Best data plan in Canada?
 

I'm moving from NYC to Edmonton next week and I've got the unlimited data plan with Cingular right now. However, if I go to Canada, I need to sign up for their $65 blackberry international unlimited data plan. I have another year on their contract, so I might have to do this, but I'm trying to find out if there is a better Canadian data plan out there? It seems like Rogers sucks from what people are saying here, but what else is there (with coverage in Edmonton)?

Thanks for any help!!

If Robbers is out Of the question which I don't blame you, your only other option is Bell (CDMA) What would make one move from NYC to Edmonton, AB?

I don't believe Canada has number portability, so you'll probably be getting a new cell number....

Edmonton has a bettery hockey team then NY, so that's at least a plus ;-)

Well I'd use Robbers if they had a decent data plan... Bell is only CDMA? That kinda is... slow.

What about Fido?

I'm only going to be in Edmonton a year, then I'll be going back. :-o

You'll definitly need to go with a new mobile number. Canadian carriers won't be launching domestic wireless number portability until next year (let alone trying to port a US number!).

Touch base with me if you're interested in comparing Bell Mobility's voice/data prices and promotions to what else is out there.

Mark Hutchison
519-503-0272

300b6852

Slow? We have the fastest data network in Canada ...

I'm not really looking to move my number, I am just looking for an unlimited data plan to use my device with. I can do without voice, and without a number.

Oops, I confused CDMA with TDMA, sorry! Does CDMA to EDGE/EV-DO then? Or is it faster/better?

Fido does not offer BlackBerry service further their owned by Robbers so no point. Robbers or Bell will be the only option this side of the border. Robbers $60 unlimited is capped at 25MB and ready for this if you want you can pay $100 a mo. for the 200MB plan. By far the better deal is Bell if int'l is a no issue, just NA? With Bell the $60 unlimited plan I think anything in excess of 250MB is considered abuse and will incure overage charges. Slow by no means, actually the Bell EV-DO network is far superior and faster running laps around Robbers EDGE network.

There are currently two main network types that are competing for development and market coverage: GSM (T-Mobile, Rogers, etc.) and CDMA (Verizon, Bell Mobility, etc.). Both GSM and CDMA networks are getting faster as new technology is developed and deployed.

The GSM network speed evolution has been:

GSM 14.4 kbps
GPRS 115 kbps
EDGE 384 kbps

The CDMA network speed evolution has been:

CDMA 2000-1x 144 kbps
CDMA 2000-1x EVDO 2,400 kbps

* the speeds listed above are the maximum potential speeds by technology as listed here: What is EVDO - EVDOinfo.com

Right now, in Canada, Rogers Wireless has EDGE networks in place within many major cities. Similarly, Bell Mobility has EvDO network coverage within most major cities.

Thanks for the info -- although I didn't understand that sentence above.

I probably will just have to stick with cingular and switch to their $60/month unlimited international plan. To switch to bell I'd have to cancel cingular and pay their $180 cancelation fee (because I'd be getting out of the contract), so there is no savings for me to cancel and then pick up another $60 plan.

Bell has recently launched a new set of data plans. We no longer market an "Unlimited" BlackBerry data feature (don't worry, existing users have been grandfathered).

Bell's Data rates are as follows:

Light: $25, 0.5MB/month
Standard: $40, 1MB/month
Premium: $60, 30MB/month
Ultimate: $100, 250MB/month
(higher volume data rates are also available upon request)

See here for more details: Wireless Products

CDMA coverage is not currently available across most of Europe, Africa and South America.

You could always have your BlackBerry unlocked and use it on Rogers Wireless on a month to month basis with no contract.

If you travel to Int'l location Europe, UK etc GSM is your best choice. If you only travel on a North American level then CDMA will fit the bill.

That being said, the CPU in the 8700 is faster than the 7250.

So EDGE on 8700 is much faster than EVDO on 7250.

However, Bell should be getting an 87XX model sometime later this year, since they're coming out with a CDMA version.

Interestingly, Rogers and Bell's data rates are starting to become more similiar. The $100 plan at Rogers gets you 200 MB and the same plan at Bell gets you 250 MB. This is nothing compared to the former chasm between the old 25 MB Rogers cap versus true-unlimited at Bell.

Do these include text messaging and voice?

No, SMS and voice usage are charged separately.

i feel sorry for u going from NYC to Edmonton "Edmonton sucks" you'll be happy to go back to NY..
You go from a city that has life to a dead one.. from having good bb plans to sh*ty ones..

hope your getting paid good