No hotspot access for iPhone through Fido?

June 28, 2008

As I've said previously, I'm not happy with Rogers' rate plans for the iPhone, but if there is any silver lining whatsoever, it's that it includes unlimited access to Rogers/Fido WiFi hotspots, of which there are 28 in Victoria. Separately that service costs $24 a month for a limited number of minutes.

If I were to get an iPhone 3G, it wouldn't be through Rogers, it would be through Fido, who I've used for nearly four years. One of the things I like about Fido is per-second billing.

But is it possible Fido's plans don't include the hotspot access?

Rogers: Rogers Launches Flexible Price Packages for Apple iPhone 3G

"Pricing includes unlimited Wi-Fi access at all Rogers and Fido Hotspots.
Rogers Wireless will also offer two voice value packs [...]"

Fido: Fido Releases High Value Price Plans for Apple iPhone 3G

"In addition to offering per-second billing on all its plans, Fido will
also offer two iPhone value packs [...]"

The word hotspot doesn't appear in the Fido press release! I just called Fido and spoke with a customer service representative. I asked her about this and she assured me that the hotspot access is included with Fido plans. I asked if she could send me an email confirming this but she said she couldn't, all the information was on the web site. However, I've found nothing on their web site that says hotspot access is included. Could it be Rogers won't include the WiFi access in exchange for per-second billing? That would suck royally, but I wouldn't put it past them.

Colour me unconvinced that it will be included, despite the assurance from their support rep. I sure hope she's right.