Last week Rogers Communications Inc. rolled out an "unlimited" data service that offers Canadians a discounted rate on some, but not all, data related activities on most Roger's supported cell phones. The plan allows "unlimited" internet browsing on certain cellphones for $7 a month. Also introduced was a further package for $20 per month that bundles browsing, text messaging, voice mail and call display features. These plans have come under fire by some who claim the word 'unlimited' is deceptive because many common data features are not permitted, such as using your phone as a modem, using Google Maps, or Skype applications. Others however see the move as a precursor to the launch of the iPhone in Canada which has been stifled by high data rates, according to the CBC, under most Canadian data plans the iPhone would cost $300 per month! Whatever side you choose, I am just hoping that this is the sign of things to come. I for one have been holding back on using many of the features of my phone because of the outrageous cost of data usage. I even have a couple of small applications which I have developed and shelved because the cost of running them was too high... perhaps its time to dust off the code!
