Rogers' iPad data plans revealed (Updated)

By on May 10, 2010 at 10:29 AM
Services May 10, 2010

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They’re not showing up on the carrier website, but Apple’s Canadian iPad page has the skinny on the iPad data plans from Rogers Wireless. First and foremost, anyone who currently has a data plan from Rogers will be able to have their iPad draw from their existing data bucket for $20. To us this seems like nothing more than Rogers getting money for old rope, but we’ll leave our typical Canadian carrier data rants for another day. Moving down in price, but offering a clearly defined and finite amount of data, is the $15 plan which will afford customers 250MB of data. When factoring in the prevalence of Wi-Fi hotspots and the fact most people are either going to be using their iPad at home, work, or school, this is really the ideal plan for the majority of future iPad 3G owners. Finally, we have the top-tier plan…one which we’re sure is going to produce elation and outrage. Unlike AT&T, Rogers will not offer an unlimited data plan for $29.99, instead, it will allow customers 5GB for $35. As we’ve said countless times before, the idea of “unlimited” 3G data is nice, but we have a hard time imagining anyone coming close to consuming 5GB of data through normal use. If there’s anything to complain about it’s the $5 premium Canadians are paying for what is essentially all you can eat data when compared to their American neighbors.

No word yet if these plans will be pre-paid or require a contract commitment, but we’ve reached out to Rogers for clarification.

UPDATE: Apple has removed all traces of the $20 plan from its website. According to Rogers PR, the $20 plan was a mistake on Apple’s part. Also, we’ve been able to confirm that the $15 and $35 plan are contract free and include unlimited access to all Rogers Wi-Fi Hotspots.

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24 Comments

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  • David

    No unlimited? balls!

    • http://www.twitter.com/adriandizon Adrian Dizon

      unlimited is why ATT network is balls. 5GB is plenty.

  • Hero_Sky

    If I had one, I would simply tether my droid to the ipad -thank you very much.

    • Steve

      Nice in a pinch, but would you rather use 3G for 8 hours on a charge, or more like 2 hours, and then have a dead phone?

      • Mr. Sky

        Good point, but can’t you hook up your droid to the ipad to charge?

      • Dan

        Nope, no USB on the iPad, plus then you’d be draining the iPad battery even faster.

  • AT

    Finally some iPad related news….

    • Mr. Sky

      haha

  • Canuck122

    “As we’ve said countless times before, the idea of “unlimited” 3G data is nice, but we have a hard time imagining anyone coming close to consuming 5GB of data through normal use.”

    The iPad, like the iPhone, is made for data access. The iPad opens up new possibilities for use not always practical on a small screen e.g. streaming video. The streaming audio apps are impractical on small plans are perhaps acceptable on a 6Gb plan. Video is a non-starter. The fact we don’t have Hulu, other similar, in Canada is probably a good thing.

    Unlimited is (probably) inevitable. In the meantime, they’ll soak us for every dime they can.

  • Combe

    I’m not complaining… it’s lightyears ahead of most Canadian data plans.

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

  • Fastwalking

    Oh, your Canadian,
    alright then, assume the position, bend over…..

  • Mik

    Wonder where Telus an Bell stand with it.
    They carry the iphone as well.

    And obliterate rogers coverage too, I imagine many are waiting for more news on their plans instead.

  • Adam H

    At least this is a start for Canadian plans coming down in price. It really is a big step to see this kind of plan from Rogers.

    And by the way, Apple has confirmed that these will be PREPAID options that customers can subscribe to directly from the device and choose to renew or not at the end of each month – just like ATT in the US.

  • Surfdot

    What about Fido? Why no Fido love? I would love to combine my 6gig iPhone Fido plan for $20. Doesn’t make sense that they didn’t include Fido with this.

  • http://n/a Nick-Nick

    First, everything here in Canada is more expensive than in States.
    Secong, to consume 5GB is not that unimaginable if we talk about video streaming.

  • Adam H

    You can cut your Fido sim card to fit in an iPad.

    Rogers has just confirmed themselves that the plans are PREPAID:

    http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/rogers-announces-data-plans-for-ipad-in-canada/

  • Nico

    What I want to know
    ‘Are these plans available for use on phones with a voice plan?’
    I have the 6GB/$30 but wouldn’t mind getting the 250MB/$15 for my other line (yes, I know I could get 150MB/$15 from Retentions, but its not quite enough). These plans, although not perfect, are better than what’s currently offered by Rogers. (seems like the 5GB/$35 is to similar to WINDs $35 Unlimited (that WIND throttles after 5GB).

  • appswrld
  • http://web.me.com/mel.tan/ThoughtForFood/Journal/Journal.html Mel

    What, $20 to draw for your existing data bucket with no additional increase to that data bucket? That is the total bend-over. It should cheaper than all the other plans, like $5-10, to use your existing data bucket.

    $15 seems to get you more. If you can draw from existing wi-fi hot spots at $15, then there’s no point in having it tap existing data bucket.

    • MuRaNo

      please read the updated part:

      UPDATE: Apple has removed all traces of the $20 plan from its website. According to Rogers PR, the $20 plan was a mistake on Apple’s part. Also, we’ve been able to confirm that the $15 and $35 plan are contract free and include unlimited access to all Rogers Wi-Fi Hotspots.

  • TNSF

    Does the GRRF apply to the Rogers plans?

  • appDevious

    Actually, it hasn’t been removed from Apple’s site, it’s still there.

  • Adam H

    I heart Apple :)

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

  • http://rohanpinto.com Rohan Pinto

    thats ridiculous..

    I just got off the phone with rogers reps. and they say that the original pricing which said “Add iPad to existing Rogers data plans” was a technical glitch which “APPLE” published on the “ROGERS” site without permission !!

    WHAT BULL !!!!

    sometimes I feel that the rogers reps think they are speaking to gullible fools when they give out such ridiculous info ! (or maybe they themselves are ignorant, but try their best to come across as knowledgeable folks)

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