Difference between WirelessInternet and Surf,download and Play?

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R. - 29 Dec 2006 02:50 GMT

I'm thinking of switching from the Wireless Internet option to the
Surf, download and play option... I noticed you can get 2mb for $5...
now, the question is: what is the difference between them? I'm
actually using an unlocked Treo to access my POP email, very little web
use and more importantly using an instant messaging client (not the one
through Fido).

Are any ports blocked? Any restrictions? Can any website be accessed?
(their description says "...browse over 10,000 sites")

I'm thinking I might just activate it for a day and see if I can do all
the things I need it to do. Does anyone know the settings I need: APN,
username/passwd?

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JF Mezei - 02 Jan 2007 09:50 GMT

> I'm thinking of switching from the Wireless Internet option to the
> Surf, download and play option... I noticed you can get 2mb for $5...
> now, the question is: what is the difference between them?

Well, consider that in the true GPRS section, they charge $12.00 for 1
megabyte. More than double the $5.00 for 2mb. So there must be a catch...

In the Surf page, there is mention that if you want to use your laptop, you
need to need to pay for the "internet options". (aka: the real GPRS).

I strongly suspect that the Surf&Play is , like for many USA network snd
Rogers, restricted to their "portal". I'll have to call tomorrow to
inquire. I currently pay $5.00 for 500kb (cheaper than the $12.00 for 1mb).
But if the $5.00 for 2mb provides real connectivity, this would be a really
great dead.

Restricted access means that you access the rest of the world from your
FIDO. And that also means that you cannot access external POP/SMTP servers.

What is the catch ? Fido/Rogers becomes like Loblaws: Loblaws only puts a
product on its shelves if the manufacturer pays Loblaws for the shelfspace.

In the same sense, Rogers only puts a web site on its portal if that web
site pays to be on that portal.

In my case, since the $5.00 for 500kb is no longer offered, I cannot afford
to try another package just for the sake of it since I wouldn't be able to
return to my original one.

And those pages now have warnings that when roaming, your monthly internet
usage banks won't apply and you'll pay per kb used while roaming. (with
costs rising, of course).

Also, consider that when they restrict usage to their portal, it also
prevents you from downloading ringtones from "free" sites and you have to
buy your ringtones from Fido-approved sites (aka those that pay Fido for
the right to be listed on the portal and probably share the revenus from
teenagers who buy ringtones).

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JF Mezei - 03 Jan 2007 05:46 GMT

Called Fido today.

My $5.00 for 500kb is no longer available. (but I am grand fathered).

The Play&Surf is limited to WAP within Fido's portal.

GPRS packages (the cheapest is now $12 for 1 meg) is not limited and you
can access any IP on the internet, check your email via POP and send emails
via SMTP.

So the $5.00 for 2mb Surf&Play is just a package that allows you to access
Fido's portal and Fido approved ringtones etc. AKA: Useless.

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