2009 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study

Congratulations to Virgin Mobile Canada for being the J.D. Power 2009 Award Recipient for both Prepaid and Postpaid Service.

Prepaid

Virgin Mobile: 752
Fido: 654
Telus Mobility: 653
industry average: 662

Postpaid

Virgin Mobile: 758
Koodo Mobile: 755
SaskTel: 716
industry average: 642

Read the complete press release on the J.D. Power website.

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Add comment October 27th, 2009

Telus: What You See Is What You Pay

Telus Mobility is gearing up for the launch of their HSPA+ network early next month by teasing us with the new rate plans.  Termed “Clear and Simple Pricing” the new plans eliminate the addition costs associated with the System Access Fee (SAF) and 9-1-1 fee by building them into the base plan pricing.  As a result the base plan will increase $5/month but will actually save the consumer $2.70 per month in addition to gaining voice mail 3.  Please note that the removal of the System Access Fee and 9-1-1 fee is only for the new “Clear and Simple Pricing” plans-existing plans and contract will not have this amount credited.

click on the image for a large view

Follow the “more” link for some FAQs about the “Clear and Simple Pricing” plans.

Q. Why is TELUS launching these new plans?

A. TELUS is committed to delivering exceptional client service. We recognize wireless pricing can be confusing. Clear Choice™ rate plans maintain our industry leading position on pricing transparency by making rate plans clear and simple. What you see is what you pay.

Q. Are SAF and 911 TELUS fees included in the price of TELUS Clear Choice™ plans?

A. The expenses to TELUS that are currently covered by the System Access and carrier 911 fees still exist and will be covered by the Clear Choice™ plan rate.

Q. As an existing TELUS client, can I stay on my existing rate plan and remove SAF and carrier 911 fees?

A. No. The expenses covered by System Access and carrier 911 fees still exist, so you must continue to pay the fees while you remain on your existing plan. You have the option to change to Clear Choice™ rate plans as of November 5, but if you choose to do so, you will forfeit the benefits and features of your existing rate plan.

Q. As an existing TELUS client, can I continue to renew on my existing rate plan?

A. Yes, you can. Existing clients will continue to be able to renew their current plan as it exists.

Head over to the Telus website to read all about the “Clear and Simple Pricing” rate plans.

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1 comment October 27th, 2009

Motorola VE440 Finds Its Way to Koodo Mobile

Koodo Mobile has launched the Motorola VE440.

Packed with fun essentials.

• 1.3 megapixel camera
• MP3 player with microSD™ slot (expandable up to 8GB) & dedicated one touch music keys
• Bluetooth® technology for stereo and hands-free accessories
• Voice-activated dialing
• Speakerphone

The VE440 is only $125 or $0 with a 125 Tab.  Buying through the Koodo Mobile online store will score you free shipping.

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Add comment October 27th, 2009

Koodo Mobile Releases Samsung Intensity

The Samsung Intensity has officially been launched on Telus’ discount brand-Koodo Mobile.  The full QWERTY device retails for $200, or $50 when you max out the Tab.

With a 1.3MP camera, MP3 player, microSD slot (supporting up to 16 GB), and Bluetooth this device has great features and a excellent price tag.

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Add comment October 26th, 2009

Unlimited Everything Coming to Solo Mobile

It has been awhile since we last posted something about Solo Mobile, a division of Bell Mobility, so lets give them some press time.

A web page went up late last week with information about three unlimited plans.  Of course a truly “unlimited”plan it too good to be true so the following conditions apply:

1) available in Toronto and Montreal only
2) only for use in “City Zone” (just like the “Solo in the City” and “City Fido” plans)
3) prepaid only

Click on the “more” link to see the details on the three unlimited plans.

$45/month
unlimited talk
unlimited text

$55/month
unlimited talk
unlimited text
caller id
voicemail

$65/month
unlimited talk
unlimited text
unlimited mobile internet (on-device browsing)
unlimited long distance (Canada only)
caller id
voicemail

The three plans have since been removed from the Solo Mobile website, but they should be back soon.  The plans are most likely in direct competition with newcomer Public Mobile.  The new carrier is currently advertising a $40/month unlimited talk and text plan which will become available when they launch in Toronto and Montreal later this year.

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Add comment October 25th, 2009

BlackBerry Bold 9700 Coming to Canada

The big three (Rogers, Bell, Telus) have announced they will be bringing the BlackBerry Bold 9700 to Canada.

The 9700 features a 2.44″ screen, 3.2 MP camera, wifi, and GPS.  In addition to the previous mentioned features, the 9700 replaces the roller ball with a track pad.

The Bold 2 will be  in the starting lineup for Bell and Telus’ new HSPA network, which should be ready for use in November.  The 9700 should be up for sale in November in around the $300 price mark on a 3 year term with data.

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1 comment October 21st, 2009

Koodo Mobile Shipping Masterpiece and VE440

As we told you last week, Koodo Mobile will be releasing three new CDMA devices in the coming weeks.  Looks like the LG Masterpiece and Motorola VE440 will launch on October 26th, according to our Koodo insider.  Both devices were shipped out to retail locations Monday, October 19th-so they should arrive in time for the 26th launch date.

As stated in the previous post, each devices will set you back $125 or $0 with a 125 Tab.  More information and specs will be published once the devices are officially launched.

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Add comment October 21st, 2009

Koodo Mobile Q4 Info

According to our Koodo Mobile ninja the discount brand will be launching three new devices in time for the fourth quarter.

LG Masterpiece (~$125)

Motorola VE440 (~$125)

Samsung Intensity U450 (~$200)

It will be interesting to see if Koodo Mobile will be staying with CDMA or moving onto the newly created HSPA network.

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1 comment October 12th, 2009

TELUS and Bell launch HSPA network. TELUS and Bell to offer the iPhone starting in November

TELUS and Bell have launched their HSPA network.

Also, ending months of speculation and ending Roger’s iPhone exclusivity both TELUS and Bell have announced that they will be offering the  iPhone 3G and 3Gs starting in November. Details on that to come later.

You can sign up for updates from TELUS here.

3 comments October 6th, 2009

Rogers Launches BlackBerry 8520 Curve

Research in Motion (RIM), the makers of the BlackBerry, and Rogers Wireless are pleased to announce the launching of the BlackBerry 8520 Curve.  The all new BlackBerry Curve features:

•Trackpad–The first Blackberry with an optical trackpad, the Curve 8520 makes navigation easy
•Dedicated external media keys -access your multimedia easily and instantly
•Social Networking –If you prefer Facebook®, Flickr, Twitter or love them all, the Curve 8520 will keep you connected to all your social networks
•2.0 MP camera with video capture
•Large, Colorful Screen –Your life on-the-go –the way it was meant to be seen
•Out of the Box Mac Computer Support –Make the Mac connection
•Built-in Wi-Fi(Supports TalkSpot™)
•World Phone –Quad Band EDGE with Stereo Bluetooth™

The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is launching at the following price points:

3 year: $99.99 (voice and data)
3 year: $349.99
2 year: $399.99
1 year: $399.99
no term: $449.99

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8 comments October 5th, 2009