US Data Roaming with Rogers...

[saint2e]

Hey all,

Going to Florida for about 10 days over the Christmas break, and would like to have my iPhone be able to receive data primarily to use it with a GPS application, but also just to stay in touch while driving down / around Florida.

Has anyone done this before? I can get 500MB package with Rogers for $100, but that seems a bit ludicrous.

My average usage per month is about 500MB, so for the trip, this should suffice. 100MB package is $50, but I feel that'd be too little.

Just wondering if anyone's done this before, and what they ended up doing.

[wszeto28]

I haven't purchased any data roaming plans with Rogers before but for that price, you could just purchase a GPS and then connect to wi-fi networks as they pop up to connect with friends/family (i.e. Starbucks or your hotel).

[ceredon]

Hey all,

Going to Florida for about 10 days over the Christmas break, and would like to have my iPhone be able to receive data primarily to use it with a GPS application, but also just to stay in touch while driving down / around Florida.

Has anyone done this before? I can get 500MB package with Rogers for $100, but that seems a bit ludicrous.

My average usage per month is about 500MB, so for the trip, this should suffice. 100MB package is $50, but I feel that'd be too little.

Just wondering if anyone's done this before, and what they ended up doing.

No chance to get your phone unlocked? $100 is a little nuts for only 500MB (but better than it was a couple years ago) and no voice or sms with that (and that's assuming you use the full 500MB. If you don't then it is $100 for what you actually use). Last time I was in FLA, I think $25 for either 1GB or 500MB with AT&T.

[b166er1337]

No chance to get your phone unlocked? $100 is a little nuts for only 500MB (but better than it was a couple years ago) and no voice or sms with that (and that's assuming you use the full 500MB. If you don't then it is $100 for what you actually use). Last time I was in FLA, I think $25 for either 1GB or 500MB with AT&T.

I'd say $100 for 500mb in ROAMING data is a steal. Sorry, carriers would charge you much higher if you don't have a package (might be $5/mb). I would personally get t-mobile or AT&T prepaid sim card.

[ceredon]

I'd say $100 for 500mb in ROAMING data is a steal. Sorry, carriers would charge you much higher if you don't have a package (might be $5/mb). I would personally get t-mobile or AT&T prepaid sim card.

Really? The fact that their PPU roaming rates are obscene makes their prepaid roaming package a steal? So if they tripled their PPU rates, that would make $300 for 500MB a steal too? We have different interpretations of 'a steal'. It's relative, I guess.


I would agree to get a local prepaid, but that depends on having an unlocked phone.

[saint2e]

Yeah unfortunately my phone isn't unlocked... I may have to investigate that option.

Would local prepaid work in an iPhone and how does the data work?

[ceredon]

Yeah unfortunately my phone isn't unlocked... I may have to investigate that option.

Would local prepaid work in an iPhone and how does the data work?

Need it unlocked, but yes, the iPhone will work with prepaid SIM from AT&T or TMobile. In most areas you will only get EDGE speeds with TMobile, but they are rolling out support for the HSPA bands that the iPhone can use in more and more areas. AT&T bars iPhone from some plans, like their $50 unlimited talk, text and data plan, but does allow it with others. Can also look into MNVOs that use AT&T or TMob networks.

Which iPhone is it?

[saint2e]

It's an iPhone 4. Not a 4S/5.

Thanks for the info!

[ceredon]

It's an iPhone 4. Not a 4S/5.

Thanks for the info!

Find out how much Rogers will charge to unlock. If your contract on it is still outstanding, then it will be your early termination fee plus the $50 unlock fee. If you HUPed since getting it, then they will do it for $50. Anyway, call and ask. Makes travel much easier and far cheaper.

[tdott]

There are ways to unlock an iPhone 4 look into that. If not I've seen cheap ones for around $200 factory unlocked. Even if you buy one and sell it after you'll still spend less than $100.

I've made very good use of my unlocked iPhone traveling Europe and Asia, lots of data sims for decent prices.

[Bestcaller]

Roam mobility is the go, I bought the SIM and have a nexus 4 all ready to go.

[ceredon]

There are ways to unlock an iPhone 4 look into that. If not I've seen cheap ones for around $200 factory unlocked. Even if you buy one and sell it after you'll still spend less than $100.

I've made very good use of my unlocked iPhone traveling Europe and Asia, lots of data sims for decent prices.

Yup. The only part I don't like is everytime Apple changes the SIMs it can make it a little challenging to get the right SIM without having to chop.

[dgnr8]

I know I'm really late to the thread, but for people who need it in the future bell has 500mb us data for $35. I have used it a few times.