Ottawa issues texting warning

‘Consumers do need to be protected’: Prentice

The federal industry minister has stopped just short of threatening cellular companies over plans to charge for every incoming text message, pointedly noting other countries regulate such fees. [...]

It’s worth reading…

That was a funny yet scary adventure you guys had! I don’t think Randy could have convinced me to cross the river… so props to Michelle for her courage! ;) Your knee looks painful! I hope it’s better.

On a different note, thanks for the comment on our blog. I think it is true I may have some impossible expectations… maybe that’s how it is when you’re a parent of a toddler right? Maybe you never actually get to stay in class from beginning to end? So thanks for your input and I will definitely consider your suggestions.

Class action suit filed against Bell, Telus for new texting fees

A Quebec man has launched a class action lawsuit against Bell Mobility and Telus, following a move by the cellphone providers to charge customers for incoming text messages.

Eric Cormier, who has subscribed with Bell Mobility for the past decade, says by introducing the new fees, the companies have changed the terms of their cellular contracts.

A separate class action lawsuit was filed against Telus on July 14.

Under the new plans, customers will be charged 15 cents to receive incoming text messages, including uninvited spam messages. Previously, customers without text plans were only charged for outgoing messages. Customers with a text messaging rate plan or bundle will not be affected by the new charges.

Bell’s new pricing plan takes effect on Aug. 8, while Telus will begin charging customers for messages on Aug. 24.

Industry Minister Jim Prentice has called on the chief executive officers of Bell and Telus to meet with him, calling the introduction of the new fees a “poorly thought out decision.”

Also in The Globe & Mail

Yes, we’re both happy with them so far. Thrilled actually.

Michelle was only 50% sure she wanted an iPhone to begin with, but now she won’t set it down ever. Seriously. She says she feels like she just got a new computer, a new phone and multiple entertainment devices - all from her iPhone. She’s not the most technically inclined person, nor a gadget geek by any means, but she’s definitely living proof that it’s way more than just a phone. (But the “phone” part is worth it alone - easy to use, clear, great sounding, etc.) She’s had no problem using any of the features - you don’t need an instruction manual because it really is that easy to use. The entertainment value of the iPhone is what I wanted for her - I just never expected she’d get addicted to it so fast…

In terms of data access, yes Rogers is still working out some kinks - the iPhone is the first phone they have on their new 3G networks. I personally haven’t experienced any issues though and it’s been speedy for me. The good news is that the networks are aggressively being updated so it will only get better. (And when 3G isn’t available it kicks into EDGE anyways, so you’re always covered.)

6GB data should definitely be enough for most users. Take it while it’s still available! Michelle and I haven’t even used 0.5GB between the two of us yet. Mind you, most of the time we are using our wifi network at home, or using Rogers/Fido Hotspots (which is free until December)…

Yesterday I was coming back from Market Mall on the C-Train and while listening to music on my iPhone, I was checking out the Maps feature - the GPS followed me all along the train tracks in real time - it was really cool to watch it update…

So, for us the iPhone has tremendous value for the price. We don’t regret buying them at all and would do it all over again - especially Michelle ;-) The only thing in question was Rogers’ price plans, which voice-wise, we’re actually saving money now since we changed both our plans to include long distance. Data-wise, I would take advantage of the $30 / 6GB plan while you can.

I hope this helps - and thanks for posting a comment on my blog! Let me know if you still have questions.

DM