Switchers, rejoice: Canada gets WNP today
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Mar 14th 2007 1:21PM
posted Mar 14th 2007 1:21PM
Let's be honest: even if you like your carrier, being married to it sucks. Whether you're staring down the business end of a three-year contract (Canadian carriers, we're looking squarely at you), your company is engaged in some sort of business relationship with a particular carrier, or you can't take your beloved phone number with you -- whatever the reason may be, getting locked in instills a feeling of dread and unease that we'd personally rather be without. Contracts and business deals may be here to stay, but for our friends north of the border, your government has finally solved that whole number conundrum. As of today, carriers doing business in metropolitan areas are required to support wireless number portability (WNP, as the kids are calling it these days), opening the floodgates from Rogers to Telus, Telus to Bell, Bell to Fido, and so on. We're not sure what carrier(s) stand to benefit the most from the move, but if you've been waiting for today with bated breath, let us know all about your move in comments![Via Scott Robinson]
I can tell you that Bell customers are more than likely going to be the ones to jump ship more than the rest. Rogers is tops when it comes to wireless coverage in Canada, and always seem to be reasonably on top of the handset game, too.
Not to mention they're first pick for RIM and their BlackBerry devices, so 'Berry users from Telus and Bell might be climbing Rogers' tree for the 8800 asap.
All though rogers is tops in coverage, they are also tops in pricing... I am hoping that those jumping ship encourage some reasonable data rates out of these Canadian Monopolists.
I doubt there will be any changes in the rates, with only three main Carriers here in Canada, they have a virtual understanding that the rates stay the same.
I think I'm going to jump to Virgin Mobile for the cheaper prices.
It's great that WNP has finally arrived in Canada. It is surprising though that there is virtually not a peep out of any of the carriers here. It seems that carrier collusion reigns supreme in Canada. Even though WNP takes effect today - pretty much nobody even knows about it!
And I agree with the comments made above regarding data plans. The rates are ludicrous. Rogers/Fido has an internet package for $5 for 2MB (yipee) and then charges you $30 for every MB after that. Bell has similar rates. So even though WNP kicks in today - where does one go as every carrier is bound to screw you on prices???
Plus virgin has a deal today which would credit the entire amount of your phone back into your account. This + no contract + flexiblity makes it such an interesting deal
I have to agree with Donovan. I used to have Fido's flat rate wireless data plan, and since Rogers bought them, no carrier offers such a plan. I've been trying to stir up response around this, by contacting the CRTC, participating in various message boards, etc, but no one really cares. if 98% of Canadians don't want this, they also don't care about world phones, GSM competition (since its a predominant world standard with the most variety in handsets), coverage outside their area, you name it. So while it would be nice to see people switching to Rogers, not because I like them but because looking at the US and other countries in Europe, multiple GSM carriers seems to be a key factor in having real competition, but that doesn't seem like it will happen any time soon. For now you can have $20/MB wireless data, blackberry or IM access, but otherwise Canada will be all lined up to be a consumer to other countries offerings once wireless data is ubiquitous, which is going to be a big deal.
Bell today raised their activation rate from $0 to now $60. ouch Thats just to activate a dsp
"Bell today raised their activation rate from $0 to now $60. ouch Thats just to activate a dsp"
If that's true, that may be the second stupidest move in the history of WNP launches (the late AT&T Wireless rolling out a non-functioning billing system will stay # 1 until the end of time).
And as a Canadian, I love number portability because it means I can keep the same phone # I've had for 15+ years, except now on my cell.
I have been waiting for this day since I signed my fido contract. I don't understand where some of you get the idea that rogers is far superior. You must be from the eastern portion of Canada and live in a big city. I work in remote locations and have yet to see someone with a rogers phone that gets reception. My remote areas aren't exactly remote (Western Alberta/Northern Alberta).
Unfortunately for me Bell and Telus both suck when it comes to PDA's which I am considering. The Motorola Q is horrible and the Treo seems to be a bit too buggy. Unfortunately because of the ancient CDMA service both providers have and the lacking support by handset manufacturers; makes for a lousy deal to go anywhere other than Rogers.
Now I am even considering staying with Fido as they have by-the-second billing which I consider the only reasonable way to charge someone.