The LTE revolution is coming - are you ready?

Rogers is on the verge of introducing its new LTE, or Long Term Evolution, network and when it does, wireless customers are going to witness the new gold standard in wireless transmissions.

With the ability to experience speeds up to four times faster than current network capabilities, customers will be able to enjoy service comparable to their home or office computers. Four cities will be the first to enjoy this new network deployment in 2011 - Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver - with a further 21 cities to join them in 2012.

What can we expect from this revolution?

• Stream movies instantly on a tablet with virtually no delays or buffering
• Experience a revolution in wireless multiplayer real-time online gaming
• Conduct wireless group video conferences in real-time, with virtually no lag time
• Access data-intensive business applications while on the go

Users will need to invest in new hardware, SIM cards and services to fully enjoy the new network options, but with the ability to upgrade earlier than normal now, this shouldn't be an issue for those that have been patiently holding on to their old hardware. The first announced device designed for the LTE network is the LTE Rocket Stick from Sierra Wireless, and Ottawa residents are already able to pre-order the device so they are ready for their new network.

This is the future of wireless communication - how will it affect your summer?

Why a tablet?

Whether you are a business owner, or employee, staying connected and efficient are two of the most important things to you. 

Q2 has seen an influx of tablet devices designed to help with those two factors, yet many people wonder if a tablet is right for them. Here is some food for thought:

• Respond to emails, browse the Internet, and use your applications from a widescreen device that fits easily in a pocket or purse
• Conduct customer presentations using quality images on a high-definition screen; a lightweight alternative to laptops and projectors
• Provide one-on-one support to your sales teams with real time demonstrations and product information right from the device
• Replace paper products and be more environmentally friendly as a result, with a device that is both versatile and reusable
• Benefit from the same security you are used to with your SmartPhone, essentially creating an extension of the device you always carry with you
• And still have time to relax when you are away from the office by enjoying music, pictures and videos with the built-in media and storage

In addition to all the awesome qualities of a tablet device, you can easily add one to your existing account with a Data Share Plan starting at just $10 / device / month. No need to worry about data that you haven't used - your tablet can make full use of your existing data plan.

Is a Family Plan right for us?

Family Plans are the name of the game at Rogers and Cellworks this quarter, and there are some amazing offers available to those who wish to get started with a new plan, whether voice or voice and data.


But many people don't realize the benefits of a Family Plan and what it can offer its users:

• Callers within the same Family Plan can call one another anywhere in Canada with no long distance charges at any time of the day, night, weekday or weekend - completely unlimited!
• Pooled minutes allow up to five users to take up airtime according to their usage - no need to worry about guessing how many minutes each person is going to need each month
• The option of additional features such as Unlimited Messaging or Unlimited Network Calling, for example, applies to all lines within the account - keeping things simple and streamlined
• Getting your teenagers started on a voice and data plan is extremely easy with the Family Voice & Data plans too, as everyone on the plan can share the data package - another way to simplify deciding on a plan
• If you find that the plan doesn't quite suit your needs, you can change it at any time without penalty or issue
• There are great offers on devices so that everyone can get a phone they love, whether it's a BlackBerry, iPhone, or a quick messaging device for those avid texters - some are even free!

And for ten more days (until June 30, 2011) any new Family Plan Voice & Data Activation gets you a Sony Playstation 3! 

Mobile Applications Are for Small Businesses Too!

App stores look like the new business to be in! With the market growing at an increasingly fast pace, predictions for 2011 have revenue at $3.8billion and 2014 will see an enormous jump to $8.3 billion.

There is literally an application for anything, and most are available on all smartphone platforms, meaning that application providers can reach an enormous customer base.

However, that customer base doesn't just include the regular consumer any more. Small businesses are utilizing applications to streamline their businesses for better efficiency and effectiveness. Applications that help track employees and products, assist with travel plans and help with invoicing outside of the office, are all used increasingly by small and medium businesses.

This is a great money saver for those companies that don't have the funding to invest in large scale, company-wide services. Although the applications themselves are less likely to be free, they are a much lower cost in comparison. Which works well for the smaller guys, looking to better use their money and ensure that they remain competitive.

With thanks to iQmetrix for their original blog - take a look 

, and for more information on the newest version of PocketRQ (the mobile application for POS provider, RetailIQ and RQ4), check out this link

Five Keys to Positive Phone Shopping

An interesting article came across my desk recently which talks to the fact that shopping for a new cellphone or smartphone can be a stressful experience for many buyers. The choice of devices available coupled with choosing the right plan can have consumers walking out of the store rather than into it.

iQmetrix has come up with a list of five keys elements that will help your customers have a more positive experience while in your store:

• Easy activation: The mobile phone activation process can be complicated, so any efforts to simplify the experience, through patient explanation and advice, will go a long way in increasing customer satisfaction.
• Fast checkout: Expediting the checkout process is essential to delivering a good phone shopping experience. Retailers must make efforts to avoid long checkout lines – customers don’t want to wait.
• Vast phone selection: Confusion is the enemy. It is important to not only offer a variety of devices, but also to present them in an understandable way. Store design and merchandising should clearly identify brands, categories, rate plans, etc. Retailers should meet customers’ expectations of product choice and quality, while avoiding out of stocks.
• Affordable prices: Customers want to easily compare costs of different phones, plans and accessories to identify a price that works for them. Once again, pricing should be straightforward, not confusing.
• Good customer service: Sales associates must demonstrate strong product knowledge while also being polite, genuine and helpful. Good listening skills are essential. Responsiveness is extremely important, as customers do not want to wait around for a salesperson to help them. 

RIM Launches Its Much Anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook

Research In Motion's answer to the tablet competition was released today, April 19, amid much speculation that the BlackBerry PlayBook was never going to compare to the likes of Apple's iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

There have been many reviews recently that stated this wasn't a true tablet due to its reliance on a BlackBerry smartphone to enable its email, calendar and task features.

This device is designed for the avid BlackBerry user, which some has said may alienate other users. This is not necessarily the case as those who don't have a BlackBerry smartphone can still enjoy many of the features of the device, including its HD cameras, presentation and photo / video capabilities, and full internet access over a Wi-Fi connection.

A much smaller device than it's direct Apple competition, the PlayBook sits perfectly in one hand, allowing the freedom to use the device with the other, without the worry of dropping it or having to place it in a stand.

The quality of the screen is amazing and the functionality of the operating system is extremely smooth. And the fact that you can BBM from the PlayBook (keeping the same PIN as your smartphone) is just awesome! Also, don't forget that the moment you disconnect your BlackBerry smartphone, the PlayBook is wiped of all the email, calendar and task items, which is great for security, especially if you are one of our business customers.

Some of the key selling points of the BlackBerry PlayBook are:

• A professional grade tablet that can be securely connected to a Blackberry, allowing
  access to their email, calendar, address books, tasks, memos and BBM
• Great for Business Professionals and Small Business Owners
• 7” HD touch-screen display
• 1 GB RAM with 16, 32, or 64 GB storage
• Wi-Fi
• 3.0 MP forward facing and 5.0 MP rear facing cameras
• Can be tethered to non-BlackBerry Devices (i.e Android phones, Novatel MiFi)

Currently the PlayBook is only available in a WiFi option, but we haven't ruled out the possibility of permanently connected models in the future - perhaps when Rogers launches its LTE network?


Prices are (all models are WiFi only):

• 16GB - $499
• 32GB - $599
• 64GB - $699

Visit http://us.blackberry.com/ for full specifications.

Exclusive to Rogers - Sony Xperia™ arc & Play

This month, Sony Ericsson revealed the two newest devices for its line up this quarter - the Xperia™ arc and the Xperia™ Play, both of which feature the latest Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" software.


The most anticipated of the two is the Play, which is the first ever PlayStation Certified smartphone, and will feature around 50 games at the time of launch, including Asphalt 6, The Sims 3, and Need For Speed Shift. The reasons* behind a gaming phone such as this?

• Smartphone users are five times more likely to play games almost every day than non-smartphone users.
• Most PlayStation gamers would rather give up social networking sites or fantasy sports leagues for a whole year than give up playing video games
• More than half of PS3 users tout a gaming library of double-digits
• 1 out of 5 gamers have played a PS3 game for 10+ straight hours.
• Chips and pizza ranked high as preferred gaming snacks but 1 out of 3 PS3 gamers choose not to snack at all during game play for total concentration
• 40% of PS3 gamers cannot be in a relationship with a partner who gets in the way of their gaming

*With thanks to Rogers Redboard for these stats collected by Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Some features to watch out for....

Sony Xperia™ arc

• 8.7mm thin
• 4.2" multi-touch screen featuring Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA engine
• 8.1MP camera with HD video capture
• Timescape and full synchronization with email, calendar, contacts and OfficeSuite

Sony Xperia™ Play

• Real console controls for full gaming experience
• 4" multi-touch screen gives 3D gaming graphics and is powered by a 1Ghz Snapdragon processor
• Front facing camera and integrated 5MP rear camera