Fido Canada's new unlimited data bundle, $7/month

Before you think ‘my gosh, Fido, the mobile operator based in the year 1821, has arrived in the 21st Century’, let me stop you there.

Last week Krystal from SMS Text News upgraded to the 12 meg/month valuepack since she’s sporting a brand new Nokia N95 and wants to, obviously, use it’s data capabilities. The ‘valuepack’ was $18 (included quite a few other options, as well as 12meg).

Looking again today, Krystal discovered that it’s now $20 — which includes unlimited data. Or you can simply add unlimited data for $7. More details here.

There’s a sting in the tail though:

The Unlimited surfing on your Fido option includes unlimited mobile surfing on your handset and is only available on selected handsets only (non-Fido certified handsets, Windows Mobile devices and PC cards are not eligible). Data usage incurred on ineligible handsets and devices, incurred while tethering (using a handset or device as a wireless modem or laptop) or incurred using non-Fido (third party) applications downloaded to your handset will be subject to a pay-per-use charge of 5¢ per KB. Option applies within Canada only. While roaming outside Canada, data transmission charge of 5¢ per KB apply, except in the U.S. where data transmission charges of 1¢ per KB apply.

It’s basically unlimited mobile surfing. Try and use ShoZu and they’ll screw you. Try and use ANYTHING that isn’t Fido approved (so, any decent mobile application then), and you’ll be nailed for the usual data costs.

Deary me. They just.don’t.get.it. They really are determined to hold on to their metered billing, aren’t they? No wonder Canada’s mobile market is so backward. And it’ll stay that way for a long time when consumers are charged silly fees for mobile internet.

Ok switch to positive mode.

Still, good news. Heading, generally, in the right direction…yes?