Just this past Wednesday, Bell launched their HSPA network. On Thursday, Telus followed suit and officially entered the 3G HSPA+ game too. With three networks in Canada now offering the iPhone, which one should you go with?
On Thursday I had a chance to speak with reporter Ted Chernecki once again, regarding the iPhone in Canada and the launch of the Bell/Telus HSPA+ network. Here’s the short clip of yours truly on Global’s News Hour giving his take on the launch of the new networks:
You can check out the previous Global BC interview here, and the other time when we were featured on Global National. Once again, a shout out goes to all of our amazing readers out there! Thanks for your continued support!
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Congrats Gary! Keep up the awesome work.
Keep up the great work!!
Gary, it would be interesting to hear from the new Telus/Bell iPhone users to see how the new network performs. Is it really faster than Rogers? What rate plans they chose and why? I for one would be interesting in hearing from them and I'm sure others on this blog would be interested as well.
Keep up the good work.
Congrats Gary!
iPhoneinCanada all the way!
Great dig on the plan pricing with the mention of “some of the plans aren't enticing enough to switch” blurb. Still, Telus, Bell, Rogers, & Fido don't & never will “get it” with their pricing on plans. Big middle digit to the consumers is their credo. HAIL TO THE MEGA CORPORATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gary made a good point about Rogers/Fido holding us onto 3 yr contracts. Now one thing we have to keep in mind is during that course of time Bell and Telus has their retention team bending over backwards trying to keep clients from churning at a cost to the bottom line. The launch plans aren't good now because of the forcasted new clients and porters from Rogers. Let's wait until the dust settles and I'm sure there will be better plans next year after the first batch of Rogers iPhone clients have their contracts expire.
What I'm curious about is what will happen to the new Bell/Telus 3
year sign ups when they find out a new iPhone is released in June/July
2010!
People will want to upgrade but they'd only be 7-8 months into a 3
year contract. I can see the storm brewing as we speak!
Thanks for the comments
everyone! We can't forget that full credit also goes to X1Zero and RoryPiper, Dusty in the Forums, and all of our past contributors along the way. Plus those who
have sent in tips too! Gotta love the community here. *tears*
I think it's still too early to get an indication of how well the network is performing. I'd say give it a few more
months when more users pile on, then we can maybe get a clearer picture of what the speeds and coverage really are.
I switched from Rogers (I bought my 3GS off contract) to Telus just a few days ago. I did so because I found Rogers' plans weren't competitive.
As for the Telus/Bell decision, in Kingston I slid down to the mall where there is a Telus and Bell store across from each other. The Bell store had employees who had no clue what I was talking about when I very plainly stated “Good Day, I'm a Rogers customer w/ a iPhone 3GS, I would like to switch to your carrier”. So off I went a whole 10 meters to the Telus store, and signed up for the $65/mo iPhone plan.
Now a very happy Telus customer. Speeds are zippy, signal strength seems to fluctuate but I'm still making calls fine.
I sure agree….none of the plans are particularly enticing. Has anyone heard about whether any of the carriers are working hard to retain their present customers? I had a good plan and I'm now month to month. I'm concerned that Telus won't let me keep my old voice plan and just add data if I buy an iphone.
That is the consensus right now. Since you got a subsidy for an iPhone the policy is you have to get the iPhone plans. The good news is that it doesn't have SAF/911 and it's both voice and data inclusive. It's not as good as some the old plans thought. One thing, you will be able to just add on data with your current plan IF you buy the phone outright.
You have a good point there. Why are we one of the highest paying in the world when it comes to mobile service AND have a maximum of 3 years contract in order to get a discount on a phone? The plus side is that there will be competition next year, Telus/Bell has the iPhone and other goodies like the Pre. The bottom line is that we are finally getting a choice, it'll only get betterfrom here.
I agree with you on that. I can see many customers that are not gonna be happy!
But the thing is, Apple is most likely gonna release a new version of iPhone every year unless its a new device (Phone) and if you keep waiting, well never get a phone. And I don't think Telus/Bell will allow any customers to upgrade since they just started to sell the iPhone. Maybe well see some more petition started lol
That's too bad. I've been with Telus for over 10 years and since they won't permit me to keep most of the features of my old voice plan, I am considering going with Fido even if it costs me more. What's the price of loyalty now?
Dude don't worry policies change, I would recommend with your TENURE you should just call and talk to them. I have been getting reports that Telus is NOW bending a bit and allowing old rps (provided that they are not expired) to renew … your total amount should be just over $45 with a data plan (plus tax?). I was told by a friend of this so it is unconfirmed.
My contract is up next month so this can be very interesting.
Dude don't worry policies change, I would recommend with your TENURE you should just call and talk to them. I have been getting reports that Telus is NOW bending a bit and allowing old rps (provided that they are not expired) to renew … your total amount should be just over $45 with a data plan (plus tax?). I was told by a friend of this so it is unconfirmed.
My contract is up next month so this can be very interesting.