I know some people are worried about getting an iPhone because they've heard rumors about people getting $1000 + bills from data usage on the EDGE network. Well, it's true, people have gotten bills like that but it is mainly because they were not being smart. For example, using data when roaming in the US or abroad. Those charges add up quickly. Other cases have been from using data on an iPhone when being on a WAP browser plan.
My current data plan is the fido $18 value pack. This included 12mb of surfing and 4 months unlimited surfing. I still have 1 month left of my unlimited surfing. So once my unlimited is done, I can either restrict myself to 12mb a month or pick one of the following options. Since I use about 12mb a day, that wont work for me.
There are a number of ways to avoid ridiculous bills:
1. Simply don't have a data plan. If you don't need to use the internet or e-mail while you are out, on the bus, at work, etc, why have one? Just use wifi. If you have wifi at work or at some place you hang out, take advantage of it. Here is a listing of some free wifi spots in Canada http://www.wififreespot.com/can.html. Most people have a wifi connection at home so use it there. Why would I use my iPhone for internet purposes at home instead of my computer? I don't know? because iPhone is awesome?
2. New Rogers/Fido data plans coming March 18 or 25. Now these haven't been 100% confirmed, but it seems like they are coming to me. Here's the details:
Non-Rogers & WM Data & Tethering - 3 yr term with DECF
$15 - 20MB - Tier 1
$30 - 20MB to 60MB - Tier 2
$50 - 60MB to 500MB - Tier 3
$65 - 500MB to 1GB - Tier 4
$75 - 1GB to 2GB - Tier 5
$85 - 2GB to 3GB - Tier 6
$100 - 3GB to 5GB - Tier 7
$0.03 per additional MB
*Note: Everyone starts off at the $15 plan and based on usage, you move up the tiers
more info here: http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1330048\
3. Change the IMEI on you iPhone with Ziphone, hack the iPhone so that you can browse WAP sites and use the Fido or Rogers $7 unlimited WAP browsing or the $20 communicate pack. More info on that here: http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1323932
Personally, I am going to go with #2 since I love using my iPhone at work on my breaks (and when I'm suspossed to be working). I also use it on the bus on my way to work. I think that the rates for #2 are resonable and I don't mind paying $80-100 a month total to use the best phone in the world. Not everyone wants to pay that much a month for a cell phone so then I would recommend using option 1. I do not recommened using, or even trying option 3 as WAP browsing sucks, it is not proven that it actually works, and you don't really want to be messing around with the code of your iPhone unless you are a professional. One more tip, if you are outside of Canada, get a prepaid sim card so that you can use data. See my post on avoiding USA roaming charges. http://www.iphoneuser.ca/2008/03/how-to-avoid-roaming-charges-while-in.html
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