AT&T's Nation with Canada plans make border runs a little cheaper
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Nov 9th 2009 3:01PM
posted Nov 9th 2009 3:01PM
Right on cue, AT&T has announced new Canada-friendly plans today that make the occasional trip to Whistler, Yellowknife, or Fredericton just a little more bearable. The packages range from $59.99 up to $219.99 a month with anytime minute buckets of 450, 1,350, 2,000, 4,000, and 6,000 and include compatible rollover and an extra 1,000 night / weekend minutes for good measure. Though the plans don't include data, you pay $2 a megabyte, which is the same rate as domestic (and is still plenty high enough to get you into serious trouble with a smartphone or tethering setup). Those on family plans can look into the action starting at $89.99 a month, so get on your snowshoes -- we're headed to Banff.
I wish these carriers would just sell a bolt on plan that would give you calling to Canadian numbers and another bolt on plan that would give you roaming in Canada. That way you could just call up and activate the plan when you needed it.
Something like:
Individual Plan
450 mins 1 line 39.99
+Canadian Long distance 4.99/month add-on
or
+Canadian roaming (includes Canadian long distance) 9.99/month add-on
Family Plan
700 mins 2 lines 69.99/month
+Canadian Long distance 9.99/month add-on includes all lines
or
+Canadian roaming (includes Canadian long distance) 19.99/month add-on includes all lines
ATTWS does offer a bolt-on for calling/roaming, have for ages:
http://www.wireless.att.com:80/learn/international/roaming/affordable-world-packages.jsp?wtSlotClick=1-0026F0-0-1&WT.svl=calltoaction#4
I turn it on before I go or need the service for a couple of weeks, turn it off when I get back or don't need it. The charge has been prorated. I prefer VZW's BB plan over ATTs since I get BB data and slightly better coverage where I go. The calling to-from rate is pretty good for both carriers, IMO.
The "new" ATT Canada/Nation plans are just a rehash of what they used to offer and pretty much matches VZW's comparable plan - minute-for-minute and prices, with Rollover being the only real difference.
@Chris B.
Yeah I'm aware of the bolt-ons they currently offer, but you still have to pay extra per minute, and it doesn't include roaming. The bolt-on I would like to see includes all the minutes already, and if you want roaming you could add that too.
Really, you guys don't have plans like this already? All the big 3 carrier in canada have had plans like this for the past 5-10 years now. And i know at least one carrier already has the option of bolt on travel packs where you can buy international roaming minutes, texting, or data, as an add-on to any regular plan.
Looks like all that competition down there isn't doing much for innovation, eh?
If nothing else, this is perfect timing for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics...
Take off, eh? Hold off on the trip to Banff, eh? There's no snow on the ground yet, hoser!
Look for yourself! http://www.explorerockies.com/banff-webcam/