Bell Mobility GSM Users Go Without Mobile Serice Across Large Areas of Canada

Bell Mobility users have been eating up new HSPA devices like the iPhone and BlackBerry® BoldTM. But many of Bell’s HSPA early adopters are encountering some significant problems.

One major problem is that Bell’s network does not mirror its existing network coverage. Currently, there are large areas of Canada where users of Bell iPhones and other new Bell Mobility GSM devices will be without network service, even though other Bell devices (non-HSPA) would work.

For Bell, which currently operates three different wireless networks, this issue is not new. At present, Bell users across Canada connect to Bell through their 1xRTT network (first-generation) or EVDO (second-generation) networks. In markets with higher populations, both networks are available on top of each other. In more rural areas, however, only the 1xRTT network is available. This network issue poses no problem for Bell’s existing CDMA users because both the older 1x phones and the newer EVDO phones both have one common denominator: both operate on Bell’s slower 1x network.

But users of today’s HSPA phones do not have the luxury of defaulting to Bell’s 1x standard. So when an iPhone user leaves Bell’s HSPA network, his shiny new iPhone turns into a very attractive paperweight.

So beware: if you are planning to drive across the country with your Bell HSPA device to take in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, expect no phone usage throughout rural Ontario, in 99% of Manitoba, and in all of Saskatchewan. This could mean days and days with no cellular service.

Interesting… The new HSPA devices now allow Bell users to use their phones in over 200 countries worldwide. At home, however, many could experience service issues while on the road.

And if you liked this article you can find more articles and videos for Bell Mobility users at http://cellarama.com/articles/ – At http://cellarama.com you’ll also find great contract-free cell phones for Bell Mobility. Written by A. Thompson

Bell Mobility GSM HSPA Coverage Map

Bell Mobility 1X EVDO Coverage Map

What happens when you need to access the Internet from your laptop and there is no Wi-Fi available?  Until recently, as a Bell customer, you had few options. If you had a compatible phone, you could use your cell phone as a modem for the Internet (this could be very costly) or you could use a Bell laptop card or USB Internet stick.

What if you needed to connect more than one device to the Internet (say, a second laptop or a cellular phone)? Well, until now there was no easy solution.

Enter the MiFiTM, Bell Mobility’s latest portable Internet device.

The MiFi box creates mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing up to five devices to connect to the Internet simultaneously. Worried about having to lug this huge device around with you?  Don’t be. At about three ounces in weight and around the size of a deck of cards, the MiFi will not be an inconvenience to carry.

Formally called the Novatel MiFi 2372, the MiFi offers download speeds up to 7.2 megabits per second. The hotspot generated is up to 30 feet.

With the launch of the MiFi, Bell is the first cellular operator in Canada to offer this service. With the holidays approaching and families on the move, Bell Mobility’s timing could not be better for its launch.

Currently, the MiFi will set you back $199 at your Bell dealer or $99 on a three-year contract.

Google’s Android operating system for cellular phones is fast becoming a popular choice for cell phone users.  In the past few months we’ve seen Android phones moving north into Canada.  Rogers’ Android offering includes the HTC Magic, and Telus recently announced an exclusive deal with Motorola to bring the “Milestone” (think or Verizon’s Droid).

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Bell cuts controversial tax

This Summer Rogers dumped it’s monthly SAF charge (oddly enough Rogers customers bills increased), last month Telus followed by ridding their SAF charge.  As early as November 20th Bell Mobility, that last of the big three Canadian carriers with a monthly SAF, will announce the elimination of their SAF.

What is the SAF?  The SAF is short for “System Access Fee”.  All three carriers have positioned the fee as a monthly charge that covers network maintenance and upgrades.

Here’s Bell Mobility’s official explaination:

The System Access Fee is charged monthly by Bell to help recover the costs associated with operating and maintaining a wireless network, including costs for ongoing maintenance, new equipment installations and technology upgrades.

The fee varied by carrier from $6.95 to $8.95 per month plus 911 Fees.

Of course there are still many BIG questions like:

1. How will Bell implement the elimination of the charge? Will they, like Rogers, increase the cost of their package by an amount greater than their current cost of their SAF.  Or will Bell follow Telus’ example and put a couple of bucks back in the pocket of their customers?

2. The second BIG question is will this change apply immediately to all customers on all plans, or will this apply to only new monthly plans forcing customers to upgrade their plans to get the savings?

Ultimately this should be good news for Cellarama customers everywhere.

Let’s wait for the official announcement and see.

To your wireless success,
Alvin