Rogers......
Bell Mobility will try to undercut sales of Rogers Wireless Inc.‘s much-anticipated iPhone by selling a similar-looking device for less, complete with a cheaper monthly subscriber fee.
Bell said yesterday it will introduce a mobile device from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. on Aug. 8 that is similar in form and some features to Apple Inc.‘s hugely popular iPhone, due to arrive in Canada next week on the Rogers network.
Rogers has generated both excitement and criticism by securing exclusive distribution rights in Canada to Apple’s hottest new product since the iPod. Many consumers are complaining that Rogers’ pricing plans are more expensive than in other countries because they do not include unlimited data.
“You can surf your head off. You can check all the [Web-based] e-mail you want,” said Bell spokesman Jason Laszlo. “The tool is great, but it’s really the plan that sets it apart.”
Bell is selling the device for as little as $149.95 on a three-year contract. Without any contract, it will be available for $449.95.
The lowest price plan for the Instinct includes 100 minutes of weekday local calls for $20; 1,000 minutes of voice calls from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends; an $8.95 monthly system access fee; 75ยข for 911 emergency calls, and the $10 unlimited data plan. That brings the monthly total to $39.70 before taxes. There is also a one-time activation fee of $35.