TekSavvy cell phone service? in TekSavvy http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20763523 en Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:02:40 EDT Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:02:40 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21207021 milnoc : Just so you all know, I've purchased a prepaid SIM from Fido. $35 just for the SIM card. What a monumental rip-off. But that's what you pay for being a citizen of a technologically primitive nation that fears innovation of any kind. If that weren't the case, the fate of the Avro Arrow alone would have been very different.

The Fido service is a TEMPORARY solution. As soon as I find a better service, preferably one comparable to the excellent service available in the UK by many providers, I jump ship immediately.

EDIT: I've just discovered a promotional credit of $20 was added to my prepaid account on top of the $20 I've already paid for. So the SIM cost me $15 instead of $35. It's still $15 too much for something that should have been offered for free though.

As far as mobile broadband is concerned, it's "hands off." The rate is 5 cents per kilobyte! That means only one megabyte of data transfers will cost you FIFTY BUCKS! And forget using one of their data plans! First, you have to be on a monthly plan. Second, it applies only to "authorized" handsets and applications. That means unlocked phones and Opera Mini browsers are charged the 5 cent/kilobyte rate.

And it's no better with Rogers who owns both Fido and the entire Canadian GSM network.

Pathetic.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21207021 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:10:33 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21193551 Guspaz : Virgin Mobile in the US, strangely enough, has free phones with their prepaid service. That is, you buy a phone for $10 and it comes with $10 prepaid airtime (which you tend to need anyhow), so it's free.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21193551 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:17:15 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21193195 Taylortbb :
said by chagrin67 See Profile :

Can't you complain about spam text messages to get a refund ? Rogers has a service to forward them to I think.
Rogers doesn't charge for incoming so there's no refund to get.

@Guspaz

Rogers includes SIMs with the purchase of a phone but not with the purchase of airtime. When I activated my imported phone on pay as you go I had to first purchase the SIM for $25. A rip-off, but better than using one of their crappy phones.

As for the rip-off data prices, yeah they're a rip-off, but right now the Rogers 6GB/month for $30/month promo isn't bad. Especially seeing as you can use it for tethering, which most unlimited plans disallow.
--
Taylor Byrnes
www.taylorbyrnes.org]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21193195 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:14:34 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21193063 chagrin67 : A good GSM network would be great. I almost want to buy the openmoko »www.openmoko.com, but I'm stuck on a contract with Telus. I really want to mess around with "vowi-fi" - wireless voip or a hybrid solution, but the technology just isn't reliable enough.

Rogers has that hybrid phone with the "talkspot", but for $15/month .. a rip-off to start and it only uses a linksys/cisco router "optimized" for voip. You can't even use their damn hotspots, because it's so crippled, it can't log in, so you can pay $7 /hour or whatever huge rip-off hotspots are.

Can't you complain about spam text messages to get a refund ? Rogers has a service to forward them to I think.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21193063 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:55:37 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192749 newbi : yeah lets ask for cable service, hydro service, grocery, banking service from TSI while we are at it!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192749 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:06:47 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192501 milnoc : I really have no idea what's their justification for charging such a ridiculous price for a card and give absolutely nothing in return. In Europe, you can't walk into a mobile phone store without being offered a free SIM card deal on the spot. They're that cheap to produce!

As for the low cost or free phone deals here in North America, they're usually sucker bait. You're forced to purchased a severely crippled phone in exchange for a binding three year contract with no upgrade options whatsoever with the possible exception of speaking to a "retention officer" when you're so pissed off that you're ready to quit.

In Europe, they give everyone a sweet deal long before the customer is remotely pissed off. In North America, they may throw you a few crumbs your way if you're close to suing them. The North American business model is completely backwards!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192501 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:28:26 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192246 Guspaz : How can they charge $25 for a SIM card when you can get $10 pay as you go and get a SIM card with that? Or do they make you buy the phone too?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192246 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:47:38 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192189 milnoc : You did notice I meant calling from the UK to North America for only 8 cents per minute, did you? :)

Man, what a deal that was! In fact, it was even better! TalkMobile was running a promotion during September where all foreign calls on their World plan were only 2p per minute, or FOUR CENTS per minute! I called my family back home so many times, yet the balance was diminishing ever so slowly! And the SIM card was absolutely free! And no extortion "system access" or "911" fees whatsoever! I simply couldn't believe it!

Then I arrive in Paris, and the roaming charges kicked in. SCHLOOOOOOP!!! :D So I got a Virgin SIM for France. Once back in London, I bought the 6500 Slide with a £10 Orange card, which gave me a £70 reduction on the price of the phone, and gave me a great deal on data charges in return. It took a while to kill off that card. I then fell back on my TalkMobile SIM which I had topped off for the remainder of my trip when I bought the 6500.

So after my European trip, I now have two phones and three SIM cards. And none of the SIM cards cost me a penny. Unfortunately, I now have a dual-band European Nokia 1650 phone which is useless here in North America since the frequency band is incompatible. But it's no big loss since the phone only cost me £10 anyway.

Finding a SIM card in Canada is more difficult than I expected. Rogers charges $25 for their cards, and Fido charges $35. None of these cards includes any air time, so you're essentially paying a huge chunk of change for a piece of plastic and metal that costs maybe 5 cents to make. Major, MAJOR rip-off. I gotta find a way to make someone else pay for the thing...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21192189 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:40:00 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21191984 Guspaz : That's about what my prepaid service charges per minute, although not for long distance.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21191984 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:07:26 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21191967 jwillisbarri : There are lots of people that would like to have data only at a reasonable rate. Lots of Deaf people have Blackberry and other devices that they would be extremely happy to be able to get DATA only.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21191967 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:04:11 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21191030 milnoc : I've just returned from a European trip where I discovered in the UK the mobile phone outfit Carphone Warehouse.

I was in mobile phone heaven! :)

I started out with a dual-band Nokia 1650 for £10, and a TalkMobile World SIM card for £20 with calls to North America costing only 4p per minute, or 8 cents per minute. The phone was already unlocked so I only had to swap SIM cards when I needed to make calls from Paris once the TalkMobile SIM card ran out of cash.

I was so impressed with the quality of the phones and wireless service that I bought myself a quad-band Nokia 6500 Slide in black! What a beautiful machine that is! Now all I need is a SIM card for Canada.

Rocky! Are you reading this? I desperately need some SIMulation! :D

In the meantime, I'll check out Fido's prepaid service.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21191030 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:45:27 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20785828 BryceS : Didn't they call it iFido?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20785828 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:09:49 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20785737 jfmezei : >Um just checked both bells site & the wiki BOTH say its wimax.

>»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Sympatico

>»www.bell.ca/shopping/PrsShpInt_Uplg3m.page?

Check the bell.ca web page: It requires a modem that plugs into the wall.

After some verification, the Inukshuk technology was retro-actively called "wimax". Intel's definition of Wimax is the newly adopted mobile wimax standard which is different from the innukshuk older implementation.

WiMax that Intel is developping is a mobile one with cards that fit into laptops etc. Not the clumsy plug-in modems that were deployed by Innukshuk. Intel is working on 802.16e

Innukshuk uses what is now known as 802.16
»inukshuk.ca/

In the "our network":
##
This next generation IP wireless network based on pre-WiMAX standards enables portable megabit services, allowing subscribers to access the Internet and other applications such as VoIP, video streaming and a variety of data applications.

##

Note the "pre-wimax" ...

»www.intel.com/technology/wimax/s···tandards

Note that Inukshuk did not call their product "WIMAX" back when they were under Microcell. Can't remember the original name for this technology.

Look has/had a different wireless technology that was line of sight with directional antennas.

Intel's mobile wimax is brand new and very little deployed, Intel is pushing hard for it with new products expected to be certified this year.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20785737 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:47:16 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20785562 anon :
said by milnoc See Profile :

I'd still would like a cell phone though. I just want one from a provider that isn't out to rip me off at every opportunity. But if there aren't any at this time, I can live without a cell phone for a year or two if necessary.

ever heard of prepaid? incoming text messages are still free, sending them costs 15 cents, depending on how much you want to buy, you get between 5-30 cents per minute...if you don't call a lot nor text a lot but just want one...just get prepaid...
Fido would be the best provider (even though Rogers bought them), their customer service is voted one of the best and if you get their monthly service, you get billed by the second instead of Rogers or Bell where it counts as a minute for a 15 second call...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20785562 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:54:45 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20782469 anon : Um just checked both bells site & the wiki BOTH say its wimax.

»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Sympatico

»www.bell.ca/shopping/PrsShpInt_Uplg3m.page?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20782469 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:02:17 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20782406 milnoc : I've changed my mind (again) :)

I'll probably go with the Nokia N95-3. TigerDirect has it for just over $400 in Canada. The Chinese knockoffs worry me a bit, especially the batteries.

All I need is a service now. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20782406 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:50:20 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20782283 anon : Thank you for clearing that up.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20782283 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:19:14 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778858 jfmezei : CDMA (which uses a cdma air interface) has a range greater than 30km.

Inukshuk, the wireless service started by Microcell was NOT wimax.

Unless Bell/Rogers changed the whole service recently, it wouldn't be wimax. Can't remember the name of the protocol they used.

Remmeber that one of the big requirements of mobile phones is the ability to move from one cell to another and keep a call going without noticeable loss of conversation.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778858 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:45:36 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778686 BryceS :
said by anonwimax :

Forgive my ignorance but whats keeping bell from just migrating from cdma to voip over their wimax network. (Other then lack of handsets but if the networks there hardware will come)

They already have the wimax infrastructure in place in most rural and urban area's with unplugged. According to wikipedia (Not the most accurate resource I know) you can get 5KM from a wimax tower (The same as listed for CDMA).
Because it isn't *their* WiMax network.

Joint venture between RCI and BCE started by Microcell.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778686 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:04:13 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778638 anon : Forgive my ignorance but whats keeping bell from just migrating from cdma to voip over their wimax network. (Other then lack of handsets but if the networks there hardware will come)

They already have the wimax infrastructure in place in most rural and urban area's with unplugged. According to wikipedia (Not the most accurate resource I know) you can get 5KM from a wimax tower (The same as listed for CDMA).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778638 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:54:25 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778111 Leathal :
said by brad See Profile :

said by Leathal See Profile :

Not that it's going to matter sooner or later Telus will own Bell Mobility.
Extremely unlikely to ever happen.
Want to bet your salary? :-)

Leathal]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20778111 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:58:10 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20777892 jfmezei : >LTE is the future with a CDMA/GSM mix bringing positives from
>both technologies forward.

LTE is the successor to 3G GSM.

One need to be careful between CDMA (proprieraty implementation) and cdma (air interface concept).

In the past there was also TDMA (protocol standard used by AT&T and a few others) and tdma (the air interface philosophy of time division).

3G GSM (UMTS and the HSPDA data) are based on a cdma air interface. But not based on Qualcomm's CDMA.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20777892 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:19:22 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20777584 BryceS :
said by brad See Profile :

said by Guspaz See Profile :

GSM is the way to go for sure.
Get back to me when TSI can build their own network or a 4th carrier pops up and they're using GSM. Otherwise there are no acceptable options for me.
GSM is the past.

LTE is the future with a CDMA/GSM mix bringing positives from both technologies forward.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20777584 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:18:30 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20774590 Omr : Again the spectrum auction is near complete, so we should be seeing a viable 4th Carrier coming. Either in the form of Quebecor or Globalive (ie. Yak). Also it'll be quite stupid to start this on CDMA.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20774590 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:41:26 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20773667 brad :
said by Guspaz See Profile :

GSM is the way to go for sure.
Get back to me when TSI can build their own network or a 4th carrier pops up and they're using GSM. Otherwise there are no acceptable options for me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20773667 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:25:48 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20773662 brad :
said by Leathal See Profile :

Not that it's going to matter sooner or later Telus will own Bell Mobility.
Extremely unlikely to ever happen.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20773662 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:21:00 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20773657 brad :
said by theninjasqua See Profile :

If Virgin went GSM, it would be a slam dunk.
VM is a 50/50 joint venture between Virgin Ltd and Bell Mobility. There is no way that would ever happen, unless of course Bell Mobility added GSM to their network.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20773657 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:15:03 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20772921 eots : I was told by Telus staff that they will be upgrading to GSM sometime in the next 2 years and will temporarily support both CDMA and GSM networks just as Rogers did when they switched from TDMA to GSM.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20772921 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:03:13 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20772274 travisc : There's no official press release. Rumour is they're considering it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20772274 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:44:05 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20771771 BryceS :
said by eots See Profile :

said by jessegr See Profile :

Or a CDMA one. Most of Canadian mnvo's are bell mobility wholesalers.
If Bell doesn't upgrade their network to GSM in the near future they will be the ONLY provider using CDMA. Telus has already announced they're upgrading to GSM within the next 2 years.
I haven't read an official press release.

Show me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20771771 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:01:00 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20771544 Black Moon :
said by jfmezei See Profile :

The legacy telcos went CDMA because their USA counterparts went CDMA.
Thanks, JF, but that still does not strike me as a valid reason. I wonder when Canada will stop looking at the US and either do its own thing or look more towards Asian and/or Europe.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20771544 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:13:48 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20770135 Omr : To top it off, a bonafide Data plan and I think TSI has the experience in Data. All the carriers effectively do not have any suitable data plans ... if TSI can make a way offering reasonable rates for reasonable data then we're talking about the entire country might jump on board in one fell swoop. Maybe a VoIP/ Cell phone hybrid type of system?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20770135 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:43:28 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20770109 theninjasqua :
said by jfmezei See Profile :

Qualcomm's business practices has cuased major manufacturers to scale down their production of CDMA handsets. Nokia is the more visible one since after being sued by Qualcomm, it decided to scale back its production of CDMA handsets. Why send money to Qualcomm if Qualcomm will turn around and sue you ?

And then Qualcomm got its pants pulled down when it was revealed that it had stolen patents from others.

This is why you end up seeing the CDMA carriers advertising mostly LG and Samsung handsets.

Because it costs more to make a CDMA handset (royalties to Qualcomm), netorwks like Verizon, Sprint and Bell have to put a greater subsidy on handsets compared to GSM networks.

Verizon, one of the 2 major CDMA users (Verizon and Sprint) is owned in part by Vodaphone which is a worldwide GSM shop, and Verizon has already announced that for the 4G systems, it would align itself with teh same technology as Vodaphone (aka: not CDMA).

The main advantage for a theoretical GSM based Teksavvy Mobile service is that it could have "you buy yor own handset" policy without any subsidy, and then offer much lower monthly prices and no contracts.

When you look at mid to high range phones, the "subsidized" prices are not too different from the street prices for OEM non-locked phones. (iphone is an exception).
I really really wish there was a provider here in Canada that would do this! Its so frustrating this market we have for cell phone service. I think if a company came along that provided that kind of service, they would do very well. Customers want change and no one is providing that, aside from say Virgin which is why they are doing so well. If Virgin went GSM, it would be a slam dunk.
--

-theninjasquad]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20770109 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:37:04 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20768136 jfmezei : Qualcomm's business practices has cuased major manufacturers to scale down their production of CDMA handsets. Nokia is the more visible one since after being sued by Qualcomm, it decided to scale back its production of CDMA handsets. Why send money to Qualcomm if Qualcomm will turn around and sue you ?

And then Qualcomm got its pants pulled down when it was revealed that it had stolen patents from others.

This is why you end up seeing the CDMA carriers advertising mostly LG and Samsung handsets.

Because it costs more to make a CDMA handset (royalties to Qualcomm), netorwks like Verizon, Sprint and Bell have to put a greater subsidy on handsets compared to GSM networks.

Verizon, one of the 2 major CDMA users (Verizon and Sprint) is owned in part by Vodaphone which is a worldwide GSM shop, and Verizon has already announced that for the 4G systems, it would align itself with teh same technology as Vodaphone (aka: not CDMA).

The main advantage for a theoretical GSM based Teksavvy Mobile service is that it could have "you buy yor own handset" policy without any subsidy, and then offer much lower monthly prices and no contracts.

When you look at mid to high range phones, the "subsidized" prices are not too different from the street prices for OEM non-locked phones. (iphone is an exception).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20768136 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:15:57 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20768089 recneps :
said by milnoc See Profile :

To loosely quote Jack "The Joker" Nicholson in the first WB Batman movie:

"Where do they get those wonderful toys?"

My credit card's gonna scream bloody murder! :D
I know what you're saying.. :p
I've probably spent like.. $2-300 there so far, on random junk. I'm not in the market for a cell phone, but I'd probably get one from there if I wanted the super-high-end stuff for cheaper than $800. (They're not original.. know that. They're just clones - but they still do the same functions as others, if not more)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20768089 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:50:37 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767925 milnoc :
said by recneps See Profile :

Enjoy :p
To loosely quote Jack "The Joker" Nicholson in the first WB Batman movie:

"Where do they get those wonderful toys?"

My credit card's gonna scream bloody murder! :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767925 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:49:18 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767901 eots :
said by jessegr See Profile :

Or a CDMA one. Most of Canadian mnvo's are bell mobility wholesalers.
If Bell doesn't upgrade their network to GSM in the near future they will be the ONLY provider using CDMA. Telus has already announced they're upgrading to GSM within the next 2 years.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767901 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:43:44 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767701 Guspaz : (they have 600k customers) Yes, a 50% stake. Apparently the other 50% being not owned by Bell is enough, as Virgin is rated as first place for customer satisfaction, and their prices/policies are all drastically better than Bell's.

Bell has their own fully-owned subsidiary, Solo Mobile (much like Telus owns Koodo and Rogers owns Fido).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767701 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:53:32 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767668 BryceS :
said by Guspaz See Profile :

Virgin could. They've got many times 50k subscribers.
Bell owns a huge stake in Virgin Mobile Canada.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767668 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:46:25 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767642 Guspaz : Virgin could. They've got many times 50k subscribers.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767642 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:40:37 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767439 recneps :
said by milnoc See Profile :

Forget the Moto V3X, it's only tri-band. I want a quad-band. Can't seem to find anything appropriate on North American Web sites, so I may have to shop around the Asian market.
Enjoy :p]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767439 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:53:18 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767302 travisc : Not so easy to become a Rogers MVNO... Last time I talked to them about it, they didn't want to discuss it any further unless we could guarantee 50,000 subscribers within 3 years. That's a tough pill to swallow.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767302 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:27:13 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767081 vintagewino :
said by anonymousse :

have bell cdma sucks in northern york region
dropped calls,cut offs, wish i cud get rid of bell
but still have 2yrs left on contract
wud change to gsm in a =flash
but not robbers/fido had enough of their inept billing
prior to going to bell
anyone ever gotten out of a bell mobility contract
pls let me know how to do it

I have the feeling you're basically screwed. Because the package 'subsidizes' the phone, they basically gotcha. And the penalty to break the contract would be scary, especially with 2 years left.

It took a bit, Ibut I ported my wife's phone # from Bell to another carrier, but had to wait until exactly one month before the contract expired. I then gave notice that I MAY be moving away from Bell, but didn't know WHEN or IF.

A few days after the contract finished, I had the new carrier port the #, and bye-bye-Bell.

Hope someone has a better idea.

Oh, BTW, my co has me with Bell with a Palm Treo -- can barely use the thing in the house, at the office, at various customer locations. Had to give up the old pager, but my customers could at least get hold of me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767081 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:47:19 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767042 jfmezei : The legacy telcos went CDMA because their USA counterparts went CDMA.

And initially, in the USA, there was very little GSM. PacBell's system was GSM in southern californial. There was Voicestream in thr northwest, adn Omnipoint in New York.

Voicestream bought Omnipoint, and the resulting entity was bought by gemany's T-mobile. (and T-Mobile became a big shareholder of Fido prior to its bandrupcy).

The telcos that had chosen the cheaper clunky TDMA solution hit the dead end as predicted and they migrated to GSM. When AT&T decided to migrate to GSM, so did its canadian division AT&T (partly owned by Rogers).

Bell South's system converted to GSM and merged with the PacBell system which formed Cingular. Cingular later bought AT&T Wireless, rebranded it Cingular. Months later, the whole of AT&T was bought by the owners of Cingular and the whole kit and kaboodle renamed "AT&T" which created a nationwide GSM carrier. There are others carereuers including T-Mobile and regional ones here and there. There is one in Atlanta (Metro(something)) which offers what CitiFido used to be (unlimited calling for $40 per month)

Bell and the canadian telcos went with CDMA despite it being proprietary and initially lacking basic functions such as SMS and data. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767042 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:38:03 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767021 Omr : Hey Globalive ie. Yak is in position to be 4th national carrier ... I believe TSI is in good relations with these cats ... anything is possible ;) .

Apparently Yak has over a million Canadian subscribers, something I find very hard to swallow.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20767021 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:34:23 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766987 milnoc : Forget the Moto V3X, it's only tri-band. I want a quad-band. Can't seem to find anything appropriate on North American Web sites, so I may have to shop around the Asian market.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766987 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:27:45 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766911 shopkins :
said by Guspaz See Profile :

The downside is that it's potentially very customer support intensive.
Gotta say that from my experience (acknowledging that others may not have had the same experience) TekSavvy would be an ideal company for that.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766911 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:11:42 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766743 BryceS :
said by Black Moon See Profile :

Makes me wonder why Bell and Telus went for CDMA in the first place if GSM is the de facto standard wordlwide. Another way to squeeze out more money from their punters with less investment?
The 2G -> 3G -> 3.5G (current) had the easiest network upgrade. (software)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766743 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:33:30 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766499 anon : have bell cdma sucks in northern york region
dropped calls,cut offs, wish i cud get rid of bell
but still have 2yrs left on contract
wud change to gsm in a =flash
but not robbers/fido had enough of their inept billing
prior to going to bell
anyone ever gotten out of a bell mobility contract
pls let me know how to do it]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766499 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:47:32 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766457 Black Moon : Makes me wonder why Bell and Telus went for CDMA in the first place if GSM is the de facto standard wordlwide. Another way to squeeze out more money from their punters with less investment?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766457 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:36:40 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766398 recneps :
said by BryceS See Profile :

said by jfmezei See Profile :

You need a ***LOT*** of training to become a GOOD CSR for mobile phones.
6 months minimum to be able to provide decent customer service. You should also have experience (EG. use) with at least every manufacturer and every smartphone available.
I'd prefer a no frills service with basic support (I.e. change plans, numbers, acct management). If someone doesn't know how to use their phone.. they should read the manual or get one that any idiot can use.
"I can't send email" shouldn't require a tech to have inside and out knowledge of a specific phone. General troubleshooting steps should be enough.
If someone wants someone to hold their hand an walk them through it, they go to Bell or Rogers, who are used to dealing with idiots.

/end rant :)
(This is not directed to anyone here. I'm just saying..)

Edit: Just like their internet service - you supply your own modem, you configure it.
They could offer like 1-3 different phones and know them completely, or you could use your own phone, and get the service I described above.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766398 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:25:19 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766336 BryceS :
said by jfmezei See Profile :

You need a ***LOT*** of training to become a GOOD CSR for mobile phones.
6 months minimum to be able to provide decent customer service. You should also have experience (EG. use) with at least every manufacturer and every smartphone available.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766336 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:11:52 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766200 recneps : If they got GSM, i'd go for it.
I have Virgin right now.. its alright, I guess.. but having a locked phone SUCKS.
I have a samsung a640.
It has a camera and bluetooth.
Except.. they disabled pic transfer over bluetooth to get you to pay to upload a pic to send to people.
I got around it with a $3 USB cable from china, but that's beside the point...
And uhh.. no credit check for prepaid, at least. I could've used any name I wanted.. lol.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766200 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:40:44 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766121 Guspaz : Which is unfortunate; it severely restricts our choice of cellphone hardware. First of all, there are far more GSM phones on the market than CDMA phones, and second, unless I'm mistaken with CDMA you're stuck with the phones offered by your provider (no importing from Asia, for example). CDMA phones, you can't just stick in a SIM card and be on your way (and the phones tend to have a lot of provider-specific programming).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766121 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:23:07 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766091 jessegr : Or a CDMA one. Most of Canadian mnvo's are bell mobility wholesalers. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20766091 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:17:19 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765721 jfmezei : Yes, it would be great to see an outfit like Teksavvy want to do to canadians what Fido used to be about: bring reasonable, affordable prices and good service.

But I feel Teksavvy needs to wait a bit to manage this current growth spurt and learn from its POTS service experience before jumping into a GSM service.

You need a ***LOT*** of training to become a GOOD CSR for mobile phones.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765721 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:09:05 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765556 Guspaz : Morisato, your information seems to be a bit out of date:

1) Their basic $25 monthly plan comes with unlimited text messaging. Other plans can get unlimited voicemail/callerid/text messaging for $15 added.

2) They have $10 for 2500 text messages for prepaid services. If you're using $50 worth of text messages per month, I submit that you have too much free time (that would be 12500 text messages per month, which is insane).

3) They don't run credit checks...

4) Most providers don't include voicemail or caller ID with monthly plans. Virgin's pay-as-you-go plans are very good, and do include them, so it doesn't matter all that much. It's also not a hidden fee, because they're optional services.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765556 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:41:33 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765520 morisato : I personally hate virgin mobile They are my carrier at the moment and i stick to prepay with them because they want to rob me blind if i sign up for a proper plan with them. All i do is text message yet they only have 100 txts for $5 bucks and u cannot reup it so i can find myself spending 50 dollars a month on text messaging with them. and their Postpaid plans all have a 10 dollar Hidden fee for base Services. your required to have Call display/voicemail. etc.. oh that and they of course want to run a creditcheck which in pratice is not an issue except it leaves a mark on your credit rating everytime someone runs one.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765520 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:35:19 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765388 Guspaz : Who said anything about building their own networks?

The nice thing about MVNOs is that the networks themselves (Rogers, Bell) are fine. It's the companies offering services on them that suck.

As soon as you have an MVNO, you're completely isolated from the base carrier, and all the problems with the company pretty much go away.

TekSavvy can, with relatively little investment, become a Rogers MVNO. They buy service (minutes, data, etc) in bulk, and wholesale it to their own customers. This is why you see so many people (even banks and grocery stores) offering cellular service.

Some MVNOs, like Virgin, really stand above the rest. I think that TekSavvy (who make their business as a wholesaler on almost every service offering they have) would be the perfect company to move into this space. The downside is that it's potentially very customer support intensive.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765388 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:13:23 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765312 jessegr : Yes i really like Virgin Mobile. Im just on the 200 minute plan for 20$.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765312 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:01:24 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765254 anon :
said by travisc See Profile :

So TekSavvy is going to build a GSM network and fibre to everyone's home in Ontario and Quebec... Anything else you guys want them to do?
Yes, I would like to see Teksavvy Gas stations selling gas at $0.50/Litre if we're taking unreasonable requests :p]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765254 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:50:25 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765216 travisc : So TekSavvy is going to build a GSM network and fibre to everyone's home in Ontario and Quebec... Anything else you guys want them to do?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765216 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:43:41 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765137 Leathal :
said by milnoc See Profile :

When is TekSavvy going to enter the cell phone business?

With Bell and Telus ready to charge 15 cents for all incoming text messages (including unsolicited messages), this may be what I need to dump the last Bell service from my life.

I'd still would like a cell phone though. I just want one from a provider that isn't out to rip me off at every opportunity. But if there aren't any at this time, I can live without a cell phone for a year or two if necessary.

So Rocky, when can I port my cell phone number to you? :)
Not that it's going to matter sooner or later Telus will own Bell Mobility.

Leathal]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765137 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:30:23 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765103 Guspaz : GSM is the way to go for sure. The majority of phones available are GSM due to most of the world using GSM, and sometimes, when there are CDMA equivalents, they're crippled. Observe the RAZR V9 (GSM) versus the RAZR V9m (CDMA).

The V9m has less memory, a much slower processor (half speed, I think?), and is missing features.

You also can't import phones with CDMA. As far as I know, there is no such thing as an unlocked CDMA phone.

That said, Virgin Mobile is quite like the TekSavvy of cellphone providers. They're my provider. I'm currently signed up to a prepaid plan (no contract). $20 for 200 minutes + $7 for unlimited internet = $27 plus tax (no fees, except possibly the 911 fee).

Their prices are crazy-low compared to everybody else, they have really high customer satisfaction rates, and they have incredibly flexible service plans (you can get pretty much any kind of plan from them).

Downside? They're a Bell MVNO, so CDMA, and they have a somewhat limited selection of phones (no smartphones).

I do hope that TekSavvy will enter the cellular business as a GSM MVNO. I envision them as being pretty much like Virgin, but on the GSM network and with far more corporate transparency.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20765103 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:24:19 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764788 Radar73 : If TSI ever did join the cell game, I'd like to see a pay as you go plan in addition to others, something reasonable like 10 cents/min north america, no other BS fees, no 30 cents/min for the first two, then 5 cents/min after that crap, and using sim cards so we can use our own phones.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764788 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:31:10 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764708 theninjasqua :
said by milnoc See Profile :

I believe I've found one of the GSM phones that I'd like to have: a Motorola RAZR V3x. I prefer clamshell phones over non-clamshell designs (gotta protect the screen), and it's very similar in shape and functionality as my current Samsung a920 CDMA phone.

Hear that Rocky? WE'RE SHOPPING FOR PHONES! :D
I would laugh pretty good if they ended up going with a CDMA provider after that.
--

-theninjasquad]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764708 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:14:43 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764692 milnoc : I believe I've found one of the GSM phones that I'd like to have: a Motorola RAZR V3x. I prefer clamshell phones over non-clamshell designs (gotta protect the screen), and it's very similar in shape and functionality as my current Samsung a920 CDMA phone.

Hear that Rocky? WE'RE SHOPPING FOR PHONES! :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764692 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:12:11 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764413 anon : Yea it would be awesome if they could do something like 7-Eleven's Speak Out service for a start.

It's basically prepaid on the Rogers full footprint for 20c/min w/display;vm that expires after a year (not 30/60 days bs) with no minimum fillups and crap that rogers/bell/telus etc make you pay just to keep your balance that you already paid for.

It would be sweet if even all they did was mail out SIM cards with a # to use and you fill in the rest.

It would be the same idea as reselling Bell's home phone.
I'd definatelly get that from TS!!!! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764413 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:22:42 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764166 daboom : Lol let's wait and see how it pans out they are super busy with new activations and regular phone service atm.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764166 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:32:31 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764116 Black Moon : You forgot the System Access Fee.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764116 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:23:08 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764018 bryanviper : If teksavvy was to start up a Cell phone service, they would be making a mad move not going GSM (ie bell/telus) of course they would probably have to resell Rogers/Fido unless they wait for some new players to join in after that auction is finished.

But either way GSM is the way to go.

Can I get a plan like my current one rocky + more
City Fido
Unlimited Mins 24/7
Also can I have the Txt msg package of 2500 msgs
Also Unlimited Data (Since i'm using an iphone)

I would not mind paying you $60/month including tax :D

Thanks your the BEST!

p.s. where is my Fiber to the home ;)
--
Computer: Intel Quad Core, 2gb OCZ DDr3, EvGA 8800GTS 512mb, 2x Plextor Burners, Corsair 620psu, Antec 900Case, 5mb DSL from teksavvy

»www.MaximumRepair.ca
Computer Repair/Upgrades In Toronto.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20764018 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:08:07 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763861 jat : If you don't use your phone much, I'd highly recommend Petro-Canada or 7-11. They're both a prepaid service run by the same company that resells Rogers, but with much better pricing and credit that doesn't expire for 6 months or a year (why exactly am I getting prepaid if I have to buy minimum $10 of credit a month with everyone else?).

My only real beef is that they, too, charge for incoming texts. But only $0.05, and same for outgoing. As opposed to Bell/Telus charging $0.15 for both. Of course at $0.20/min for local calls, you'll get charged out the ass if you use it a lot. But with the only monthly charge being $0.99 for e911, it's great for a secondary/backup phone.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763861 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:06 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763787 theninjasqua : Any cell service that they get would be a resell of someone elses service (ie. Bell). So I am guessing that if they did resell someones service like Bell or Telus, Bell would charge them for incoming text messages as well.
--

-theninjasquad]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763787 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:32:26 EDT Re: TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763610 Atticka : Oh hell yeah! Make it a 3G GSM network and open it up to smart phones!

I'd like to kick Rogers in the pants over their iPhone plans (I currently have rogers and I use a first generation hacked iPhone).

I'd sign up for Teksavvy cell service in a flash.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763610 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:02:23 EDT TekSavvy cell phone service? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763523 milnoc : When is TekSavvy going to enter the cell phone business?

With Bell and Telus ready to charge 15 cents for all incoming text messages (including unsolicited messages), this may be what I need to dump the last Bell service from my life.

I'd still would like a cell phone though. I just want one from a provider that isn't out to rip me off at every opportunity. But if there aren't any at this time, I can live without a cell phone for a year or two if necessary.

So Rocky, when can I port my cell phone number to you? :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20763523 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:48:25 EDT