Rogers HTC Dream upgrade plan is official, still free
By Sean Cooper 
posted January 13th 2010 3:52AM
posted January 13th 2010 3:52AM
We smile when carriers do us a kindness, and we'd expect a few of you HTC Dream owners will agree that Rogers Update: Well, the good deal from Rogers just got better -- as if that could be possible. It seems the lucky upgrading masses are also receiving a bonus $50 rebate on checkout. So not only do you get a free Dream and get to keep the Magic, Rogers is now paying you $50 for the privilege.
Here are the details of the HTC Dream to Magic upgrade that Rogers announced Friday:
Current Rogers customers who activated a new Rogers HTC Dream through Dec. 31, 2009 - either through upgrade or a new activation - may upgrade that device to an HTC Magic for a limited time.
Upgrades must be done through Customer Care (1-888-Rogers1) or through Rogers.com (existing 3yr data plan required for online upgrades, instructions below). This special upgrade offer does not apply at retail.
This limited-time upgrade is available between January 12 and January 26 only.
The $79 upgrade cost of the device, plus the $35 administration fee are being waived. Customers who choose to take advantage of this offer get a $599 phone for $0 with the renewal of a three-year term from the date of the upgrade (For most customers, this will represent a contract extension of seven months or less).
The upgrade is completely optional. Customers who choose to can stick with their HTC Dreams and remain in their current contracts.
Current Rogers customers who activated a new Rogers HTC Dream through Dec. 31, 2009 - either through upgrade or a new activation - may upgrade that device to an HTC Magic for a limited time.
Upgrades must be done through Customer Care (1-888-Rogers1) or through Rogers.com (existing 3yr data plan required for online upgrades, instructions below). This special upgrade offer does not apply at retail.
This limited-time upgrade is available between January 12 and January 26 only.
The $79 upgrade cost of the device, plus the $35 administration fee are being waived. Customers who choose to take advantage of this offer get a $599 phone for $0 with the renewal of a three-year term from the date of the upgrade (For most customers, this will represent a contract extension of seven months or less).
The upgrade is completely optional. Customers who choose to can stick with their HTC Dreams and remain in their current contracts.
3 year contract!
by the time that ends we'll have mobile phones implanted directly into our minds!
@bigshape Most people are already in a contract with their devices anyways...as the article states and Rogers, having run the statistics on it for the consumer to show reason as to why they should upgrade..most are only technically extending their contract by 7 mnths since they already have an existing one.
It's not your current contract PLUS another 3 yrs.
It's a little known fact (but worth noting) that whether or not an HTC device gets a software update is usually dictated by HTC and not by the carrier.
Sometimes there are costs or conditions associated with the update which the carrier is either unable to pass onto the customers or unwilling or unable to commit to. As such, HTC don't provide the update.
It really makes me wonder how few people have the Dream and/or how slowly the Magic is moving. I understand "wanting people to have the best and most current Windows Mobile experience" and whatnot, but I don't see any reason the company is doing this. Seems like after years of screwing the people of Canada, the telecom finally threw 'em a break-between the 12th and 26th of January. Good for them.
@derX
Wow, definitely meant "Android" and not "Windows Mobile." FAIL!
My apologies.
@derX
This isn't windows mobile...
Reports are that Rogers is also giving a $50 mail in rebate coupon on top of the Magic. http://www.iwantmyonepointsix.com/?p=123
@pbryden
TRUE! I just ordered mine online. Here are some of the details ...
Hardware / Equipment:
Qty 1 – Pay Monthly
Renewal Term: 36 months
HTC MAGICBLKR GSM-$0.00*
Administration Fee -$0.00*
Consumer Mail-in Rebate –$50.00**
Installation Charges / Delivery Charges: 0
Subtotal:
Pay Now - $0.00
Pay Monthly - $0.00
** Reminder: $50.00 consumer mail-in rebate will be included with your order at time of delivery. Please follow the instructions on the rebate to receive a credit back on your account within 6-8 weeks.
As long as you remember to send in the rebate, they're essentially giving you a free second phone AND $50 to go with it.
Not bad Rogers!
Good on Rogers, people will still hate on them. But this is a good PR move.
An extra phone that will get Android 2.1 + Sense UI in exchange for only (at most) 7 more months to an existing contract.
That's a great deal.
Damn, should have gotten a Dream instead of a Magic.
Oh well, only 2 years & 6 months left on my contract
LOl you would have to be a fool to sign a 3 year contract to get this phone,when new competitors to the big 3 are now getting started. Cheaper plans boys and girls.
At least they are doing something... the carriers in the states would never do this and let you keep your old phone.
Still fail in my opinion. I own a Dream BECAUSE it has a physical keyboard. I don't like the software keyboard my fiance has on her Magic. This is a downgrade to me. Fortunately I have an exchange plan on my phone through Best Buy that allows me to replace the phone as many times as needed during my 3 year contract. I'll wait for the Milestone or whatever other slider style phone hits through Rogers.
@(Unverified)
I'm in the same boat. But still, for a free phone that they then give us $50 credit? It's totally worth it. Sell the phone or something.
But yes, physical keyboard > virtual.
3 YEARS!!!!!
I get bored of a new phone after 3 weeks....
If I upgrade to this, I won't be eligible to upgrade to the xperia x10 rogers is getting in a few months! So I'm gonna let this offer pass.
Boy we sure are getting raped with AT&T aren't we...
@HektikLyfe
Rogers is much worse than AT&T, hands down. Our prices are set to kill.
Sense UI would be a welcome addition, but it is still 1.5. It provides a slick UI and some neat features, but like I posted previously, as app’s start requiring 1.6 even Sense UI users will be left in the dark (albeit a nice, slick dark!) yeah! HTC Dream details: http://bit.ly/htc-dream-preview
@lealovie
HTC and Rogers are upgrtading them both in the very near term. They will still be 1.5 but will include Sense:
http://mobile.engadget.com/2010/01/06/rogers-and-htc-give-up-magic-will-see-android-2-1-but-dream-ge/
@lealovie
Rogers/HTC will be releasing 2.1 for the Rogers Magic half way this year.
Sent mine request in. It does look like they're paying us to upgrade.
So not only is Rogers giving a $50 rebate that's credited to your account, but because you get to keep the old phone you can trade it in at Best Buy in exchange for a Best Buy gift card -- go to the cellphone section on the website for details. An HTC Dream in good condition with the original box and charger is worth almost a $100 gift card. Not a bad deal if you're not planning to do anything with the old phone anyway.
Universal Healthcare AND a Free Upgrade*?
I'm SO movin to Canadia.
*With 3 year contract. And probably other stuff you don't know or want to know about.
Would be nice if T-mobile would do something like this....
"So not only do you get a free Dream and get to keep the Magic, "
U mean... "...Free Magic and get to keep the Dream"
Are you kidding me? Rogers is the company that doesn't know the meaning of the word "update". Don't praise them Condemn them. It is the right thing to do.