iPad in Canada Blog - Canada's #1 iPad Resource » Bell

Virgin Mobile Launches Tablet Flexi-Data Plans For iPad

Ex — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:00:32 +0000

In no surprise at all, this week Virgin Mobile, subsidiary brand of Bell Mobility, has launched new Tablet Flexi-Data plans for iPad.

The new non-contract data offers are identical to the new Bell data plans that recently launched. The two new plans are postpaid offers with flex data (activate by calling Virgin Mobile):

- $20/month Flex Data: 500MB (if data exceeds 500MB, the customer is automatically moved to $35/month)

- $35/month Flex Data: 5GB (if data exceeds 5GB, customer is charged $0.015 cents per additional MB)

Thoughts?

Bell Launches New iPad Data Plans

Ex — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 17:30:28 +0000

When the iPad launched in Canada, Bell Mobility was among the first wireless carriers to offer contract-free data plans for iPad.

At that time, Bell had two prepaid data plans available (activate on iPad):

- $15/month: 250MB (if data amount is exceeded, customer must repurchase another package; no overage fees)

- $35/month: 5GB (if data amount is exceeded, customer must repurchase another package; no overage fees)

Going forward, the company still offers the original prepaid options but has now modified those existing options into two new postpaid data plan options with flex data (activate by calling Bell):

- $20/month Flex Data: 500MB (if data exceeds 500MB, the customer is automatically moved to $35/month)

- $35/month Flex Data: 5GB (if data exceeds 5GB, customer is charged $0.015 cents per additional MB)

Bell has also introduced a new Tablet Add-on called “Tablet TV” which is available for $10.00/month (US Data Roaming: $3/MB).

Bell customers can further combine the Tablet TV add-on with the $35 Prepaid Data plan for the following package:

- $45/month: 5GB data + Tablet TV

Thoughts?

[Bell Tablet Plans]; [Bell iPad Plans]

Bell iPad 3G Carrier Update Brings My Account Feature

Gary Ng — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 08:24:06 +0000

Bell launched their iPad data plans near the end of May. People using iPad 3G units have been able to activate their choice of iPad data plans right on their iPad.

A recent carrier update to Bell iPad 3G users has introduced a new feature–My Account; this is where you can top up your data plan at anytime. This is going to make things more convenient for iPad 3G users on Bell!

How is the Bell 3G network holding up on your iPad?

Thanks to the heads up from Rylea (from omgitsaninja) and for the screenshots.

Bell Announces 6GB Data Plan, $10 iPad Sharing Option

Gary Ng — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:22:16 +0000

Are you an upcoming iPhone 4 owner? Bell has introduced their iPhone 4 prices but more importantly they’ve announced a new 6GB/$30 data plan (to compete with Rogers). What’s even cooler is that for $10/month extra, you can share this data plan with your iPad 3G!

Here are the details:

iPhone 4 Promotion Details–Including iPad Offer:
-To get the lowest 3-year price on this phone, choose any combination of voice, data plan and features with a minimum value of $50/month.
From July 30 to September 30th get 6GB of data for only $30 per month with unlimited Wi-Fi in over 750 locations including all Starbucks in Canada.*
- Have an iPad too? For an additional $10 per month, you can share the data between both your iPhone 4 and iPad.
- Exclusive Mobile TV offer:
Get access to FREE Mobile TV (data download and usage charges apply) until September 30th and catch full-length episodes of your favourite shows, news, weather, entertainment and sports. Download the Bell Mobile TV app from the App Store to access this service.
*Must be combined with eligible voice plan

So…who’s going to hook up with this plan? Decent deal for $10/month. Rogers is charging $20+GRRF!

[Bell]

iPad 3G Network Speed Test: Rogers vs Bell vs Telus

Gary Ng — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:37:14 +0000

The iPad’s launch in Canada has been quite successful so far according to your latest opinions on the device. I already told you my review of the iPad but what I haven’t touched on is which network is best for iPad 3G users? We have covered the iPad 3G plans from Rogers, Telus and Bell. As for which carrier to go with, that comes down to your personal preference.

However, the differences can be as follows:
- Bell and Telus have the newest 3G network that is not as saturated as Rogers
- Rogers customers can activate their data plans right on the iPad; Bell/Telus users are required to call in to activate their data plans
- Poor experiences with either Rogers/Bell/Telus will easily make you switch to another carrier

Personally, I think iPad 3G users should choose the network that has the best coverage, the fastest speeds and a decent price (oh, if only it was that easy). One big issue that hasn’t been talked about much is network speed. This is where all you iPad 3G users will chime in to share your networks speeds based on your location/carrier! What provider did you go with for your iPad 3G?

Which Provider Are You Using With Your iPad 3G?online survey

How to Test your iPad 3G Network Speed

1. Download the free Speedtest.net iPhone app onto your iPad.
2. Run the speedtest over 3G on your iPad. Once you have your results, inform us in the comments by copying and pasting the following template:

Location: Vancouver (insert your own city)
Carrier: Rogers/Telus/Bell (choose ONE network)
Download speed: 3.5mb/sec (insert your speed)

This ought to be interesting to see which areas and networks get the fastest speeds for the iPad 3G!

Telus Releases iPad 3G Data Plans?

Gary Ng — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:51:53 +0000

Update 1: Looks like Best Buy “tickets” indicate a $50 for 5GB plan from Telus. Also, the first month of activation on 3G is unlimited data. Also reports of a $35 setup fee.

Update 2: Click here to read our updated post on the official Telus iPad plans.

Thanks to the guys in the comments for the updates!

Do you have your iPad yet? What model did you buy? If you’re sporting the 3G iPad model, you probably know about the plans released by Rogers and Bell–that are EXACTLY the same prices (*cough* price fixing *cough*). Today Canadians have lined up from coast to coast to get their hands on Apple’s new iPad. Looks like the tech pundits have it all wrong again as sales numbers and iPad fever has taken over the globe. Still trying to find an iPad? Read here to find out where to get yours!

Telus iPad 3G Data Plans Revealed?

Through some digging on twitter, it looks like some possible prices for Telus plans might have been revealed. According to a tweet from palalonde, a Future Shop employee told him early prices indicated $20 for 500MB of data.

If this was true, it could be the middle ground pricing that iPad users in Canada just might be looking for. Rogers and Bell offer $15 for 250MB and $35 for 5GB. Could this be the magic sweet spot? Paying $20 for 500MB seems like a reasonable amount for light surfing that won’t break the bank.

The Highland Telus Mobility store in Nova Scotia sent out the following on Facebook (does “iPad friendly” mean actual iPad plans?):

Today, Apple Launches the iPad. If your planning on buying a 3G model, be sure and come see us, TELUS has iPad friendly Data packages available today.

Of course, sometimes carriers are slow to release news. This is what happened when AltavistaGoogle tried to search for “iPad” on the Telus website, which he titled “Telus iPad Fail”:

Did Telus miss the memo on the iPad launch? Or do you think they are waiting to see how Canadians react to the Rogers/Bell iPad plans? More as this story develops…

Rogers & Bell iPad 3G Data Plan Clarifications (Updated with Telus)

Ex — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:00:34 +0000

On the eve of the iPad launch in Canada, the following information includes some Q&A regarding the Bell, Rogers, and Telus iPad 3G data plans and various conditions surrounding those packages.

iPad 3G Q&A

—

Purchasing

1.) Where can I purchase my iPad 3G?

Both the iPad WiFi and iPad 3G may be purchased through Apple Stores, Apple Online Stores, and select Apple Resellers in Canada. Contact your local Apple Store/Reseller for availability.

2.) Who are the available iPad 3G wireless carriers in Canada and what are the plans?

At this time, Rogers, Bell, and Telus are the three wireless carriers supporting the iPad 3G in Canada.

The iPad 3G plans from Rogers:

250MB: $15.00/month
5GB: $35/month
Unlimited access to Rogers/Fido WiFi hotspots

The iPad 3G plans from Bell:

250MB: $15.00/month
5GB: $35/month
Unlimited access to Bell WiFi hotspots

The iPad 3G plan from Telus:

500MB: $20.00/month
5GB: $50.00/month
Overage Fee: $0.05/MB up to a maximum of $30 for a total of $50 per month
Note: Overage fee is capped at $30 for a total of $50 per month ($20 plan + $30 overage fee). The data is also capped at 5GB.

3.) Where can I purchase a MicroSIM card?

If your iPad 3G did not come with a MicroSIM card, or you need a replacement, MicroSIM cards may be purchased directly from Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility or Telus locations across Canada or from each carriers website.

If you bought your iPad 3G outside of Canada, head down to your local Rogers, Bell, or Telus location to purchase a MicroSIM card for use in Canada.

Alternatively, you can go to the Apple Store and get the MicroSIM card for free (one per customer).

—

Data Plans

4.) How do I order a data plan for my iPad 3G?

The iPad data plans, available from Rogers, Telus, or Bell, are for use specifically in the iPad 3G. These iPad 3G data plans can only be activated using the Self Activation process on the iPad 3G (Telus/Bell not supported at this time). In other words, don’t call Rogers but do call Telus, or Bell.

The monthly data plan charge will be billed to the customers credit card every 30 days unless the data plan is cancelled. Further, both data plans from either carrier have no contracted terms and may be cancelled at any time.

5.) How do I cancel my iPad 3G Data Plan from Rogers, Telus or Bell?

If you wish to cancel your data plan, you must complete the cancellation process, or your credit card will continue to be charged at the end of each 30-day cycle.

To complete the cancellation process, tap the Settings icon on your iPad 3G home screen, then tap on Cellular Data, and then tap View Account.

At this time for Telus/Bell, call your respective carrier.

6.) What happens if I use up my data plan before the 30-days are over?

For Rogers and Bell, if the data plan amount is used up before the 30-days are over, you will no longer be able to access the Internet through the 3G cellular connection until you refill the iPad 3G data plan.

For Telus, customers will pay $0.05/MB overage fee for every megabyte over 500MB to a maximum of $30 in overage fees. The data is capped at 5GB.

Users will be presented with a choice to purchase another 30-days of the same size data plan or they can switch to a different size data plan. If you opt for the latter point, your new billing cycle begins the day of this purchase.

Users can also decide not to sign up for another plan, in which case the existing data plan will be replenished at the beginning of the next billing cycle.

7.) What happens to unused data? Does it roll over to the next month?

*laughs* This is Rogers, Bell, and Telus we’re talking about here. No roll over data.

8.) Can I purchase another data plan before my current data limit is met?

Yes, additional data can be purchased by tapping the Settings icon on your iPad 3G home screen, then tap on Cellular Data, and then tap View Account.

For Telus and Bell users, you will have to contact Telus or Bell to top-up.

If a new data plan is purchased before the existing one has been used up, any data that is remaining on the current data plan will be stacked to the newly purchased plan and the 30-day billing cycle will be reset to the date that the current data was purchased on.

9.) Can I share my iPad 3G data plan with another device?

The quick answer: No.

The better answer: Follow the steps below (will work with both the iPad 3G or iPad WiFi):

1.) Get an iPhone and ensure you have a data plan on your iPhone

2.) Jailbreak the iPhone using the following 30-second process, CLICK HERE

3.) After jailbreak, open the Cydia application on your iPhone home screen.

4.) Search Cydia for “MyWi (No Rock)”. Purchase it for $9.95 (they accept PayPal).

5.) Install MyWi, follow the prompts (will require resprings and agreeing to some terms).

6.) Setup MyWi on the iPhone and enable WiFi Tethering within the app.

7.) Get your iPad and connect to the WiFi network created by your iPhone

8.) You are now tethering your iPhone data plan to the iPad. Win.

10.) How do I track my iPad 3G data usage?

Data can be tracked by tapping the Settings icon on your iPad 3G home screen, then tap on Cellular Data, and then tap View Account. Rogers will also provide data alerts at the 20%, 10% and 0% mark of your remaining data plan amount.

At this time, Bell and Telus do not provide data alerts but Telus has an application in the works.

Also, there are general apps that users can download to track data usage.

11.) Is tethering supported on the iPad?

See question 9 above.

12.) Can I use my iPad 3G outside of Canada on other cellular wireless networks?

The iPad 3G, as a device, will be able to connect to other WiFi and cellular wireless networks outside of Canada but your Bell, Telus or Rogers data plan will not work.

To use a cellular wireless network outside of Canada, visit a local wireless carrier who supports MicroSIM cards in which ever country you are in.

For example, in the USA, AT&T is the provider.

—

Service & Support

13.) Where can I get my iPad serviced?

The iPad WiFi or iPad 3G are serviced at your local Apple Retail Store or Authorized Apple Repair Center.

Rogers, Telus and Bell locations across Canada will not carry, service, or accept returns of either iPad model. Rogers, Telus and Bell will only carry the required MicroSIM cards for the iPad 3G.

14.) Who can I call for Technical Support?

For iPad hardware, software, or applications, contact your local Apple Store, Apple Authorized Repair Center or AppleCare.

For data plan problems and 3G connectivity issues, contact Rogers, Telus or Bell.

15.) Where can I update the software of my iPad WiFi or iPad 3G?

Using the iPad sync cable, plug your iPad into a Mac or PC and launch iTunes.

—

Bell Launches iPad Data Plans

Ex — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:00:17 +0000

As reported yesterday, Bell has officially revealed their Apple iPad data plans.

The iPad 3G + WiFi data plans from Bell are exactly the same as Rogers, offering two non-contracted packages.

The two data packages once again resemble the plans available from AT&T in the US, except that AT&T has an unlimited package for $30.00/month.

The iPad data plans from Bell are as follows:

250MB: $15.00/month
5GB: $35.00/month
Both plans include unlimited access to Bell WiFi hotspots (such as at Starbucks locations across Canada)

Just like with the Rogers plans, iPad 3G+WiFi users that want Bell service will be able to active their chosen data package right from the iPad.

Bell today announced it will offer dedicated data plans for iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G in Canada, beginning May 28. All data plans will be available without a contract, providing the freedom to activate or cancel a plan at any time. Plans also include unlimited access to Bell Wi-Fi hotspots in Canada, including 700 Starbucks locations, at no additional cost.

The addition of Bell is great, as Canadians now have two choices for their iPad 3G+WiFi data service. Since the iPad is unlocked and the data packages are not contracted, customers can jump between Rogers and Bell anytime.

Now we wait for Telus to launch their iPad data plans, which will also likely be exactly the same package available from Rogers and Bell.

[Bell]

Telus And Bell To Support Apple iPad At Launch

Ex — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:00:33 +0000

Email reports this week have indicated that both Telus and Bell will be supporting the iPad on launch day, this Friday May 28th.

While Telus and Bell have been quiet regarding iPad data plans and micro-SIM cards, various Apple Stores across Canada have been receiving shipments of Telus and Bell microSIM cards.

There are no data plans announced yet from Telus and Bell, but the packages will likely be similar, if not identical, to the Rogers iPad data plans. At this time, Rogers is supporting the iPad with two non-contracted options:

250MB: $15.00/month
5GB: $35.00/month

We can expect Telus and Bell to launch similar packages soon.

How to Use 3G iPad with Rogers, Fido, Bell and Telus in Canada

Gary Ng — Tue, 11 May 2010 07:05:31 +0000

**Disclaimer**: The following should ONLY be tried at your own risk. We assume no responsibility should any damage occur to your iPad or SIM card. This post is for educational purposes only. Repeat: Try at your own risk.

Pre-orders for the iPad in Canada started yesterday. The official iPad launch in Canada is May 28th. Rogers iPad Data plans were also revealed, including their SNAFU on the $20 iPhone data plan add on. It really did seem too good to be true.

Anyways, for those with 3G iPads from the USA, and those looking forward to using their unlocked iPads in Canada, let’s quickly recap what needs to be done. It’s a simple process that includes the following:

Cutting your SIM card to fit the micro-SIM tray in your 3G iPad.
Entering the APN details from either Rogers, Fido, Telus, or Bell.

So let’s get on with a recap of what you need to do.

1. Choose from the official Rogers iPad data plans, or choose one from Fido, Telus or Bell.

2. Modify your SIM card. Fantastic instructions are posted here by John Benson using a meat cleaver!

3. On the iPad, go to Settings–>Cellular Data. Turn it ON. Enter the following APN details:

Rogers APN: rogers-core-appl1.apn
Fido APN: fido-core.appl1.apn
Bell APN: pda2.bell.ca (call to give your IMEI of your iPhone)
Telus APN: sp.telus.com

Username/password should be left BLANK.

Once the settings have been entered, it should just work. If it doesn’t, give the iPad a restart for the new settings to kick into affect. A working example of this was first shown on iPadinCanada.ca here by Chris Aceto. As always, there may be issues with this but let us know if it works for you!