Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

I've been looking at mobile/cell plans in Canada and wondered if anyone has got a data (internet) only plan? Do such things exist?

My thinking is getting a voice-over IP (VOIP) number, and avoiding the expensive mobile packages costs. As long as I can connect to the internet whereever I am on my cell, I should be contactable and can make outgoing calls e.g. via Skype and equivalent services.

Any suggestions?

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

Is there internet on Vancouver Island? It only reaches the populous parts of Ontario.

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

So you're hoping that a data only plan would be cheaper than a plain and simple call plan? I dont think it's available, but I think your logic is flawed really.

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

My iphone logs onto my home wireless network and I can then use Skype to Skype free, so why would the same not apply if you had a data only roaming service? Mind you, I'm not sure one exists for the Island.

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

Use your laptop with a USB wireless internet stick . This will connect you to the net to allow you to use VOIP.

You could even downsize to a netbook to allow better portablity.

As for a phone on just data I had a look at Bell and telus and can't find a data only plan for phones.

I live on the island and be warned that reception for 3G is dodgey depending on where you end up. North of Victoria and you will find pockets where you can get cell reception but not 3G.

Other option could be an iPad as Bell does up to 5G of data per month - I only know Bell as that is the one we got tied into when we moved.

Thats all I can suggest for your idea - the blood sicking companies muct have seen that one already LOL

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

I've tried this and the only problem with a Netbook is you have to leave it on with the data stick running if you want to receive calls. Good idea for making them though.

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

Yep you will burn through the data pretty quick I think.

I think by the time the OP has found a way around the problem it will end up costing a lot more than just getting a voice/data plan.

If he does get a data only plan I would interested......

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

I do not know what the siutation now is like in Canada. When I lived there, beween 2004 and 2008, I had the impression that cellphone and internet matters were easier in Europe with less hassle and better download speed and more competitive pricing.

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

The bad news is that any data plan via a cell phone network will be very expensive..

Mobile data here is a rip off (all of Canada)

and its unlikely to break with the networks being run by Rogers/Bell/Telus..


Compared to other developed countries you'll also find WiFi hotspots quite scarce too
which will be why we will be the last to get the Amazon Kindle fire

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

Thanks for your feedback folks.

One option I have found is with FIDO - pay as you go - $5 a month (which gives you $5 of calls) and then add the "Data for Smartphones" package for $25 which gives you 500Mb data per month (so $30 + Tax / month, and the $5 of minutes rolls over each month if you don't use it). I would then use Skype/VOIP for call which would be cheaper than 30c a minute.

The other providers I have looked at start at over $50 per month.

Thinking about it, how much data would something like Skype use?!

Has anyone found a cheaper option?

Thanks

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

You can call one of the VOIP companies - like Voicehost - and they will be able to tell you the data usage. I think it's fairly high though.

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

Depends on the Codec being used. A Google search will come up with hundreds of threads on this (millions).

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

It's about time this country sorted out it's cellphone charges.

I remember my UK business Blackberry - 19.00 pounds a month with unlimited calls and data, and I paid around 60.00 each month to Virgin Media for my TV, phone and internet.

My combined bills for Rogers Wireless and Eastlink home services is over $400! This is without going over the allowances.

Harper promised it....so please deliver!

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

HOW MUCH! Please, someone tell me he is the only person being ripped off in canada, I was expecting a combined bill of $150 to $200 per month, wow, how can that be justified. How can a company grow and compete with such barriers to entry$ 400 a month. Is it seen as a luxury purchase in canada? Where are you James?

Re: Mobiles / Cells - does this exist?
 

That is combined...by the way...around $200 with each company.

It's the lack of competition here (as is with the airlines) and also due to the Government not liking forgeign providers from offering us services in Canada, or setting up here. Of course, if they did, the competition would cause lower prices. The great European model allows lots of companies to establish and compete - driving the prices down for the end user in the process.

The worst bill is our Rogers cellphone bill - $200 a month for 2 handsets linked to one account. The allowance is good, and we do need it for business - but the costs are still crazy. As soon as you call the other side of the province you get charged long-distance rates.