iPhone with no Data plan concern and Qs

TGV

Hey guys, new gang member here.

Been checking this very informative board for a while now and I am finally/almost decided to jump in and get an iPhone...

I did go to several Fido and Rogers kiosks/stores yesterday (Ottawa - Gatineau) and asked them specifically how reliable was the Data block if I opt for an only voice plan without data and all of them had the same answer - "No guarantee that data won't get through"...

That made me back off and read some more about it, in some of the boards they say that it is just a scare tactic, and some say that when Apple released Firmware 2.0 or (2.2 I believe) their Data block got bypassed since the phone carriers (Rogers and Fido) decided to use a secondary gateway for data and ignored the people that asked to have data to be blocked...!

I am probably going to ask a Q that has been asked and answered several times, but those sales reps weren't technical and specific.

How safe is it guys if I buy the iPhone and ask to have data blocked before even opening the box and using the phone, do you think it is 100% safe and reliable, or I may still be charged for data?

The second question is concerning overseas use, if I get a plan with no data and travel overseas and pop in a local carrier's SIM (after unlocking the phone using YellowSnow), there shouldn't be any roaming charges for data, right?

I know that some of my Qs may sound plain silly, but I would rather ask than get a nice surprise in one of my future phone bills

Thanks for sharing your thoughts guys.

Adrian.

1) Yes, it is a complete scare tactic by Rogers/Fido. They will make you sign this big contract that says if there is data leackage then you are responsible. They are just trying to scare you into getting a data package. I had my iPhone for 3 months with data blocked from Rogers after I phoned in and asked for it to be completely blocked. I never received any data bills. Remember that you must phone in to Rogers/Fido and ask them to block the data service from their end. Your 3G symbol will disappear from the top of your iPhone screen and your phone will have no access to the data network. It is a good idea to record the phone call you have with the Rogers/Fido CSR for if the case ever arises where they charge you for data you can replay to them the recording of you with their CSR explicity requesting a data block. This removes your responsibility for the data charges. That said, it won't happen. Just a note, don't even turn the phone on until you've called in and cancelled the data or it will cost you $2.34 cents in data just for the phone to start up

2) If you have a SIM card in from a foreign carrier in their country then your phone has absolutely no connection to Rogers wahtsoever.

Hope it helps.

Would a moderator please make this a sticky. We answer this question three to four times a month, easily.

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SeeB

I confirm me too..

I have my iPhone 3G for now 5 months with data blocked from Fido, and I NEVER receive a bill for any type of data.

For the data in other contry, I have been to USA this summer with my iPhone, and the data was still blocked!

Hope this help you, get an iPhone it's a wonderfull phone you'll like it!

TGV

Thank you very much Adrian for taking the time to respond.
So, if I understand correctly and to recap;

1- Data going through after specifically requesting to have all data blocked is nothing but nonsense even after upgrading to a new Apple iPhone firmwares,etc...

2- Roaming charges when overseas are not applicable as long as Rogers/Fido SIM cards are not being used with the iPhone.

Adrian.

1) Yes, the data is not blocked on the iPhone but from Rogers' or Fido's communcations servers. That is, your phone just does not have access to the data network frequencies. There is no way it can access the data. If there is no 3G or E symbol at the top of the screen then there can be no data leakage. If you ever see that symbol then immediately turn your phone off and call your service provider because something has happened on their end.

2) Exactly. The only connection my unlocked iPhone 3G has to Rogers is the SIM card, once I exchange it for my Telcel SIM card in Mexico then I am using that service.

No problem, I am sure you will relay some good information to others on ehMac or else at some point.

Cheers mate.

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iPhone 4 16GB
Airport Express

weezertom

On the Rogers and Fido website it costs 199 for an 8 gig iphone on a 3 year term and 299 for a 16 gig iphone on a 3 year term. I'm assuming that is with a data contract. How much would an iphone cost if I bought it from them but only signed up for a voice plan?

chas_m

The same. The data plan is optional (though they will not -- at first -- own up to this).

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chas_m

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MrsMime

I'm pretty disgusted by Fido and Rogers' sneakiness regarding the whole iPhone situation. You have to go to great lengths to not get surprise footlong bills and they have all these "secret options" that they don't "own up to at first" and you need to be really specific with. They don't do this with other smartphones. Jerks..

Wait, that sounds scary: there's two different options? Having data blocked, and having it COMPLETELY blocked!? Those are separate?!

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weezertom

So you're saying I can go in to rogers tomorrow and pay 199 plus tax for an iphone and just get an 18.95 epp plan??
If i could do that my wife would be very happy..

G-Mo

No. If the cost of your monthly plan is less than $30 the up front cost for the iPhone is $249 and $349 (8GB and 16GB respectivly)...

Whyvare there new threads on this subject??! There are at least 100 threads on this matter already!! Please, search before you post!!!!