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FIDO posts

Fido getting ready to give 16GB iPhone 3G the pink slip?

by Chris Ziegler posted Mar 23rd 2009 @ 11:01AM

Well, that was quick. Actually, not really -- it's not altogether unheard of for a phone to last less than a year on a carrier before getting pulled off shelves -- but when that phone happens to be the iPhone 3G, it's bound to raise a few eyebrows. MobileSyrup reports that the 16GB version of the device will not be reordered in April by Fido once current stock depletes, leaving just the 8GB model to soldier on. Why only 8GB? Two theories, and in all likelihood, the truth lies somewhere in between both: one, since Fido's been rebranded as Rogers' value brand, it makes more sense for the high-end iPhone to live on Rogers alone; two, there's one (or more) new devices on the way in the next few months. For the world's sake, we hope the latter theory figures prominently in the equation.

Fido's LG Neon: seen, priced, and oh so available

by Sean Cooper posted Mar 20th 2009 @ 10:11PM

Fido, everybody's fave low cost GSM alternative in Canada -- and yes, we do know they are owned by Rogers but are different brands, we live here, we use them -- has ponied up an LG Neon of its own today. While Rogers offering rumbles in off-contract at $199, Fido has chosen $179 as its entry point and a 2 year stint costing you $50. Well done Fido for a handset that while lacking the extra 3G speed certainly makes up for it with a bit 'o style and hard to beat messaging functionality.

[Via MobileSyrup]

Canada's Fido deep-sixes Hiptop service

by Sean Cooper posted Feb 16th 2009 @ 3:03PM

So, if you're on Fido with a Hiptop, your days are numbered as it appears Fido has starting informing customers -- by text, no less, not even a call -- that as of April 30th, the service is shutting down. Of course, having your service dumped from underneath you may put you in a pretty good position to bargain for goods and new sets, though, we have to ask: what would you move to? Samsung Jack? BlackBerry 8100? Yeah, sadly that's about it, though, there's always Rogers, Telus or Bell if you can't get what you want. Bye bye Hiptop, you'll be missed.

Fido launches low-end slider, the Samsung SGH-F266

by Sean Cooper posted Feb 10th 2009 @ 11:02AM

Samsung and Fido are having a wee bit of a party today and have released the SGH-F266 to help us join in the new handset fun. The F266 is the first in a series of sets listed in the questionable raodmapp (that's intentional, so don't yell at us) we saw appear yesterday. Apparently priced at $25 on two-years, or $150 outright, it is loaded with a 2 megapixel camera, 37MB of internal memory (upgradeable to 8GB), a 2.1-inch display, and rounds out with a bit of Bluetooth, an FM radio, and only weighs 99 grams. Oh, and Fido? Your site still makes us feel queasy / stings our eyes, seriously.

[Via Mobilesyrup]

Leaked Fido roadmap shows Q1 sets, typos, errors?

by Sean Cooper posted Feb 9th 2009 @ 5:41PM

We're not so sure what to make of this -- and would put very little weight in it until we hear otherwise -- as the title's typo and obvious lack of 3yr plans that carriers love up here make it seem a bit sketch. Though, as the pic is hollering, we can purportedly expect the Samsung F266 tomorrow, SE T303 in early March, LG TE365 late March, and the recycled Motorola W233 on April 22. This thing is all a mess, though stranger things have happened, and it could all pan out. Hopefully we'll hear something either way in the near future.

Update: As reader clay rightly points out, feature phones no longer have 3-year deals -- though they do still exist for sets like the recently launched BlackBerry. So with that out of the way, we just have the shifty typo left.

Fido's shops start stocking BlackBerry Pearl 8100

by Sean Cooper posted Feb 5th 2009 @ 1:26PM

Fido's BlackBerry 8100 has been rumored, caught in the wild, confirmed, and now we finally see it on the site and priced. First the price, apparently Fido really wants you on contract for 3 years, as it is $25, with 2 years hopping up to $350 -- as a side, on T-Mobile 2-years is $49, on AT&T, you could get a Bold or Curve for less -- and off contract cost is $400. On the service side, there's a $15 unlimited personal IM and email package, or 500MB for $25, 1GB for $30, or 3GB will ring in at $60. So if you're on Fido and have been dreaming of the day you'd be able to get on this bandwagon, go forth and spend.

BlackBerry 8120 filters into Fido outlets, still can't be sold

by Darren Murph posted Jan 28th 2009 @ 8:11PM

Hold tight, Fido fans -- that BlackBerry you've been yearning for is almost here. Just days after hearing that BlackBerry and Fido would be getting together in the Great North, Boy Genius Report is providing a few sneak peeks at what's likely to be the first one available. The only marginally blurry shots clearly show that RIM's Blackberry 8120 is now Fido-branded, though there's practically zero chance for you to buy one even if you happen upon it. Why? Fido's POS machines aren't yet equipped with BB plans, so it looks like you'll have to wait until February 4th or so before exchanging cash for goods. Tough, we know.

Fido and the BlackBerry, friends at long last

by Sean Cooper posted Jan 13th 2009 @ 4:23PM

Beautiful isn't it? About time they got it, too, wouldn't you say? So the story goes that Fido CSRs (Customer Service Representatives) have gotten word from above that training for BlackBerry is set to begin some time next week -- so we'll go out on a limb here and say that you can take this launch to the bank. We don't know what set is going to be offered -- so don't let the photoshoppery get you too jazzed -- but rumors are circulating that the old BlackBerry 8100 might be what's up for bids. Can we just add that while we are stoked Canada's other GSM carrier's finally seeing a BlackBerry, how about releasing something that's not reached end-of-life on some carriers, Fido?

Fido's rebrand complete, yellow figures prominently

by Sean Cooper posted Nov 4th 2008 @ 8:58AM

Fido, Canada's other GSM carrier -- though, wholly owned by Rogers Wireless -- has finally found its new identity. The faithful, straightforward, and trust-inspiring pooch is still present in the new look and feel as well as the ~~hammer-like~~ subtle use of yellow. New plans being launched include "all-in" price plans starting at $15, a $25 deal with unlimited text messaging, and all feature per-second billing and no system access fee. The new site's up now if you're inspired to switch up your plans a bit and we have to say, if the fine type's not too fine, things are definitely looking rosy for budget-minded consumers up north.

Fido to revamp image, become more than a Rogers clone on Tuesday

by Chris Ziegler posted Nov 3rd 2008 @ 12:57PM

Fido's experienced a bit of an identity crisis ever since being snatched up by GSM giant Rogers several years ago, struggling with product and pricing lineups that don't really project the quirky, young image that the brand's supposed to be all about. That might all change Tuesday, though, with rumors swirling that the carrier's poised to totally remake itself with new branding, a new, expanded hardware lineup, and lower fees. This might be largely in response to Telus' creation of the low-cost Koodo Mobile network, but also in preparation for an onslaught of competitors brought about by Canada's recent AWS auction. Either way, it sounds like it's probably good news for Canadian consumers looking for another (only?) source of budget GSM stuff.

[Via MobileSyrup, image via HowardForums]

Nokia's E71 swiped from FIDO, reserved for Rogers launch?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 14th 2008 @ 2:59PM

From a corporate standpoint, we can sort of understand the parent company's desire to have the best handset launches all to itself, but it sure would've been kind of it to throw FIDO a proverbial bone. If you'll recall, whispers were in the air that Rogers, FIDO's parent company, would be reserving the Nokia E71 for a fall / winter FIDO launch; now, we're hearing from a number of directions that those plans may have been scrapped. In fact, Rogers could now be hosting the phone all by its lonesome next month in Canada. Of course, we'll have to wait until then to see if hearts change once more, but boy, the tug-of-war between parent and child here is really bringing back some frightening memories.

[Via mobilesyrup]

Novatel Ovation MC950D set to burn up the aisles at Fido's shop

by Sean Cooper posted Sep 1st 2008 @ 9:51PM

Seeing as Fido now has data plans worth mentioning, it only makes sense that we start to see some new products appear that'll let its Canadian customers use -- and abuse -- those plans. For speedy data download, the cross platform -- Windows XP / Vista / 2000, MAC OS X, and Linux -- USB Ovation MC950D will fit the bill handily at outrageous 7.2 Mbps down and up to 2.1 Mbps upload speeds. Connectivity is handled via a tri-band HSPA, quad-band EDGE, radios and the driver install, manuals and such for the supported OSes are in the stick itself. We didn't get any word on pricing or availability, but the parent company Rogers will let you take one home for as little as $49, so we're betting that's not too far off what you'll pay at Fido.

Rogers Wireless releases some iPhone data usage details, says nyaa-nyaa

by Sean Cooper posted Sep 1st 2008 @ 5:57PM

Drumroll please! We all heard a fair bit of uncharacteristic anger echoing out of Canada with Rogers Wireless' announcement of its -- and FIDO's -- iPhone data pricing models. Of course, Rogers rethought its plans, launched the $30 / 6GB plan and all was well again in the land of the polar bear and beaver. We had a quick chat with Elizabeth Hamilton, the Director of Corporate Communications at Rogers, this week, and it turns out they may not have been so completely mistaken with the plans offered after all. First month stats show that 1.2% of iPhone customers used more than 1GB of data in the first four weeks, 95% used less than 500MB, and 91.2% used less than 100MB. Considering the original plans were as high as 400MB per month, it would seem they would have served the northern populace quite handily.

Canada's FIDO eyeing Nokia E71?

by Sean Cooper posted Sep 1st 2008 @ 4:20PM

Nokia's slim and slick E71 has been touted -- OK, rumored, but we're hopeful -- to have its eyes set on the number two GSM provider in Canada, FIDO. While no pricing info is being bandied about, the "news" does see it landing during the November timeframe. Rogers, FIDO's parent company and only GSM competition -- at least for now -- has apparently passed on this little QWERTY gem, though these kind of stories do change with time. Look for more news once we get something a little more tangible.

Rogers announcing new data plans, peace of mind in October

by Sean Cooper posted Aug 29th 2008 @ 3:03PM

Now that Rogers' iPhone users have had a month to play and Rogers have had time to look at usage, it comes as no surprise some new data plans are in the works. First off, the good news is that the $30 6GB plan will be extended until the end of September from the end of August -- mind you, this is less generosity and more wanting to sign new BlackBerry Bold owners on to the plan. On October 1st Rogers -- and Fido -- will launch a new $15 2MB plan, $25 500MB plan, $30 1GB plan, $60 3GB plan, and an $80 8GB plan. These new plans will apply to smartphones, data cards, tethering, and of course BlackBerry devices. Most notable in the good news binge are a few "peace of mind" protection tools also being launched in October, including SMS data alerts, Freedom of Data, and a $100 data charge maximum. SMS data alerts will let subscribers know before, when, and after they've emptied the data bucket for the month. Freedom of Data will give 3 months of real unlimited usage just on the off chance you completely blow it out, the overages will be zeroed out and you can learn, adjust and move on. The $100 maximum idea means that no matter what data plan you're on, your monthly bill will never be higher than a hundred bucks as a combination of your fixed cost plus your overage. It seems this may spell the end of outrageous data bills in Canada, and we're thinking that deserves some applause.