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Grandma: check. Introducing Essential Connect for seniors
October 28th, 2010 a 9:10am
There’s lots of buzz about smartphones, apps and next-generation mobile experiences – but we know you may have people on your holiday-shopping list with unique needs when it comes to keeping in touch with family and friends.
So get ready to check Grandma off your gift list. The Essential Connect Package for seniors is the first package that includes a new easy-to-use device called the Doro PhoneEasy and an equally-easy plan to stay connected.
As the name implies, the Doro PhoneEasy 410gsm, available exclusively from Rogers, is an easy-to-use phone with large buttons and characters for uncomplicated dialing and messaging. It has a large keypad with separated keys, an easy-to-read colour display and extra-loud handset volume functionality which is hearing aid compatible. It also features a vibrating ringer, Bluetooth wireless technology and a programmable Emergency Alert button.
New plans to get connected
Our Essential Connect Package provides a series of voice-only plans ranging in price from $15 to $25 per month designed specifically for the Doro PhoneEasy, which include between 100 to 200 voice minutes. You can pick up the Doro PhoneEasy for $24.99 with a two year term.
Other voice and text plans also work on the device so if Grandma becomes an avid texter, she can easily upgrade her plan.
Do you know anyone who would like the Essential Connect Package? What do you think of this new device and plan package?
Miranda MacDonald is regular contributor to RedBoard
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I think this would have been perfect for my parents. Unfortunately some young guy at Wireless Wave pushed an LG Bliss touch screen phone at them, and they have had quite a difficult time learning how to use it and don’t use most of the functions as they only have a voice plan. The price of the plan is exactly in the range they were willing to pay. I give this a thumbs up.
This is brilliant! This is just what older people who are not as comfortable with technology really need, not some touch screen, querty keyboard, smartphone with way too much info on the screen. It’s about time some Canadian carriers paid attention to this segment of the consumer base. BRAVO!
Thanks for the feedback Theo!
I wish this had been available a couple of months ago. I got an inexpensive cell phone for my parents from Rogers. It, unfortunately is impossible for them to use – far too complex – buttons too small and with confusing symbols. Is it possible to change to this plan (or at least exchange the phones)?
Hi Brian,
Unfortunatley, these plans are only available with the Doro PhoneEasy. However, the Doro works with any plan.
I’m sorry to hear that your parents aren’t happy with the device you got them. I’d suggest you talk to a Customer Care rep or go in store to discuss your best options. While it won’t be possible to change to this plan, they’ll be able to recommend a solution.
My grandma would love this, you can even add on simple features like voicemail etc.
The phone is cute too.
I think its cute too. Maybe a good gift idea? :)
Why not do something to really help the seniors? Have this phone specifically bundled to extraordinary packages that have unlimited minutes and unlimited Canadian long distance for $30 a month for users over 65.
Thanks for the suggestion Rob.
The Essential Connect package includes the phone and some voice plans for $15, $20 or $25. You can also add a long-distance add on for $7/month which makes your local minutes long distance minutes, anywhere in Canada.
Yeah, I read that…Seniors deserve so much more.
Well, the Essential Connect package is brand new and we’re always evaluating our plans and packages to ensure the best value for customers. Appreciate your suggestion on how we can make it better.
I didn’t see this add-on anywhere… this is news to me. Can you tell me more?
Hi Karina,
If you go to http://www.rogers.com/doro you’ll see a section on the page called “Simple Add-ons” on the bottom left hand side of the page.
The Long Distance add on is mentioned there.
Why is this just for Grandma? All I want is a basic cell phone too! I have a home computer, a laptop for mobile computing, and all I really want in a cell phone is a phone – to make phone calls! I do not care about all the other bells and whistles. I have long been hoping for a phone like the Jitterbug to be available in Canada.
Hi Tom,
The phone and packages were designed with seniors in mind, but anyone can get this device.
Thanks for your reply. While I am in my 50s and am semi-retired, I prefer not to think of myself as a senior!! At least not yet!! I am really happy that you have a nice simple phone because that is all I want and I am happy to hear that anyone can buy it!
Thanks Tom! Appreciate the feedback on the phone! If you end up getting it, I’d love to hear what you think.
And by the way, being in your 50s definitley does not make you a senior! :)
I think this is a great idea at this point in time. One addition I would like to see in this package is unlimited incomming text messages. Especially for parents/grandparents that are not in the information age. Text messages are something they likely don’t want to be sending, but being able to receive text messages from children/grandchildren would be a great plus. Rogers had it before on all plans, to keep it at least for specialty plans like this would be good. It may also get the individual to try sending a few, which would be a plus for Rogers ;)
This comment is based on the assumption that no texting is included.
Hi John,
Thanks for the feedback. Incoming texts are actually free on the Doro PhoneEasy.
Great product and this should accomodate the issues of seniors being overwhelmed by the features of smartphones.
Case in point: Sold one to a senior couple at no term and they activated a pay-go number.
However, *225 cannot be used to check their pay-go account balance.
Both Rogers Techniical Support and Pay-go customer care do not know the answer why.
Called Doro Support 1-888-611-3676 and they told me that they look into the problem and call me back.
Your ad is sexist. “Grandpas” use phones too.
Hi Marina,
It was certainly not our intent to exclude anyone from this based on our headline. The plans were designed with all seniors in mind and that includes both grandmas and grandpas. :)
It’s not an ad… It’s just a blogpost title with a little joke to begin it.
I have severe arthritis in my hands. This looks like it would be easy to use! I have been waiting for a Jitterbug in Canada and I guess it’s arrived! I plan on checking it out. Thanks!
PS: I hope they come in pretty colours!
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for the feedback! Glad to hear this phone is what you’re looking for!
The device comes in red… so hopefully you think that’s a pretty colour :)
I looked at the Doro today. It’s just what I need. I’m only 50, but my hands are getting arthritic and I need the big keys (and just want a phone for phone calls). Unfortunately, the Rogers rep discovered as he was setting up an account for me that I had to be at least 65 or else pay full price for the phone and go on prepaid only (as opposed to $24.95 for the phone and a 2 year agreement ).
Has Rogers considered opening this up to young whipper snappers like me?
Hey Mark,
There’s actually no age restriction on the Doro. Anyone can get it – including “young whipper snappers” like you :)
I’m sorry you received incorrect information. Can you email RedBoard feedback (redboardfeedback@rci.rogers.com) with the store location so we can follow up with them?
If you continue to have any trouble trying to get this device, let us know via that same feedback email address and we’ll help you out.
Thanks! I’ll pop into the store sometime this week.
I think there may be a lot of boomers and also a little younger than that who are going to be attracted to this phone and the corresponding plans.
I picked up a Doro last night. The Rogers reps were very pleasant. Well done to your Cataraqui Centre staff in Kingston.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for taking the time to post your experience here! Glad to hear you got the phone and thanks for the feedback on your experience at the Kingston store.
To clarify, is there a lower age limit for the plan offering? The web site does not specify what is a ‘senior’. My grocery store says 55 is senior 10% off day.
In fact, starting at: http://www.rogers.com/web/content/SeniorsPlans and clicking on ‘Get Started’ takes you to: http://www.rogers.com/web/link/wirelessBuyFlow?forwardTo=PhoneThenPlan&productType=normal&productId_Detailed=410GSMREDR
and from there the Seniors Plan is never mentioned again, only the ‘regular plans’ become choices, It is quite confusing.
So,can a perso of any age sign up for the Seniors Plan?
Hi Bob,
Yes, anyone can buy the Doro PhoneEasy and the Essential Connect Package. There are no age restrictions.
The only restriction is that the Essential Connect Plans are only available with the Doro PhoneEasy.
Sorry you found the site confusing. Do you have any thoughts on how we can make it clearer?
Sure, go try to buy it online, let me know if you can do it.
Nope and that’s because its not actually available to purchase through Rogers.com. The Doro is only being sold through select Rogers retailers. I assume you’re suggesting we open it up to online sales? :)
I’m not suggesting that, the site implies that it is for sale there in some places.. and you found that out how?
I was asking about the plan, not so much the phone itself. Maybe it should state that clearly, but what do I know… or maybe it should not say “Build your wireless package today and save!” next to a ‘Get Started’ button. That sure had me fooled… on: http://www.rogers.com/web/Rogers.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=WLRS_Plans&category=SENIOR
then when you click……” New to Rogers Wireless? To get any of these plans, you first need to select a phone.” So I was in the chase after that. The fact it did not lead me to a phone list was a hint. So this phone does not qualify for the free Bluetooth headset for any phone purchased and activated online, nor for the $10 off activation (maybe there is none for Doro?).
So I thought I would do what it said…. you really meant to say “To get any of these plans you first need to select a store”
I now know any age can have the plan. At $15 for 100 minutes that is .15 a minute versus .25 for other basic prepaid offerings (plus tax on each), and free incoming texts matches the Petro Canada offering while Rogers charges for incoming texts on basic prepaid. So I phoned my local Corporate Aurora store, and he did not know anything about Essential Connect plans, luckily when I used the word “seniors” he then said he could help. Said the ‘Senior’s Plan’ started at $15 + 3.46 Rogers add on fee = 18.46 + 13% tax = 20.85 or about .21 a minute all in vs. about .29 for basic prepaid, no contract required . He said the phone IMEI number from the Doro is what locks it to the plan, so the SIM cannot be used in other phone types even if you buy a Doro outright for $99, true?
So for a person wanting to use 100 minutes monthly it beats the Prepaid plan on price per minute. If you don’t use all 100 each month then basic prepaid up to 74 minutes monthly is better if you do not need free incoming text. Your mileage will vary.
Thanks for your help!
@Bob
Right. I think I know where some of the confusion might be coming from. The Essential Connect Plans can only be activated with the Doro PhoneEasy. However, the Doro can be used with any plan.
I’m out of contract on an old but working phone, could I get the Senior Plan instead of my current plan? Or do I leave Rogers for a better place?
Hi Bobby,
We’d love to keep you as a customer! :) The Essential Connect plans only work with the DoroPhoneEasy, so you wouldn’t be able to activate one of these plans with your current phone. However, I’d suggest talking to a Rogers rep about your options. They’ll be able to recommend the best option for you.
I’ve seen this phone in my rogers store and I must say, it’s a lot larger than I originally thought it was from the pictures I’ve seen.
I simply love the idea of this phone!
Is the phone available today? I would ilke to purchase one for my grandmother.
I called last week.. and was told by the CSR.. that they were not yet available.
Can you confirm if they are available or not yet?
Hi Howard,
Yes, the phone is available today. However, it is only available to purchase in store. I suggest calling ahead to your local Rogers store to ensure they have stock.
Spoke to a sales rep at Rodgers, and signed up for a Doro phone, and the Essential Connect Plan, as am a senior and wanted to have first phone. Then went on line and found out a ten dollar discount activation fee and a bluetooth headset. But tried to order on line, but seems one cannot. Any reason why this cannot be ordered on line, and what colours are available ?
Why is Doro phone not available on line? And what colour does it come in ?