TORONTO – Under its Fido brand, Rogers this week launched a Canadian first for the wireless industry with its new service, Fido UNO.
It works by connecting calls from a specially-enabled handset to a high-speed WiFi Internet connection when at home and through the Fido network when on the go – “offering simple, seamless mobility and the ultimate in converged communications convenience,” touts the press release.
Customers can now to talk as much as they want on their Fido phone while at home without using up their wireless plan minutes, as long as they have a broadband connection and Fido wireless router.
The first handset deployed will be the unlicensed mobile access-enabled Nokia 6086 and Nokia 6301.
These new UMA-enabled, dual-mode handsets will communicate via the Rogers Wireless and Fido GSM network or via a WiFi router and then connect to the GSM back-end network via the Internet. Both the Nokia 6086 and Nokia 6301 handsets will function as a wired line when users are at home and automatically switch to the Rogers network and function as a mobile phone when they walk away from their home.
No need to hang up when leaving the house – and only one phone number is required. Customers can also make unlimited local and Canadian long-distance wireless calls at home by leveraging an existing high-speed Internet connection with the same handset they use as their mobile device. A Fido voice-optimizing wireless router enhances wireless call clarity and reception inside the home network. Customers use the same handset inside and outside the home offering the convenience of having one voicemail, one address book and one bill – all on one phone.
"More and more Canadians live a wireless lifestyle and are looking for mobile solutions to help them save time and money," said Patrick Hadsipantelis, vice-president, Fido marketing, in the release. "Fido UNO offers a simple, seamless wireless experience for customers who want the convenience of using the same phone whether they’re out and about or at home."
The Nokia 6301 is retailing for $50 on a three-year plan, at Fido stores across Canada. Plans start at $15/month
