14 Jul 08

Getting the 3G iPhone with Rogers

The last time I called into any of the Rogers customer service lines was about 2.5 years ago, to check my account status.  That was long enough for me to forget why I don’t like calling in for help: the Roger’s “priority queue”.  Regardless, I dialed in today to inquire about the new iPhone, and if I could take advantage of the $30 6GB data plan.

After about twenty minutes of holding (in the queue of priority), I finally got a hold of a representative in the Cancellations department.  I decided to play hardball with Rogers to see if I could get a retention plan to offset some of the hefty costs for the phone, and I fully expected resistance on their side.  After about fifteen minutes with the customer service rep, I walked away with a great plan and a lot of savings.  I was really surprised at how that happened, but they mentioned that I was a “top tier” customer who generates lots of revenue for them.  They got me to sign with them for another 3 years, but I was going to do that for the subsidy on the phone anyways.

The voice plan they offered me comes to $20 per month, and comes with:

  • 300 daytime minutes
  • Evenings and weekends starting at 6pm
  • Call display

I also added the $30 for 6GB of data for the iPhone, and purchased the 8GB iPhone for $249.  There is also a $35 “manufacturer” fee for the phone, but to compensate for that, the service rep waved my first month’s voice fees. They are going to UPS express the phone to me, which should arrive in two business days.

All in all I am very satisfied with this phone plan, which totals to $50 a month before systems access fee, 911-fee and taxes.  It’s still not the best but it is definitely better than what some of my (Canadian) friends are paying.  I’m not suggesting that everyone should call into Rogers and play hardball, but do find out what your loyalty is worth, and perhaps you might walk away with a fair cell phone plan.

Category: iPhone

5 Responses to “Getting the 3G iPhone with Rogers”

  1. David,

    Nice to see that you got a good deal out of this. The only reason I stayed with Bell is because of the Unlimited Data package for the blackberry and the cost I got on the Curve. I “played hard ball” but after 4 years with Bell and 2 Cell phones on the account their “retention department” said “Okay if you want to go to Rogers for the iPhone and cancel your current contract the buy out is $400, we require a 30 day notice” and I said “are you serious? Are you asking me to go to Rogers or what? You will not uphold the price of a device that you have posted on your site or ship it to me” Either way I got my phone at the price I wanted but it cost me 4 days and 2 hours on hold before I found the vp’s http://www.nicksimpson.ca/personal/bell_mobility_customer_care_sucks info and called them up to voice my concerns. Hope all goes well for you. Were you able to purchase the phone out right by any means or no dice?

  2. David, sounds like you got a decent monthly package but I’m a little confused with the total price of your iPhone. It cost you $249 + $35 “manufacturer fee” ($284) for an 8 gig iPhone? Isn’t the price of an 8 gig iPhone supposed to be set at $199 globally?

  3. Teddy, the 8GB iPhone is $199 for a new customer who signs up on a 3-year contract. Existing customers aren’t nearly as valuable, and according to the service rep, $249 is the lowest it goes for existing customers who renew a 3-year contract with Rogers.

  4. About a year ago i called their Customer Retentions / Cancellations department, and without any fighting whatsoever i got the following:

    For 43$ / month with SAF and taxes included:

    250 Daytime,
    1000 Canadian Long Distance Minutes
    Unlimited Evening and Weekend @ 6pm
    Unlimited Incoming Minutes
    Everything that comes with the 20$ Value Pack (2500 txts, voicemail, call display, etc)

    Rogers let me keep this plan when I upgraded to iPhone, so I only added the 30$ for 6GB, and that puts me somewhere around 80$/month to run my iPhone. :)

  5. Wow, I hate Rogers even more now. They don’t see the value in keeping you for another 3 years?

    Brutal. Just brutal.

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