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Canada

Bell today announced new Smartphone Combo Plans that provide Bell Mobility clients across Canada with 25% more minutes than competitor smartphone plans. “Smartphones are leading the growth in Canadian wireless and Bell is eager to accelerate that popularity further still with new industry-leading rate plans for our broad range of RIM BlackBerry and Windows Mobile smartphones,” said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility. “With 25 percent more calling than competing carriers’ plans, smartphones just got better with Bell.”

Until December 31, new Bell Mobility clients who sign a three-year contract can choose between three Smartphone Combo Plans, starting at $45 per month. All plans include conference calling and call waiting. Continue reading

Wireless users in Canada indicate strong interest in new customer-focused smartphones, such as the Apple iPhone, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction StudySM released today.

Now in its fourth year, the study examines perceptions of wireless customers with their service, mobile phone and retail experience. Rankings are provided for contract postpaid service, prepaid service providers, and mobile phone providers. Customer satisfaction with contract postpaid service and prepaid service is measured in five factors: call quality; billing; service plan options; cost of service; and customer service. Mobile phone satisfaction is measured based on customer ratings of five factors: features; physical design; durability; battery; and operation.

The study finds that 25 percent of wireless users in Canada currently own a smartphone, and more than 65 percent of these users indicate they “definitely will” or “probably will” purchase another smartphone device as their next mobile phone. Smartphone users also report being more satisfied with their device compared with traditional mobile phone users, with scores averaging 739 points on a 1,000-point scale among smartphone users, and 692 points among traditional wireless users. However, smartphone users spend nearly twice as much for their monthly wireless service compared with traditional mobile phone users ($97 vs. $51, respectively).

Apple, which launched the iPhone in Canada in the summer of 2008, ranks highest in customer satisfaction among mobile phone providers with a score of 783. In particular, Apple performs well in the operation, features and physical design factors. Sony Ericsson follows in the ranking with a score of 742, performing particularly well in the battery factor. BlackBerry ranks third in the segment with 739.

Among postpaid wireless service providers, Koodo Mobile, which launched its service earlier this year, ranks highest with a score of 771, performing particularly well in cost of service, call quality and billing. Virgin Mobile follows Koodo Mobile in the ranking with 752, performing well in the service plan options factor. SaskTel ranks third at 706 with particular strength in customer service.

Virgin Mobile ranks highest among prepaid wireless service providers with a score of 731, performing particularly well in all five factors driving prepaid wireless customer satisfaction. PC Mobile (688) and Telus Mobility (662) follow Virgin Mobile in the ranking.

The study also finds that despite strong customer interest in smartphone devices, wireless users in Canada are not as interested in subscribing to a data package—which commonly allows users to browse the Internet, send and receive e-mails, and download ring tones, MP3 files and games. While 24 percent of wireless users in Canada report having a data package, a majority of wireless users do not intend to subscribe to a data package in the near future. Key reasons cited for customer reluctance include not having a need for Internet access (57%) and the service is too expensive (31%).

“We see a clear interest among consumers in owning smartphones that have enhanced functionality, but not necessarily a corresponding interest in subscribing to data packages,” said Lubo Li, senior director at J.D. Power and Associates, Toronto. “One element potentially keeping consumer usage and interest down is the higher data plan costs, since the average amount spent for monthly service among data plan users is $102, compared with only $50 among non-data plan customers. This presents an opportunity for a competitive advantage among providers who could offer consumers smart data solutions and better value for the money.”

The study also finds a strong relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty. Among users who say they are very satisfied with their wireless service providers, 83 percent indicate that they “definitely will” continue using the same provider. In contrast, loyalty declines to 43 percent among those who indicate that they are only somewhat satisfied.

“The impact of satisfaction on loyalty is consistent across both the wireless service and mobile phone segments,” said Li. “Maintaining customer satisfaction is critical for wireless service and mobile phone providers in order to increase retention rates, which inevitably positively impacts the bottom line.”

The 2008 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from nearly 15,000 mobile phone users. The study was fielded in October 2008.

Via

The release of the HTC Touch Pro via Telus is now official and for just $299.99 on a 3-year contract your Windows Mobile bliss can be achieved.  With the same specs found on the Sprint HTC Touch Pro, we can’t imagine there being any shortage of buyers lining up for a chance to run Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional at 528MHz.  Those not interesting in a commitment can purchase the Telus Touch Pro for $649.99.  Pricing for 2-year and 1-year sign ups is $549.99 and $599.99 respectively.

Via Telus

The battle over the BlackBerry Storm in Canada is sure to heat up now that we’ve been given details outlining a synchronized launch on both Bell and Telus.  With Vodafone UK launching the Storm last Friday and Verizon Wireless in the US launching this Friday, the buzz is building and expectations are at an all-time high.  The good news here is that customers will be the biggest winners when Bell and Telus launch the Storm in December since both companies plan on offering the lowest price and best incentives.

Friday a memo was sent to all bell retail managers revealing that both of the Canadian carriers will ironically be releasing the Storm on the exact same day. All employees must complete mandatory training by December 8th leading many to believe that this is the actual launch date. The leak went on to say he, “received emails stating that our current Bell BlackBerry live demos (currently stores either have the 8130 or 8330) all will be replaced with Storms on or around the 5th of December.  No actual release date, but with demo units shipping the 5th we should see it in Canada by the 10th of December.”

Bell is very exited to add the Storm to their powerful 3G BlackBerry lineup. Testing on the Bell network has already started taking place. The BlackBerry storm will be launching in Canada shortly after the US release on November 21st. Training as outlined in the memo consists of the following:

Training

In preparation for this much-anticipated launch, several training tools will be released for Sales Consultants. These tools will provide Sales Consultants with the ability to:
* Understand what the Blackberry Storm can offer valued clients.
* learn why the Blackberry Storm is better with bell, and
* win the sale!

The Table below outlines the training tools that will be available on the Bell Training site (bell.ca/training) in the ‘What’s New’ section, along with training delivery dates, and completion due dates

1. Job Aid: Getting the Right 3G Blackberry for your Clients
Delivery Date: 11/14/2008
Completion Due Date: 11/21/2008

2. Job Aid: Blackberry Competitive Comparison
Delivery Date: 11/19/2008
Completion Due Date: 11/26/2008

3. Job Aid: Blackberry Storm
Delivery Date: 11/19/2008
Completion Due Date: 11/26/2008

4. Web Based Training: Blackberry Storm Online Training
Delivery Date: 11/21/2008
Completion Due Date: 12/05/2008

5. Video: Blackberry Storm Video
Delivery Date: 12/01/2008
Completion Due Date: 12/08/2008

All Management level

Via BGR

The Wired magazine “Test Best Cell Phone” for November 2008, the Nokia E71, is coming to Canada via Rogers.  After all previous information indicated a Fido launch, those rumors have been laid to rest as Rogers made an official statement today saying that the E71 would be ‘available soon’.  While we still lack an official release date and pricing information, the stainless steel E71 will be in the land to the north shortly.

For those who have never held the E71, the build quality and thickness of the device are enough to win over the most captious buyers.  We’d venture to say that you’ll fall in love with the E71 even before turning on the screen because in an age of plastic devices bearing $500-plus price tags, a sub-$400 stainless steel smartphone is an anomaly.

Via Mobile Syrup

Sprint might have been the first North American carrier to launch the Samsung Rant, but Canadian carrier, Telus, is not far behind.  Instead of being called the Rant, Telus will launch the m540 as the Samsung Slyde, but the full QWERTY keyboard, 2 megapixel camera, GPS, 2.1-inch screen and 130 gram weight will remain unchanged.  The good news for Canadians is that the Samsung Slyde will be available Free on 3-year contracts, $49.99 on 2-year, $179.99 on 1-year or no commitment price of $229.99.

With the launch of Best Buy Mobile Canada there was a bit of confusion with the m540 price and name.  An advertisement released last week showed the Samsung M540 being called ‘TAAG’ with price points of $29.99 on 3-year agreements, $79.99 on 2-year, $179.99 on 1-year or $249.99 no contract.  Now that the device is available on the Telus website, we can end the confusion and continue to refer to the M540 as the Slyde.

Via MobileSyrup

We were previously notified that Canadian retailer, Future Shop, would be launching the Telus HTC Touch Pro for $239.99 today, but apparently HTC is experiencing some shipping delays.  The official word from FutureShop reads, 

Due to vendor’s shipping delay, store will not have Telus HTC Touch Pro on time. To substitute it, please offer following sku to the customers on a new 3 year voice & data plan. 10108904 Telus HTC Touch Diamond $99.99 save $100.

While the Telus Touch Diamond for $99.99 does sound nice, it looks like CDMA Touch Pro delays will be felt all across the board.  Sprint customers you are not alone, now Telus customers can share the pain, ouch.

Via MobileSyrup

O2 might be pulling the BlackBerry Bold off their shelves, but the scare is not stopping Rogers Canada from releasing an OS update.  Proud Canadians using the Rogers BlackBerry Bold will be delighted to see that their device has been upgraded to a new OS, version 4.6.0.162. The updated OS should fix many of the issues users have been reporting including: random restarts, dropped calls and battery woes.

Since the Bold was released by Rogers, all devices have been shipped with OS version 4.6.0.125.  To get the new updated OS simply head over to RIM’s website with the link below, install the package and open Desktop Manager.  As always make sure you backup your phone before running any software update and enjoy.

BlackBerry Handheld Software v4.6.0.292 (Multilanguage)

Package Version: 4.6.0.292
Consisting of:
Applications: 4.6.0.162
Software Platform: 4.0.0.155
File name: 9000M_PBr4.6.0_rel292_PL4.0.0.155_A4.6.0.162_Rogers.exe
File size: 93.43MB
Note: The Software Platform and Applications version numbers can be found under Options-About screen on the handheld.

Download Rogers BlackBerry Bold OS 4.6.0.162

VANCOUVER, Oct. 10 /CNW/ - TELUS today announced that it will build a next generation wireless network using the most advanced mobile broadband network technology. Reinforcing TELUS’ leadership in the mobile broadband market and the ability to provide clients with the best selection of wireless services and networks in Canada, TELUS announced its commitment to a full national launch of a next generation wireless service by early 2010 based on the latest version of High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technology. This initiative ensures a smoother transition to long term evolution (LTE) technology, the emerging worldwide fourth generation (4G) technology standard, as it becomes available.

“This technology evolution is a win for Canadian consumers. TELUS’ investment in next generation wireless services will give our clients more wireless functionality including; international roaming, fast network speeds and a compelling selection of globally-compatible handsets and devices,” said Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO. “As the next evolution in our multi-network strategy, this initiative will position TELUS to actively participate in the future global LTE eco-system and leverage economies of scale, offer timely access to handsets, and enhance global roaming relationships and revenues.”

This enhancement to the TELUS mobile network offers further choice for its customers. The move complements TELUS’ existing wireless portfolio that includes Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), providing access to Canada’s largest third generation (3G) High Speed wireless (EVDO) network and Mike, its industry leading Push-to-Talk network and business service. TELUS plans to support its CDMA and Mike (iDEN) customers for the foreseeable future, providing TELUS customers the full choice of wireless solutions that best suits their needs.

Via Telus Press Release

MONTREAL, Quebec, Oct. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced a significant strategic investment in its Third Generation (3G) wireless network capabilities to ensure it offers Canadians the complete range of high-speed mobile data coverage, services and handset options. The investment also confirms the company’s migration path to the global Fourth Generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard.

“Investing in broadband networks and services and accelerating wireless are strategic imperatives for the Bell team, and they are key to achieving our goal - to be recognized by customers as Canada’s leading communications company,” said George Cope, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCE and Bell Canada.

“This investment initiative builds on our industry-leading wireless service - which already offers access to the largest and fastest network across North America- to deliver Canadians the broadest choice in high-speed wireless service, while confirming our path forward to LTE, the global 4G wireless broadband standard.”

Via Bell Press Release

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