- @SteveNaka Thanks for the #FF Steve! Have a good one! ^sf
Rogers Announces Data Plans for iPad in Canada
May 10th, 2010 at 10:58am
Apple fans are passionate about Apple products. We know because we’re among them.
Rogers introduced the iPhone to Canada in 2008 and we were the first Canadian carrier to announce that we’ll carry the iPad. Now we’re thrilled to say it’s available for pre-order today at www.apple.com/ca/ipad and is set to launch on May 28.
We have a long-standing, strong working relationship with Apple and we think our years of experience will benefit Canadian iPad customers.
All iPad data plans will be available without a term contract, providing the freedom to activate or cancel a plan at any time. Rogers customers purchasing the iPad will be able to take advantage of the new iPad data plans to enjoy the device’s full suite of capabilities, backed by the reliability of Rogers’ proven network.
Here are the pricing options we’re making available to future iPad customers:
- 250 MB for $15 + WiFi (Includes free unlimited access to all Rogers WiFi Hot Spots)
- 5 GB for $35 + WiFi (Includes free unlimited access to all Rogers WiFi Hot Spots)
Customer experience shows that our 250mb/5GB plans will be more than enough for virtually all our customers. 99.8 per cent of our iPhone customers use less than 5GB of data. As the tablet is a new category, it’s too early to say if customers will use more or less data than they do for iPhone. But even for our rocket stick/embedded laptop customers, 95.6 per cent use less than 5GB per month.
Visit www.rogers.com/iPad for full details on these plans. As always, we’ll keep you posted right here.
Note the iPad will not be available on the Fido brand at launch.
Much has been said about the tablet being an important new product category. More importantly, you now have more options than ever before to communicate, to be informed and to be entertained wherever, whenever you desire.
Excited yet? We are. And we’d like you to activate your iPad with Rogers.
Will you be buying an iPad? Why or why not?
Keith McArthur is Senior Director of Social Media at Rogers.
Categories: Customer experience, Network, Product news, Products, Wireless
Tags: Apple, ebooks, games, HD videos, iPad, multi-touch user interface, music, pricing, rogers.com
749 Comments
© 1995 - 2010 Rogers Communications Inc.
Home |
About |
Talk to Us |
Comments Policy |
Privacy Policy |
Terms of Use |
Rogers.com
The Rogers website still has no details. The Apple website mentions a $20 add on to use the iPhone data plan. It also mentions that “most” are contract free. What are the contract requirements?
Thanks
rogers posted the details on their web site
http://tinyurl.com/35e8zkc
David Chartier from MacWorld posted a story about using the AT&T 250 MB plan, and how long it lasted for him… 3 days!
“Toss in a couple of short YouTube videos and small app updates, and I hit the 250MB ceiling in just three days after activating my month-to-month plan”
“Remember, though, that I never turned on Wi-Fi during this 3G data experiment, so if you’re switching back and forth, your mileage will definitely vary. And that underscores the central point of the 250MB 3G plan: It’s not really aimed at day-to-day use but rather intended for short bursts of very specific data consumption when you’re traveling, out and about, or otherwise nowhere near an available Wi-Fi connection.”
You can read the whole thing here: http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobilize/how-far-can-you-go-the-ipads-15-da ta-plan-951?page=0,0&source=IFWNLE_nlt_daily_2010-05-11
Will it be possible to start/cancel a plan from the iPad’s Settings app, as can be done by American users?
Hi David. Our plans are currently set up per month. Questions about the applications are best directed to Apple.
David, it seems like they can. When Apple gives you the option to add a Rogers micro-SIM to your iPad order, it says “Select your 3G data plan and start your service on your iPad.” In some other countries, it says you have to visit a retail store or call the carrier to start service.
250MB? That seems a tad low. I clear that on my smartphone without even using YouTube.
I agree. They claim that 95+% use less than 5GB (could mean 4.99G) but how many use less than 250MB?? I would guess that it is surprisingly low %age.
I agree!
How about something between 250MB and 5GB… hmmm how about 2GB for $20. That seems reasonable to me.
One of the customer friendly aspects about these plans is that there aren’t overage fees. If a customer goes through 250MB in 25 days, she can start a new data bucket right away – and choose every month between the 250MB and 5 GB plans.
Not sure about customer friendly. If I go over my 250mb and add another 250 it costs me $30/month. Not sure if I want to spend $35/month if I am not using that much. The plans look to be geared to Rogers bottom line. There either needs to be sharing or some middle ground plan. Having next to not enough data and way too much is not customer friendly.
What about existing iPhone customers? Are there any options for those of us who already have a data plan with Rogers?
Hi,
I am a Fido customer. Is it possible to tranfert the balance of my Fido contract to Rogers so I can deal with only one bill/contract?
Hey Pierre-Armand. That’s something you’d want to discuss with customer care.
No mention of the $20 ‘add to existing data plan’ option? I’m curious as to whether that one would be $20 per month, as most have assumed, or a one-off $20 fee to attach the iPad to an existing subscription account? The former would seem somewhat over zealous ($20 to use what you’re already paying for in a different place?), while the latter would doubtless be a winner for all iPhone users in Canada, and would leave the USians feeling green…
Thanks for this, Keith. Though the big question from all of us will be what about the $20 link up for our current data plans, as listed on Apple’s site? Any info you had on that would be much appreciated.
Also, any idea as to who we can contact at Fido about this?
As @RogersMary has mentioned elsewhere, there is no sharing plan at this time. This was listed on Apple website yesterday in error.
On the Apple website, it states for an additional $20 per month you can share your existing data plan with the iPad. True?
How can AT&T offer Unlimited data for iPad for $29.99 (USD) and the best plan here is $35.00 for 5GB?
Scott, if you read the fine print of AT&T, “unlimited data” actually has a cap of around 6 GB.
The AT&T unlimited isn’t a true cap. It’s a “soft cap” of 6 GB/mo, meaning you can go over it without incurring extra charges (as occurs with a hard cap), but you aren’t allowed to go over the soft cap for 2 consecutive months. Much better way of doing things, recognizing that each month is not the same.
Where is this 6GB cap? I am reading it is actually unlimited.
And, what happens if you go over the 5GB?
We have structured our plans so you never have to pay overage charges.
Once you use up your data, you will have the option to buy another bucket and your month starts right then.
Is there an expiry period on the data?
30 days. This was confirmed by Apple.
You can’t try to take a cat and sell it as a dog. A cat was, is and will always be a cat.
Saying that there are no overage charges make it sound you like Rogers came up with something innovative and mind blowing. Then you say that if you go over your bucket, you just have to buy another bucket of data. And if the user does not use up all the bandwidth in their bucket, they loose that. How is that any freaking different from buying a month to month data plan?
You didn’t mention the $20 to share data plans with iPhone and iPad that Apple advertises on their site.
I just pre-ordered an iPad assuming that is a one time fee, is it monthly?
On the Apple site there was a third option to have the iPad added to your existing Rogers data plan for $20. You didn’t mention it here. Is this an option that’s not publicly announced and is it a flat one-time charge of $20 or is it $20 a month?
We all really want to know about the $20 data sharing plan Apple’s site mentions. Is it per month (terrible) or a one-time fee (amazing)?
Great! Thanks Rogers!
Finally a step in the right direction for Canadian data plans – $35 for 5GB is a step closer to the $30 unlimited in the USA.
Great work, Rogers!
I pre-ordered my 64GB iPad WiFi + 3G and added a Rogers microsim for $0.20! Can’t wait!
And to those asking – read the post, it says they are CONTRACT FREE, PREPAID! Start/stop at anytime! Thanks Rogers!
Thanks for the feedback Adam. We’re happy to see that our data plan prices for iPad stack up pretty favourably with carriers around the world.
He’s being sarcastic genius. These plans are a disgrace. Congrats Rogers. iPad pre-order CANCELED, Cable and Internet CANCELLED, the cell phone goes this week. You just sent the whole shootin’ mach over to Bell.
… why… so you can get the exact same plans?
It’s great to see everyone so excited!
Many of you have asked about the shared data plan listed on the Apple website. This reference was an error and is being removed.
I’m now glad that I forgot to order the micro SIM. Without that $20 to combine with my iPhone data plan, this is totally unacceptable pricing.
Well, that is truly a disappointment. I don’t see any reason to get the 3G ipad now. Just use your iphone as a wi-fi router with the appropriate jailbreak and software. I’m already paying for 6 gigs of download a month and I don’t see how sharing my data with an ipad is any different than tethering my laptop (which is allowed and officially supported by rogers for no additional cost).
You’re not getting any more of my money now; i might have even considered $20 / month, but certainly not $35. Phhfff… What a huge let-down.
Are you kidding me? How do I cancel my pre-order then…
Apple is very flexible with returns and cancellations. If you feel you were misled, I am certain (based on personal experience and that of friends) that Apple will accommodate.
That’s a shame since an inexpensive data sharing plan would really have made Rogers a leader instead of just one of the pack.
That’s unfortunate. A shared data plan would be a wonderful addition.
Is there a plan to have this added in the future. Your comments aren’t giving us much detail on what the plan is.
We are already paying for data, why can’t it be shared between devices.
And this needs to be added to Fido customers, why do we always get the short end of the stick.
How Rogers of you.
a $20 fee to just use data I am already paying for is insane anyway… just another opportunity for Rogers to milk us all for more cash… god forbid they recognize customer loyalty. Honestly a $5 add on for share usage of a current 6GB plan is fair… anything else is straight up robbery.
mimc03, I couldn’t agree with you more. We’re already paying large for iPhone data plans WHY WOULDN’T we be able to share that with the iPAD. Just more corporate gouging. Hopefully competition with Telus or Bell push more reasonable plans for customers.
I pre-ordered the iPad based on $20.00 shared plan posted on the Apple website. I can not believe that both Rogers and Apple let that happen. We all know that Rogers was surveying customers about shared plans and obviously both companies at one point were heavily considering or discussing the option. Seeing as the plans weren’t revealed until today, I can only assume that they were finalized at the last minute.
Honestly, I still would have bought one eventually, but the shared plan seemed like a fair deal and really motivated me to pre-order.
Corporate greed creates jailbreakers. I think everyone is willing to pay for what is fair, but when what is fair doesn’t exist there is no reason to pay.
Offer a one time fee to attach ipads to current iphone plans or max $5/month. At least you would be getting some of our money rather than $0.
+1 to that. I would gladly pay $5 to share my iPhone data plan with my iPad.
What a farce. That was a major snafu on your part or Apple’s. I guess I will be returning my Rocket Stick at the end of the contract this month after all. Now to cancel the iPad pre-order.
“Error” !!?? Apple doenst make those types of errors, maybe a silent protest for current Rogers customers getting the shaft with our iPhone data plans.
I don’t believe this was an error but Apple starting a Rogers up-roar like the one we had with pricing of the original iPhone.
I say we start another uproar for a ONE TIME add an iPad to our exiting plan fee.
http://www.rogers.com/web/content/ipad-dataplans?cm_mmc=Redirects-_-Co nsumer_Wireless_Eng-_-iPad_PrelaunchDataPlans_0510-_-iPad
“It’s great to see everyone so excited!”
Thats a very Poor PR move on Rogers part and they should retract this false claim.
that is unfortunate. that was the trigger for me to pre-order. since rogers doesn’t have 3g available where i live, but telus does (go figure!), i will have to toss the rogers microsim and wait for your competition to step up to the plate. i’ glad to hear it’s contract free, i’m sure telus will match whatever you offer and provide 3g where you still don’t two years later.
bummer!
I sure hope that people are excited about the iPad itself and not the Rogers data plans.
As always Rogers fails to meet or exceed expectations. Offering a 250MB data plan which 1) is too little for average iPad users’ needs and 2) for failing to listen to customers who wanted to share their existing data plans on their existing iPhone / BlackBerry / Android / Data Capable devices.
Essentially, the attempt to excite customers with an announcement about the iPad plans may have worked. However, the plans themselves are in no way exciting or even worthy.
In the near future I’ll try to contain my excitement more to the gadgets knowing that my wireless carrier of choice has no intentions in wanting to offer an exciting, affordable and innovative service offering.
Thanks but no thanks!
the only good thing about the announcement is that rogers’ plans don’t require a contract. as soon as telus follows, you can switch. bonus!
the rest of the info is certainly less than exciting.
Very disappointing Mary. Having rogers internet, you do not charge me for each computer I connect. It should be that way for this type of data as well. I should be able to use what I pay for. Data is data. Not sure if I will buy ipad. Will wait and see what your competitors do.
If the shared data plan is a mistake, is there any way to share an existing data plan at all?
At this time, there are no shared data plans available.
Can you explain why? Is it a business decision or a technical limitation? It really doesn’t make much sense to not allow that unless Rogers has a pretty good one that will make people go ‘ah ha, makes sense’.
In my opinion this is a decision by the shareholders and the executive teams to ensure that the shareholders get the profits on their investment in the Rogers shares by way of dividends being offered each fiscal year.
Can Rogers get someone to reply will real information helpful to the customer, or at least someone high enough up the totem pole to be able to speak openly?
There was a $20 admin charge for sharing my iPhone data plan. It was clearly there when I ordered the 3G+64G model. If this has been retracted I will simply cancel the order. This is not the way to keep customers.
pmcd
Then there is no reason I should buy the 3G iPad. I refuse to pay $15/month for a piddly 250MB and to me $35 for 5GB is excessive. Give me another option and then maybe I’ll give you my hard earned $.
Then please tell me why I should have to pay for the same data twice..
WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO RIP YOUR CUSTOMERS OFF?
As soon as my contract is done I am out of here.
Any plan for exisiting iPhone users to share the existing data plan?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by davefleet, Joallore, P-A Lalonde, Michael G. Cohen, Sean Bailey and others. Sean Bailey said: RT @RogersBuzz: Rogers announces data plans for iPad in Canada. Details on RedBoard: http://bit.ly/cKT5VY [...]
@ RogersMary
Many of you have asked about the shared data plan listed on the Apple website.
This reference was an error and is being removed.
Still there… very poor communication…
And by the way, offering data service on a phone is not exclusive at all in 2010…
Why not offer service to your customer on Fido. They are your customer too, paying their bill to uncle Ted.
$0.20 for a Rogers SIM card. Great deal. Thanks Apple!
Should be free for the privilege of paying to much. I have actually decided against a 3G ipad because of the crazy no share policy. I won’t pay twice for data it simply doesn’t make business sense !
RogersMary, my excitement over getting 3G on an iPad has completely disappeared with your statement that the shared data plan was a mistake.
Can you please explain to me why I am allowed to connect a netbook to my iPhone at no extra charge, but having a second 3G device consuming the exact same data plan is not allowed? It’s the *same* data.
I can understand that having a second device on the account might legitimately pose administrative costs that would need to be recovered, but that can be handled via modest charge.
Remember that the iPad is unlocked. Therefore it is up to Rogers to “adjust” their offerings based on customer feedback… after all with the iPad 3G, we get to vote with our wallets EVERY 30 DAYS! Cool, eh!
Also, please remember that even if the others can technically offer support for the iPad, none has the guts to show their cards yet… I know, I visit Telus and Bell regularly asking that very question. As for Videotron, they appear totally lost when it comes to wireless.
I have to say that if I am already paying $30/month for my iPhone 6GB plan, there should be an add on option for iPad. I hear rumours of a $20 fee to add on to your existing plan, but even that is massively gouging customers. Honestly, it wouldn’t break Rogers to be nice and offer a $5 add on per month… silly that they don’t really. figures.
Can you combine the data with an existing plan similar to a shared family plan?
From the post: “…we think our years of experience will benefit Canadian iPad customers.”
Are you referring to the years of experience announcing shockingly bad wireless data plan pricing? Or maybe the years of experience disappointing your customers?
The actual service Rogers offers is fine, in the sense that it works. My iPhone doesn’t drop calls and the 3G is fast and available. But you guys have got to stop pretending that the pricing and terms you offer your customers are even remotely fair.
When will the iPad be available for Fido customers?
To everyone else, you can only show your dissatisfaction on the lack of data plan sharing with your wallet. The original Rogers iPhone plans had a drastic change in the days leading up to launch because of the amount of consumer backlash. If you don’t pay for the additional data plan, things may change, but obviously if everyone is still willing to (begrudgingly) give Rogers their money, nothing will.
Ok. I’ll bite. I already have a WiFi only one, but the monthly add-on without a contract will do for me. I would have liked to share, but NOT FOR $ 20 MONTHLY. I’d rather just spend money when I need the device away from home. But the free access to WiFi Hotspots under Rogers is a joke really. How many hotspots does Rogers have in British Columbia? Three.
Hi Karina – You can see all our WiFi Hotspot locations and learn more here: http://your.rogers.com/store/cable/internet/wifi/overview.asp
Thank you Mary. My bad. I referred to your “business hotspot list” (on your website). However, would Rogers customers be able to use Bell Hotspots also (they’re on the list you provided…) Thanks!
@kraina Yes, I’m pretty sure Rogers and Bell share the hotspots. Quite a surprisingly consumer-friendly decision on their part, I have to say.
The people are speaking Rogers! Do you hear them? They want to be able to share their existing Data Plans, for a reasonable price. Some even though $20 was ok. Make your customers happy. Let us share Data for $10-20 extra ;)
Yay!
Glad Rogers is finally clarifying the situation. It was a tough run, waiting for this info.
Since I don’t have an iPhone (I don’t do contracts), I’m quite happy with the announced contract-free plans. Exactly what I wanted. It might actually convince me to move to Rogers for voice, though that’s a tough sell.
Preordered my iPad WiFi+3G (and 20¢ Rogers SIM) before learning about the plans. Glad I did.
So, if the 20$ “shared plan” was a mistake, does this mean that the iPhone plan can be used as-is? Not that I care but this issue seems to be getting more reactions than the actual plans (which are surprisingly decent).
WOW you have to pay $0.20 for a SIM card. They really want to extract each and every penny possible from your pocket. Shocking!
98.whatever percent of people use 5gigs or less on their IPHONES…neglecting to mention, of course, that with the much bigger screen, people might feel more inclined to watch (movies, tv…) on their iPads, versus their iPhones.
Yeah, notice a trend rogers? Add a shared data plan. I currently pay for 2 X $30 – 6GB plans, and combined use less then 5% of the total data per month. Let people share their data, hell, for even $10 a month, that would be reasonable. You are losing apple business by being so negligent to what your customers want, and are going to force people to search out more reasonable options.
Chris,
Why would Rogers change their plans when customers like you continue to pay ridiculous fees for a service that doesn’t fit your needs?
Your money is your vote. See my post below.
Agree with Chris. It is customers like us to are at fault for 1) continuing to sign up for contracts to get subsidized phones and 2) for subscribing to services in-contract as a result.
[...] It appears as if Apple’s store website may have released details prematurely. The $20 add-on option is no longer available at Rogers. Only the $15 for 250MB and $35 for 5GB data options will be available upon launch. Rogers Redboard (Their Blog) [...]
Up until @rogersmary announced that the $20 share option was an error I planned on staying with Rogers. I would rather pay Bell Mobility’s $65 charge for 5GB of data and get better coverage and an actual 3G signal. This is a big fail Rogers.
@PhoenixStorm713
Sharing data should be free..we’re already paying for the data. Why double charge us?
SInce I do not have an iPhone or smartphone, these plans are quite good IMO.
[...] These are monthly plans. Compare to the AT&T offering, which offers the same 250MB for $15, and “unlimited” for $30. Here, I can see that Rogers has made an effort to be comparable to what Canadians have seen happen in the US. At this point, I don’t have official word that these plans are being offered on a contract-free, a la carte basis, as they are in the US. In that model, you can change or cancel your plan at any time without penalty; you simply pay the maximum amount that you signed up for in a given month. Unofficially, however, I’ve heard that this is the case with Rogers’ plans as well. (Update: It’s now confirmed.) [...]
Perhaps this does mean that the $30 non-specific data plan I pay for every month could be used with an ipad or iPhone without additional costs of any kind.
That’s surely what makes sense – and what I would expect Rogers to offer. Hope to have this confirmed
And to all of the complainers:
The plans are better than anything in the Canadian market to date. With the exception of Rogers’ 6Gb previous plan, nothing compares in todays Canadian wirless market.
These are a step in the right direction! Thanks big Red!
Gosh you must be a Rogers employee because all this is aweful and not hearing what Rogers client have to say. The Telecom industry in Canada is so anti-competitive that if Bell and Telus come out with the same plans, I am going to file a complaint with the competitions bureau, enough is enough people stop giving them your money or nothing will improve.
Remember the US is “UNLIMITED” for #30 not 5Gb.
That’s actually not true, because if you read AT&T’s “Fair Use Policy”, the “Unlimited” plan is actually capped at 6GB.
Well, maybe better than what available today, but not “to date”. My Telus smartphone has unlimited data, for $30/mo… but I can’t tether unfortunately, else it would be perfect, and they stopped offering it a few months in.
You know, there’s also NOTHING in this release that suggests these plans must be renewed on a monthly term… If you read it as openly as it’s written, you could infer that a $35 5 GB data purchase could be made to last for two or three months, so long as there was data remaining.
Which is how they’re working for people who go over their limit, by starting the “month” at a different time. A flat rate of $35 for 5GB, renewed every time you use that up would be a great step forward; get away from monthly services and simply charge fair prices for bandwidth. Companies are afraid of appearing to be “dumb pipes”, but it’s really want customers want.
I’m pretty sure the data allotment expires after 30 days. If not why would anyone buy the $15/250MB option?
Rogers and their so-called competitors love to get money for nothing. In other words, getting people to pay for more minutes/MB than they actually use.
A while back a certain American company introduced “roll over minutes” so users could save minutes one month and use more the next without incurring overage charges.
My pre-paid cell phone plan works the same way. As long as I top up before the end of the billing period all my unused minutes stay in the bucket.
Rogers could do the same thing for data. It wouldn’t be as good as letting us simply buy GB that never expire, but it would represent a compromise.
[...] Rogers Canada clears out that there will be no 20$ add iPad to existing plan option and iPads wont be available on [...]
I’m a bit disappointed that there’s no $20 sharing plan.. :(
I’m floored that you think paying an extra $20/month just to use the data you’ve already paid for was acceptable !? $20 is a ridiculous price. Trust me there are means to their madness.
1) there are whispers of a $20 fee to share data (which is ridiculous pricing to start with)
2) remove said option
3) everyone screams and cries they want to share data
4) wait a little while…then offer the deal to customers (trust me they will)
5) everyone rejoices and pays the $20 even though it should only cost $5 at most.
So once again Rogers will have fooled customers into thinking overpaying is good.
LOL you gotta love Canadian telecom. So corrupt.
Rogers – GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER
You boast that you are “Canada’s Most Reliable Network” yet your information & pricing is hardly ever reliable nor just.
Are you kidding me? How much do you want to squeeze out from our pocket?
Trevor, the Apple site specifically says that these are *per month*.
i’m not sure that clarifies it completely. does that mean i can start with a full bucket in the middle of the month and have to use it up in 30 days, or does it mean that i can fill the bucket once and use it until i run out of it, as long as i don’t go over 5gigs per month?
@Rob
Seems some people were ok with the idea of paying $20 to share data.
Obviously it should be free in a perfect world. Rogers shouldn’t charge people to use data they are already paying for. But Rogers could charge people extra. At least a person could share the data for a fee. Better than not at all.
To everyone,
Our money is our vote. Don’t accept Rogers data plans if you are unhappy with them. If you want a different option, let your voice be heard. If we all go along with set pricing, the company will not do a thing to change it.
Rogers *should* be offering a single data plan for users. A single plan that allows multiple devices with tethering abilities, all draining from the same data bucket.
If you’ve paid for 5gb, why can’t you use it how you like?
This is just a suggestion, but my feeling is that these plans will be more popular with people that do not already have a phone with a data plan. I think it might make sense (of course, I have no idea) to try to also get money from people who already have a data plan. What if you charge a one time fee of $100 or $150 to be able to tap into an existing data plan for the life of that contract. I suspect a reasonable percentage of those who already have plans will bite at that, but they won’t bite on additional monthly plans. That way, Rogers will get some money from people who already have plans.
Wow…Rogers I understand the need to make money, but seriously. $15 and $35 for contract free data not bad, but not fantastic. What would have been fantastic would be a data share between existing data plans and the ipad…oh wait that was listed, but then removed. You almost…ALMOST do the right thing for existing customers.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to be able to tether for free (kept me a Rogers customer instead of bouncing to WIND), but had high hopes that was a sign that Rogers listens to their customers and realizes the need for a shared data plan for multiple devices. However it’s clear that Rogers is only looking out for shareholders.
Oh one more thing you never mentioned the changes (increased fees) for call display and name display. Sneaky sneaky Rogers, but then again nickel and diming is the corporate moto out there isn’t it! Look at the reduced calling areas, Grrf, 911 fee increase, etc….etc! It all adds up. But I guess an executive their needs a new gulf stream jet or mega mansion… So it’s understanding, but still not acceptable.
[...] any case, earlier this morning, Rogers removed the $20 bolt-on option stating it was an error: Many of you have asked about the shared data plan listed on the Apple website. [...]
Too bad Rogers, I was planning to get an iPad 3G with the $20 shared plan, I’ll just keep my Wi-Fi model…
What a disaster. When will you offer reasonable data plans, Rogers?
[...] are available for everyone: 250MB for $15.00CAD and 5GB for $35.00CAD. You can check out their Redboad web site for all info about it and let them know what you think of these plans in the comments section. [...]
The shared data option is a mistake? Why?
Was that supposed to be a $20/m add-on? If so, that’s a bit crazy, considering I’m already paying $30/m for the 6GB data plan. I’d be willing to pay an additional $5/m to share my data per device.
Please comment on why the shared option is not happening anymore.
There really isn’t any point on buying the 3G version unless you actually plan on going places with your iPad where you don’t have access to wifi. But if that is the case, when why bother bringing your iPad with you, just bring your smartphone that already has data and use that instead.
I think people are freaking out too much about the data issue. For the most part, people are going to use this at home, or at a coffee shop where you have access to much faster wifi. Why waste an extra $100 on the device, plus more money per month to pay Rogers for data?
SOme of us use it for busines, I already have the wifi version and in some offices, they don’t have wireless available for when I want to demo from my website. So 3G is important and these rates and lousy….
Wow Keith,
Looks like the comments are all over the map. It does not seem to be clear what this $20 to share charge is. Does it mean if you have two iPhones and a rocket stick already, like I have, and you want to add an iPad to share the data…for a flat $20 fee you can share the 12Gb of data you already have on the two iPhones with your rocket stick and iPad. In other words, will my data total cost be $30×2 for the two 6Gb plans I have, and I can share all that data on all four devices? Or, is that $20 per device added per month or on each device. Very confused as one interpretation means $60 / mo total plus $20 set up to share and other interpretation means $60 for 12Gb then $20×4 per month for each device to share those 12Gb for unreasonable monthly rate of $140.
[...] seems that Apple jumped the gun! On their Redboard blog Rogers posted their official announcement of the iPad data plans. Along with the 250MB and 5GB of data both plans [...]
sad to see no love for fido; your rates for rogers ipad users is high as well, ohh well, thankfully BELL and TELUS are there…:)
Yeah, right. Too bad there’s an exclusivity deal. So unless you jailbreak your iPad there’s no Telus or Bell love for you.
@Johannes Lindenbaum <- I'm not sure your correct on this.. Bell has said they will carry the iPad plus the iPad comes unlocked already in the states. I don't see them making a different version for Canada..
Rogers doesn’t say it’s got the ipad exclusively. Neither does Apple.
As a matter of fact, it only lists Rogers as one of “various carriers” right now.
You’re wrong. The iPad comes UNLOCKED. You can use any microsim card… which more and more carriers are switching to.
the iPad is NOT exclusive to Rogers
This is absolutely unacceptable. I already pay a fortune for my 6GB data bucket on my iPhone. There is no way I am willing to pay extra $$$ for data on the iPad. Rogers is basically double dipping – changing customers who already have a plan just to use data on another device.
If we can share our data with our laptops why can’t we share the data with the iPad.
Rogers needs to change their strategy. All they are doing is making customers unhappy. The market will open up eventually and when it does people will be so unhappy with Rogers they won’t think twice before switching providers.
It’s not enough to just provide service that works anymore.
Canada should be a leader is telecom. -
Hear hear!!!
I ordered the 64gb 3g iPad this morning with plans to cancel if the 3g was tied up by contract. So I’m very happy it isn’t and look forward to using the 3g on occasion.
I was really disappointed to learn Rogers was the exclusive 3G provider for the iPad until I read about the add on plan. For me that would have meant buying the 4th gen iPhone from them as well to take advantage. Of course any good news from Rogers is too good to be true. Glad I didn’t buy yet. I’ll be looking into WiFi + MiFi from another source.
No where does it say Rogers is the exclusive carrier. The iPad is an unlocked device. It just appears like Bell & Telus haven’t discussed iPad plans yet (or aren’t ready to support it), or maybe they were waiting to see how much Rogers was going to charge for the service. No where does it say that in a couple of months Bell can’t come out with microSIMs and iPad price plans.
Rogers still needs to offer an Unlimited Plan. People like the word ‘Unlimited’. Have it soft capped at a reasonable amount of GBs. And don’t charge overages. Just throttle the speed if the person goes over the soft cap. An reasonably priced Unlimited Plan with fair usages policy would make many people happy. I know an Unlimited Plan here in Canada would be pricier than in the US, but Rogers should be able to do it. (Other Canadian carriers do).
Aren’t soft-caps on unlimited plans usually 5 or 6 GB anyway? I agree it would be nice though… a 15GB soft-cap seems like a fair option.
I remember years ago when Rogers had soft caps, and it ended up being a huge problem with threats of class action lawsuits over false advertising when Rogers tried to cut people off or charge them for going over the “hidden” caps (since it seems nobody ever bothers to actually read their terms of service).
I suspect the new model is just a matter of Rogers trying to be upfront. People don’t realize how much data 6GB actually is when talking about a cellular connection — it’s not like you’re going to be using the iPad for downloading torrents over the 3G network, and even the iTunes Store app doesn’t let you download anything larger than 20MB unless you’re on Wi-Fi.
For comparison: I used around 6GB of data for the entire year of 2009 (that’s 12 months, during which I could have used 72GB of data according to my plan). That also includes tethering, which is something the iPad doesn’t do.
6GB is more than enough for 99% of the iPhone and iPad users out there, even with tethering thrown in. About the only reason it wouldn’t be is if you plan to replace your home Internet service with a tethered iPhone connection, and that’s kind of what these caps are trying to prevent, if you think about it. :)
I want to move to Austria. They pay 4 Euros per Gigabyte, no contract, but they have 12 months time to use up the data they purchased. Wow. That would be heaven.
I was planning on buying an iPad 3G the moment it came out, but since Rogers isn’t going to allow me to share my data plan from my iPhone, there’s absolutely no point. Between my wife’s and my iPhone we already pay in excess of $200 per month for our cell coverage. I absolutely refuse to pay yet another ridiculously overpriced fee for coverage just to browse on an iPad.
We already own a Wifi iPad, and it’s going to stay that way. Thank you, Rogers, for meeting up with my expectations of being a price-gouging service provider that is great at submitting bills, but terrible at providing relevant customer service.
I just dont understand why anyone who already owns an iPhone with data plan AND a Wi-Fi iPad would even consider buying a 3G iPad? How much of an Apple fanboy can you be?
I would head slap anyone who even thought about needing a “3rd” i-device. Get a grip people sheesh.
I’d love to know why it cost roughly $60 for 5GB of data on a smartphone and $35 on the iPad? It’s the same product so why the price difference, I’d really love to hear from a Rogers representative on this.
Not being able to share your data plan between your smartphone and iPad is stupid. So you want me to pay $30 for 6GB (on Promo) on my smartphone then another $35 for another 5GB on my iPad? So I’m paying for 11GB and might use 3GB between the two devices if I’m lucky. I can’t imagine paying Shaw $30 for my home Internet connection for my computer and another $35 so I can hook up my PS3.
Seriously, Rogers needs to stop treating there customers like garbage. You guys are so lucky that the CRTC has your back.
I couldn’t agree with you more. $30 for 500MB for a standard smartphone plan, yet the godly iPad get’s 5GB for $35? It all uses the same data! It makes no sense that different devices get treated differently when it comes to data plans.
It’s not about cost, it’s about value.
iPad users won’t pay $60 bucks per month and there could potentially be tonnes of them!
Smartphone users will pay that, but in smaller numbers.
Aaaaaah capitalism.
Is there any way we can get that type of plan for smartphones ? I use a maximum of 125 MB on my 500 MB data plan and I’d like to change it for a cheaper one.
ROGERS – please clarify the $20 data sharing – it STILL appears on Apple website
like many others, I’m debating over 3G vs WiFi only iPad, and the decision hinges on your data plans.
it’s reasonable to offer customers the option to share their existing data plan between devices, please add the option! and how about a CHEAP daily or weekly data bucket for light/occasional use?
The $20 data sharing plan isn’t listed on Apple’s website anymore.
ROGERS, LET THE 20$ SHARED PLAN!!! I pre-ordered my iPad 3G this morning because of that plan. I will make a complain at Apple. You change the rules AFTER people have paid, based on what they saw when ordering. I’m a Rogers’s customer since more than 15 years, and I have an iPhone with 6 gigs/30$. If I cannot share my data plan, I can assure you that I will quit Rogers and you will lose a customer (for all my wireless services). I encourage people to do the same. I never seen a company able to take such a lot of bad marketing and business decisions!!! It’s awesome! I was considering to upgrade my iPhone 3G for the next model in a couple of weeks, and renew for a three years contract, but if you don’t offer a decent iPad data plan, for someone who already pay a lot of money for an iPhone data plan, forget me as a Rogers’s customer!
Sorry but totally lame. Why would I pay $35 over my existing $30 6 GB data plan? Makes me glad I’m not currently interested in getting an iPad.
pps going to cancel my 2 wireless accounts, internet and TV. pricing is absolutely ridiculous and I can’t support a company that treats their existing customers so poorly. $35 more a month? go away. $20 sharing i would have accepted
Not being able to use this device on an existing plan is just plain wrong – and Rogers blunder in publicizing this and then withdrawing it just adds insult to injury.
However I did read in a UK paper that it was Jobs who insisted on separate plans for the iPad. Makes no sense to me. How is the iPad different to a netbook in this regard?
It’s reasonable to believe that there could be some form of technical or billing limitation that is actually preventing Rogers from doing the data sharing right now. Just speculation.
But it would be nice for Rogers to explain why they are not offering this as an option. It is obvious that they had considered this and were planning it since it was posted on Apple’s website. Official word from Rogers on this would be nice.
No there isn’t a technical limitation. I know for a fact. You can already do data sharing between individual Corporate accounts and additional lines on family plans.
Now that Rogers has clarified the shared data plan listed on the Apple website is a mistake (????) I will be cancelling my pre-order and going with the WiFi model.
One would hope that Rogers would have learned after the public back lash for Rogers’ original iPhone data pricing and the lame “Quick Start Menu”.. but I guess not.
Hey Apple, just canceled my 64Gb 3g Ipad. You can thank Rogers for that.
Please everyone if you have canceled your order because of the 11th hour plan changes please leave a reply.
If the $20 add-on (or better) does not return, I am cancelling my order.
The shared data plan was a mistake or the price was a mistake ? A one-time fee of 20$ might be ok…
What’s up with that ?
Even a $20 add-on is waaaaaay too much! If you have an existing data plan, it should work with any device..period. The wireless industry in this country is ridiculous. I wouldn’t settle for anything more than a $5 add-on with an existing data plan.
I was ready to order once rogers confirmed that the $20 was a one time fee. I wish I could say I didn’t see it coming that it was removed all together but sadly as much as Rogers claims to be listening they are not. It’s been said on every post about mobile data. We pay for the data let us use it as we see fit. I bet if you did we would pay more for more data.. It is a shame you are not listening…
I’ve seen a few comments come in from Fido customers. To clarify, Rogers and Fido typically have different product lineups and not all products, such as the iPad, are supported on both brands.
However, current Fido customer can use an iPad with a Rogers microsim.
why cant you give us a reason why the 20$ addon plan is a mistake?
@RogersMary – Thanks for replying for Fido customers. But I’m pretty sure you also see all the complains about the removal of shared data plan. Why do you ignore these messages?
In you post, you say “it’s great to see everyone so excited!”. The reality should be “it’s sad to see everyone so upset because we took a bad decision.” and give feedback to your upper management so they could change decision (again) and respect what was announced originally by Apple, BEFORE we make our purchases.
Hi Mary,
Would that mean just one combined bill statement with Fido or do I need to open a seperate account with Rogers?
I seldom use more than 500MB of my existing 6GB 3G data plan. Now I have to buy another data plan for the iPad? I can’t share that excess?
FAIL. FAIL. FAIL. Rogers isn’t really _listening_ to its customers. Far from it.
Prove me wrong.
The $35/mnth plan is fine if all you have is an iPad. But at this point I’m unwilling to pay more for data when I also have a 6Gb iPhone plan. It makes no sense that I can tether a laptop to my iPhone, but not my iPad.
Since I don’t use the voice part of my iPhone plan, I’m just going to get an iPad data plan and move the sim back and forth between it an my iPhone. Guess what Rogers, not only are you not getting extra money from me for my iPad, you’re also about to lose the voice money I spend.
And of course this is just based on what Rogers is currently selling. If Bell comes out with a better iPad data plan, I’ll just move over to them for everything.
I believe the SIM cards are different sizes, so it’s not as easy as swapping between the iPhone and iPad.
I believe that won’t work. I think the iPad uses a mini SIM card that won’t fit in the iPhone.
it will work, as the new iphone will use micro sim.
Data is data, whether it is voice, email, photos, apps, games or video, it doesn’t matter.
Whether it is on a phone, netbook, tablet, rocket stick or laptop it doesn’t matter.
Why can’t a customer just buy a bucket of data from Rogers and use it however they like?
This smokescreen by service providers to try to keep everything separate needs to end, the divisions are all arbitrary and are set up simply to drive more revenue.
I understand the desire to manage the traffic on their network to ensure things run smoothly but that can be done with tiered plans, data caps, etc.
Canadian mobile providers had better pray that Google never decides to come up here, set up their own wireless networks and eat their lunch.
I agree, with those terms Im going wifi.. Im already paying for 6gb of data and I almost never use more then 1Gb why cant I share? and btw 20$/month to share plan is just a joke. Its a good thing it was a mistake ur already paying 30$ for that 6gb its almost doubling ur fee. I really dont see it as a deal.. U waited 1 more month to come up with this…
Why is it that you can’t use your existing Rogers iphone data plan on your ipad for no additional cost? You’re already paying for it, it shouldn’t matter which device you use it on. Data is data, whether it’s used on your smartphone, laptop, or ipad.
I’m paying for the data, I should be able to use it as I see fit.
Rogers?
+1
I already have an iPad 3G I bought in the US last week. Will it be possible to just buy the Rogers SIM card? If so, how much would that cost? Thank you. Looking forward to your answer.
The ipad uses a microsim where as Rogers phone devices have a normal Simcard, so no it wouldn’t work.
Dear Keith,
First I’d like to congratulate Rogers on hosting this ongoing diatribe against the iPad data plans that your company has on offer. It seems crazy that you’d post all these angry rants, effectively whipping up a hate-on. I cannot imagine how you convinced your bosses this is a good idea, though I suppose one could argue that it is better to host the ‘debate’ and possibly get it under corporate control than watch it go viral on Facebook or something. But unfortunately for Rogers I do not see your “transparency” in hosting customer complaints on Red Board as an adequate exchange for a simple and reasonable plan offer to existing data customers. The a-la-carte iPad plans ($15/$35) may be appealing to persons who don’t otherwise contract with Rogers for data services, but for myself and many many other iPhone users Rogers decision to force us to pay twice will harpoon retention. Bell is now in a great position to start picking customers up disgruntled Rogers. I’m sure they are watching. With the iPhone re-fresh coming up I can only hope that Bell will see their opportunity to snatch away that huge and sustaining market segment Rogers has got tied down with iPhone customers. You can prevent that by offering the shared bucket option. A nominal monthly fee (we’re talking $5 or less here), or a one-time admin charge for th iPad add-on set up is acceptable. But doubling the cost for use of my existing data plan will kill it for me, and many others who are $85.00+/mo high-value contracted customers. If you want to keep us, get it right. Be more than ‘transparent ‘ with this silly Red Board. Instead give existing customers a sense of value for service. Give us an opportunity to feel proud for our choice in being a Rogers customer.
+1
Well said.
I’m at my limit now with my iPhone costs; a 3G iPad at these rates means an automatic carrier change; it’s not even a discussion of if, but to where.
Rogers! it would be prudent to listen to your customers especially with early adopters such as everyone that’s posting here. I would defn like to see a sharing plan in place. and also, what’s up with the free hotspots. According to your own website (rogers.com/hotspots), there are only THREE hotspots in the entire city of Vancouver? I failed to see how the free wifi at hotspots could even be a “benefit” to people who live in Vancouver! would appreciate if you could also clarify on this matter with the $20 dollars sharing plan (that was the main reason that I bought the 3g iPad! the 1st place).
@RogersMary and until that point, my funds will not be available for Rogers, simple as that
You tout “free unlimited access to all Rogers WiFi Hot Spots” as an added benefit to your wireless iPad plans. Guess how many of those there are in all of New Brunswick?
1.
That’s right: one. Uno. Un. 1.
“Underwhelmed” would be an understatement.
I guess I should give up on expecting 3G coverage in Sackville, then, should I?
Oh, wait — BellAliant has 3G coverage here! Hmm.
It just makes no sense that we cannot share the dataplan between as many devices as we want. This is simply abusive, and a total lack of respect for the customers (especially with the mistake(!) announcement). We should be be able to share the data for free; I was ready to pay a one-time $20 fee, although again I think it should be free, but asking us to pay another $35/month is insulting.
The iPad without 3G is useless to me, so Apple is losing a sale, and trust me Rogers, if someone else is coming with a fair offer, you will lose a client.
Both Apple and Rogers need to get their act together.
I understand that Apple may have posted the $20 add-on in error… If that in fact is the case, why hasn’t it been taken down yet? Seriously, it can’t be much more than a text file that needs updating so it’s not showing anymore. The longer it’s up there, the more people see it and feel robbed when they eventually learn Roger’s isn’t actually offering it.
Roger’s doesn’t seem to be doing too much to stop rumour of this non-existent plan from spreading. Why not?
“Visit http://www.rogers.com/iPad for full details on these plans.”
Ahem. A little update, maybe? It still only shows the sign-up for email info, which, btw, I still haven’t got. Oh boy. Talk about FAIL. ;)
Oooh… it’s up now. :)
I am very disappointed with Rogers not honouring the $20 add-on plan for iPad users to share with their existing data plan. WIll not be activating with Rogers for 3G connectivity – will either connect with another provider (eg. Bell, Telus) if they start offering, or find out another way of sharing my data ;)
Totally agree.
Well that seals it. No shared data means WiFi only. I’ll hold off a little to see what yout competition offers. I’m sure they seeing this outcry, and may be willing to offer better.
Is tethering from the Iphone to the Ipad supported?
According to Steve Jobs, it is not. There might be a way through jailbreaking your devices, though.
I could tell you, but such advice doesn’t get past the moderators.
And here I thought Rogers was going to do something really customer centric this time with the add-on plan for the iPad. Oh well. WiFi for me I think.
I’ve got a 6 gb plan for my iPhone and true, I never come close to hitting the ceiling unless I’m doing some serious tethering (there’s one Rogers got right. Thanks.)
My feeling is that Rogers should charge $10 for an add-on plan. That would make people happy and probably attract more business. Most people will probably be WiFi not 3G anyway.
One more…. Apple and Rogers have likely been discussing this for quite a while. Not quite sure how Apple could have made such a mistake by publishing the “add-on” plan. Something happened that aren’t privy to.
As always, Rogers would rather have 200 people paying $35 a month, than $20,000 paying $10.
WOW! So no sharing with my Phone data plan? I was very close to order it! Im glad I didn’t! Not surprised coming from Rogers though.
250MB seems way too low as a base. Fine for a small handheld where content will be heavily compressed, but too low for a larger device like the iPad whose users will naturally crave content with 4x more pixels.
Not really fair having only two options to choose from: one where data is really expensive ($1 = 17MB) or one where data is so dirt cheap you’re practically giving it away ($1 = 143MB). Explain that to me. It’s the same 1’s and 0’s!
I’d like to buy $5 worth of the cheaper data, thanks!
From a previous redboard post.
“We’ve heard that you want the freedom to choose how you use your data buckets – directly on your device or tethered to a computer.”
So I can tether with my iphone with some workarounds or you can re-offer some sort of sharing plan and make some money off it.
Rogers, masters of the step backwards.
Agreed..either free wifi workarounds that tech folks will perform or revenue in Rogers pockets with a sharing plan?
Could you please kindly tell us what happened with the Shared Data Plan? I believe your loyal customers deserve an explanation as to how the shared data plan information made it all the way to the Apple site and even influenced some of your customers decisions to purchase the iPad. It’s a real shame as although paying $20, as advertised on the Apple site, to share an iPhone plan is relatively expensive (seems it would be more reasonable to charge the same as an extra TV outlet for your Cable service, rather than almost paying twice for the same service).
In any case, we must assume you were headed in the “Shared Data Plan” direction for the information to have appeared on the Apple site. It was a step in the right direction for your consumers, and it’s rather unprofessional on your part (or Apple’s if the mistake came from them) to post such a revolutionary package for your customers to get excited about, and then to simply say “It was a mistake”…
Hoping to hear back, and that you reverse the reversal of your decision…
Well said. Completely agree.
Agree completely.
have to agree; lets see if rogers responds to this reasonable query; or do they prefer to ignore us and these questions hoping it will go away..?
OR; will they bring it back and this will be the new and improved original coke formula; take what was theirs; charge more for the same data and increase your ARPU without increasing costs proportionally…!!
I don’t mind paying $20 ‘attachment’ fee to attach an iPad to my existing iPhone data plan, but hell if I’d pay $20 per MONTH! A one time hook-up fee makes some sense, but not paying twice for the same data.
Actually, considering that Rogers has to assign and provision a whole new phone number and SIM card for the iPad, a monthly fee is not unreasonable.
Rogers normal fee for a device that is not on any kind of plan is $10 per month. This seems to be the standard price just for keeping a phone number assigned and active. Then on top of that there’s the $6.95 system access fee (which they’ve “dropped” on some plans, but let’s face it, it’s really just been built in).
$20 might be a bit high, but it’s unrealistic to expect that the iPad be provisioned for network access without some kind of monthly fee.
God.. how much does Rogers pay you?
What does it take to assign and provision a sim? Four keystrokes on a keyboard, or some variation of that..
No one is asking for a SIM attached to their current data plan for nothing. They are asking for less than $20… on some carriers (ATT) $20 is 2/3 of the cost of an unlimited data plan. The cost of the SIM and the system access fee would be reasonable..
Actually, the comment i replied to above is very specifically suggesting that it should be a one-time hookup fee, and then completely free thereafter. That’s like suggesting that your cable/DSL provider should only charge you an installation fee for a second cable/DSL line at your cottage and then simply give you the service at no additional charge… After all, you’re already paying for data on your home service.
I’m simply pointing out that Rogers already charges $10/month just to have a SIM card provisioned and assigned with no plan (voice or data). Whether you think that’s fair or not is another discussion, but based on their current pricing model, $20/month for a shared plan that includes data access is not unreasonable, particularly considering that you’re provisioning a separate device which consumes additional bandwidth and network resources regardless of whether or not you’re sharing data.
+1
2nd that. Please reward me for my loyalty with Rogers. (Seems like my previous, much longer, post was censored.)
Agreed 300%
I for one am also very disappointed. In fact, even $20 is too much to use something we’re already paying for, if you ask me (aside from a $20 setup fee, fine, I can swallow THAT).
Don’t forget people, in today’s modern networks, SMS and voice are ultimately data as well. You’re paying for the same thing split three different ways already, this is just a further insult if you ask me.
I hope you’re all waking up to what’s going on here, just as I’ve begun to. I sincerely hope Rogers will reverse course on this, or a competitor will step up to the plate, although I’m not optimistic.
Cheers.