 GB/s) delivered to connect all venues for broadcast to the
International Broadcast Centre

“The Bell team rose to the extraordinary challenge of connecting the 2010 Winter Games and bringing these 17 glorious Canadian days to the billions of people watching around the world too,” said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell Canada. “The leadership role Bell played in delivering Canada’s Games drove communications innovation in this country to new heights. By exceeding the immensely high communications standards of an Olympic event, we’ve provided an incredible legacy of increased broadband connectivity for British Columbia.”

I’m not sure exactly why Bell chose to use unconventional units to express their stats. 30 000 GB of mobile data used in just over two weeks? Okay, that’s a lot of mobile data. Clearly there aren’t enough iPhone users on Bell! Either way, I must give credit to Bell and their commercials during the 2010 Games. I thoroughly enjoyed being peppered (not really) by non-stop Bell ads (showcasing the Bell PVR TV app and Bell Mobile Live TV app) on CTV. Do you Believe? I Believe. I Believe. I Believe…

[Bell Canada via MobileSyrup]

Bell Releases 2010 Vancouver Olympics Network Usage is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

Have you been watching the Olympics? CTV has some amazing high definition feeds online that will let you watch all the action live. Want to watch some live TV on your iPhone? Bell customers can now do that with the Bell Mobile TV iPhone app.

This app was released yesterday and only works exclusively for iPhone users on the Bell network (Rogers/Fido/Telus iPhone users shut out! noo!). Here’s a brief description of the app:

Watch Live TV* on the best 3G Network in Canada.

Features
- Live NHL® Games
- 2010 Vancouver Winter games (Feb 12th to Feb 28th)
- Treehouse
- MTV
- Much Music
- CBC Newsworld
- and more

* For further information, call Bell Mobility Customer Support at 1-800-667-0123 from your phone.

The app requires a 3G connection in order to determine if you’re a Bell customer. So for iPod Touch users, you will be shut out of this app. This app is free, which is great. Here are some screenshots:

You can tell here from this screenshot that 3G connectivity does not bring the best quality video:

If you’re a Bell customer, let us know how this app works for you! First the Bell PVR TV Remote iPhone app, now this. You guys are lucky.

Click here to download the Bell Mobile TV app.

Bell Mobile Live TV iPhone App Released! is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

Sometime this week, Apple and the Canadian wireless carriers increased the 3G file size limit for App Store downloads up to 20MB.

Previously, when users were connected to 3G, they could only download apps that were up to 10MB in size. Anything greater than 10MB needed a WiFi connection.

The new limit is now 20MB and anything greater than 20MB will need WiFi.

However, unless you have the Rogers/Fido 6GB data plan, we recommend to always download apps on WiFi. The Canadian wireless carriers do not provide very much data and you don’t want to be using it up downloading apps when you can use WiFi.

Canadian Carriers & Apple Increase App Store 3G Download Limit is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

In the last few weeks, we have seen an increasing number of Olympic related apps becoming available. Today, we have another one!

Bell Cowbell by Bell Mobility Inc.

Bell is one of the major sponsors for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and the company has released a Cowbell app to support Team Canada.

The app showcases a Bell branded cowbell that is activated by tapping on it. The cowbell sound is a good replica to the real thing and is a fun app to use with a group of friends.

The Bell Cowbell app is available in the App Store for free.

Bell Releases Cowbell App For iPhone is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

Bell has launched three new price plans as a promotion during the 2010 Winter Games.

The plans are available to new Bell customers on a 3-year term and also to existing Bell customers who renew on a 3-year term.

The plans do not offer as much value has Bell’s Smartphone/iPhone Combo plans and the 3-year requirement is rather odd for being “Olympic plans” since that really only allows Canadians to signing up, but the plans are listed below:

2010 Winter Games Plans

Bronze Plan: $30/month

Note: For the iPhone, a Data Plan starting at $30/month is required.

Silver Plan: $40/month

Note: For the iPhone, a Data Plan starting at $30/month is required.

Gold Smartphone Plan: $55/month

Additional features such as Caller Display and Voicemail are added separately.

What do you think? Are these a good value as compared to other Bell plans? As compared to other carriers?

Bell Launches 2010 Winter Games Plans is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

A few days ago, Virgin Mobile officially launched its HSPA+ network (using Bell service) across Canada. Alongside the launch, Virgin announced new smartphone rates plans and that it was carrying the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS.

Until now, the only place to get Virgin Mobile service on an iPhone 3G/3GS was to visit a Virgin Mobile store. As of today however, prospective customers may get their Virgin Mobile iPhone 3G/3GS at their local Apple Store as well.

Back in September, Apple launched iPhone Activation Zones across its Canadian retail stores but the activation zones were initially found in USA Apple Stores. These Activation Zones are a dedicated zone in which Apple customers, or just strictly iPhone buyers, can discuss, purchase and activate an iPhone just as you would at a typical Rogers/Fido/Telus/Bell store. In other words, Apple Stores in Canada can now sell and activate iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS on Rogers, Fido, Telus, Bell, AND Virgin Mobile.

The only difference between buying at an Apple Store versus an official carrier store is customers receive personal service, Apple pizazz, no pushy sales people, and an iPhone device right from the Mothership! However, the Apple Store buying method does require an appointment, so read about that here.

As indicated when Virgin launched its plans at the end of January, the following packages are available on a 3-year term:

Virgin Mobile Smartphone Combo Plans

$50/month

• Daytime Minutes: 150 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 500MB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display OR Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

$65/month

• Daytime Minutes: 200 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 1GB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display OR Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

$80/month

• Daytime Minutes: 350 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 2GB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display OR Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Visual Voicemail is included
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

$100/month

• Daytime Minutes: 450 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 3GB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display AND Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Visual Voicemail is included
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

If customers opt to build their own plan, they may choose a voice plan starting at $25/month (up to $70) and then add a data plan starting at $30 for 500MB.

Data Add-Ons (include Tethering and Free Starbucks WiFi)

• $30/month: 500 MB
• $35/month: 1GB
• $50/month: 2GB
• $65/month: 3GB
• $85/month: 5GB
• Additional $5/month gives customers “Flexi-data” that fluctuates depending on data use.

Any of the above plans come with a 3-year contract and may also have additional paid add-ons such as early evenings. Regardless of add-ons however, the iPhone is available at the following prices:

iPhone 3G 8GB Black:

• $99 with 3-year term
• $599 no term

iPhone 3GS 16GB Black/White:

• $199 with 3-year term
• $699 no term

iPhone 3GS 32GB Black/White:

• $299 with 3-year term
• $799 no term

Virgin Mobile iPhone Now Available At Canadian Apple Stores is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

Virgin Mobile has officially launched their HSPA+ network that now supports the iPhone. Alongside the release, the company has introduced new price plans as well.

The company has launched two types of plans; Smartphone Combo plans that include a voice plan and a data plan or customers can opt to separate the two and choose a separate voice plan and separate data plan.

Note that Virgin is owned by Bell, so iPhone users will essentially be using Bell’s HSPA+ network for service.

Virgin Mobile Smartphone Combo Plans

$50/month

• Daytime Minutes: 150 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 500MB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display OR Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

$65/month

• Daytime Minutes: 200 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 1GB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display OR Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

$80/month

• Daytime Minutes: 350 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 2GB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display OR Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Visual Voicemail is included
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

$100/month

• Daytime Minutes: 450 anytime + 50 bonus minutes
• Evenings & Weekends: Unlimited at 7pm
• Data: 3GB + Tethering
• Features: Choose Voicemail 10 with Caller Display AND Unlimited Text and Picture messaging
• Visual Voicemail is included
• Free WiFi at all Starbucks locations

If customers opt to build their own plan, they may choose a voice plan starting at $25/month (up to $70) and then add a data plan starting at $30 for 500MB.

Data Add-Ons (include Tethering and Free Starbucks WiFi)

• $30/month: 500 MB
• $35/month: 1GB
• $50/month: 2GB
• $65/month: 3GB
• $85/month: 5GB
• Additional $5/month gives customers “Flexi-data” that fluctuates depending on data use.

Any of the above plans come with a 3-year contract and may also have additional paid add-ons such as early evenings. Regardless of add-ons however, the iPhone is available at the following prices:

iPhone 3G 8GB Black:

• $99 with 3-year term
• $599 no term

iPhone 3GS 16GB Black/White:

• $199 with 3-year term
• $699 no term

iPhone 3GS 32GB Black/White:

• $299 with 3-year term
• $799 no term

Virgin Mobile Launches HSPA+ Network, Releases Smartphone Plans is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

Virgin Mobile has made official that the iPhone is coming in February 2010. If you check out their website today, users can pre-register for iPhone news.

As a bonus, the first 100 people to activate an iPhone have a chance to win two tickets to the Virgin Festival 2010 in Toronto.

When Virgin Mobile launches the iPhone, the device will be available for sale through official Virgin Mobile stores and The Source retail stores. iPhone will also likely be available at Apple Stores Canada-wide.

Official price plans and any device discounts are currently unknown, but outright pricing is available:

• Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB – Black: $799.99
• Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB – Black: $699.99
• Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB – White: $699.99
• Apple iPhone 3G 8GB – Black: $599.99

Virgin Mobile Ready To Launch iPhone In February 2010 is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

Bell customers, make sure you mark February 1 2010 on your calendar.

Beginning February 1, 2010, Bell is running a promotion that gives post-paid customers (monthly/contract paying customers) 100 local minutes for free. The 100 added minutes will only be effective for one billing cycle. The promotion expires February 14, 2010.

The offer does not require any kind of plan add-on or contract renewal, but does require post-paid customers to visit a Bell store, where the promotion will be added to customers plans.

See the information from Bell below:

Offer ends February 14, 2010. Available with compatible devices within network coverage areas available from Bell Mobility where technology permits. Long distance and roaming charges (including foreign taxes) may apply outside your local area. Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. (1) Available to current customers on a postpaid plan. Apply to local calls at start of next bill cycle and over a 30-day period. Applied as a credit on the account before taxes; allow 4 to 6 weeks. 100 minutes shared between members on the same Share plan.

Visit the following link to be taken to the Bell promotion site.

Bell Promotion Gives 100 Local Minutes For Free is a post from: iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users