Thinking about business phone lines?

Rogers now offers a Hosted IP Voice service for customers who require office lines for their business. Whether you are a large corporation or a smaller business, this solution might be of interest to you.


What is Hosted IP Voice?
This is a telephone service supported over the Internet (VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol) and eliminates the need for previous cumbersome service requirements, separate voicemail services etc.


An overview of Hosted IP Voice

• Eliminates the need for Key System services and separate voicemail platforms
• Requires Internet access to be enabled
• North American Long Distance, 1000 incoming toll-free minutes/month and integrated IP fax are included
• Features and extensions are managed by you, the customer, via a secure online administration portal
• Signing up is easy via a Rogers Small Business Sales Channel partner
• Live Agent customer support available 24/7

For more information on a Business Phone for your company, visit http://www.rogers.com/business/bc/en/smallbusiness/products/businessphone/plans/

Understanding Geo-Tagging

"Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification meta data to various media such as photographs, video, websites, SMS messages or RSS feeds." 

(Wikipedia)

This has some great benefits to Smartphone users, mainly as a way of finding information while out on the road. For example, Google Maps has an embedded feature that allows users to open a map, have their location pinpointed, and then find out what particular stores are nearby, depending on the user's search parameters.

Software for geo-tagging is based on a Smartphone's GPS capabilities and embeds the image's latitude and longitude into the meta tag of the image itself - this is only able to be viewed by specific programs that are designed to use this particular information.

For those of us who use our Smartphones to get around, find convenient stores or restaurants in unfamiliar cities, or even just like to know where we are, this is a fantastic option in our devices.

So for those of you that don't like others to know where you are, and vehemently avoid the use of programs such as FourSquare or Places on Facebook, remember that every time you upload an image to your social media feeds, or even send a text message to friends, your device will let them know just where you are. Whether you like it or not - it even goes for regular cell phone users in terms of text (SMS) messages.

This also stands as a warning to those that are quite happy utilizing these services - your images being innocently uploaded can give away your home location or other sensitive information. By all means, upload pictures of last weekend's party at the local bar, but remember to keep the private stuff private...

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.

Facebook Launches "Places" - Huge Impact for Wireless Users

Originally posted September 30, 2010


On August 19, Facebook created a new service through its site called Places. This pits the social networking giant against existing location-based applications such as FourSquare.


The new feature aims at helping existing users find friends and their locations in real time, and actually works with the existing services such as FourSquare. The advantage for Facebook is that is doesn't have to find new userts - it's 500 million users have access to this new option.


This is another addition to the social networking site's move to monetize its network usage, particularly among its mobile users. More than one quarter of Facebook users access the site from their Smartphones, and this allows the site to promote the use of mobile coupons for various services (as FourSquare currently does).


Facebook's Places essentially turns a user's Smartphone into a combination of GPS, social network (the world’s biggest), loyalty card, ad space and coupon dispenser - things that will potentially draw millions of retailers to start offering real-time, location based deals to users.


Of course, this comes with its fair share of concerns about privacy, but unlike the release of Places in other regions, such as the US, Facebook users have the option to turn this feature off if they don't wish to participate. It remains to be seen how successful this new feature will be, but with the increase in Smartphone users growing every day, it is only a matter of time before Places touches millions.

Students Head Back To School with Smartphones

Originally posted September 23, 2010

This month has seen the return of students to their respective institutions, and what a month for wireless this has been!

With a huge influx of quick messaging and touch screen devices, such as the Samsung Corby Pro and the LG Neon 2, students have had their fair share of phones to choose from.

There has definitely been an increase in wireless activity among students, even from last year, as purchasing a new phone has become a staple of the "Back To School Shopping List".

And more students are moving away from the standard cellular device, embracing the Smartphone trend that offers a more feature-rich experience. Not only do these devices give students access to their email, but they can stay up to date with their friends on campus via the social networking sites that seem to be a standard on new devices.

Devices such as the Motorola Flip Out with MotoBlur, with swipe text technology for faster messaging, and the BlackBerry 9300 Curve, with 3G capabilities, have been extremely popular. Prices are now more affordable, and there have been some great Student Plan offers this year.

It has been an extremely busy time for us - some might say it has been like a second Christmas for the wireless industry!

Top Three Smartphone Features Requested By Wireless Customers

Originally posted May 20, 2010

With more and more people taking on smartphones as part of their daily inventory, there have been some common elements when it comes to what they look for before purchasing. 29% of the US population in Q4 2009 owned a smartphone, and the number is set to increase as 2010 moves ever forwards - this makes it so important for providers, like Rogers, to understand what their users want.

The same survey found that the following items were a must have for new and continuing smartphone users:

    1. Email (demanded by 85% of users)

    2. Internet browser (demanded by 78%)

    3. Digital camera (demanded by 73%)

Although these three elements shouldn't be the basis of your sales pitch, they certainly help focus the pitch, and allow sales representatives to direct their questions to new, or existing, smartphone users accordingly.

Pretty much all smartphones have the above capabilities, so sales representatives need to focus on how the customer is going to use their phone the most, so that they can recommend the most suitable device out of the large number available.

In addition, as much as many people hate to admit it, text and email are becoming the more commonplace means of communication now, instead of simply picking up the phone and talking to someone. This is mainly due to the quick and instant nature of the message, versus a long winded telephone call when you are in a rush. Did you know that 91% of all phone owners were four times more likely to respond to a text message than voicemail??

With this trend in mind, and the fact that smartphones are meant to have lower voice call quality than standard cellular devices, sales reps should always ask how dependent customers are on voice services, as part of the "How are you going to / how do you use your smartphone?" All of these items, plus staying up to date on these kinds of statistics and trends, will help our sales teams position devices to customers so that they will not only get the best use out of the phone, but will continue to value their wireless services.

Wireless Device Software for BlackBerry Bold 9700

Originally posted April 15, 2010

BlackBerry ® BoldTM 9700 customers can now update their device's software over the air using the Rogers wireless network or through Wi-Fi.

To check if a BlackBerry Bold 9700 has the latest device software, customers will need to click on "Options" from their home screen, select "Advanced Options" and then "Wireless Update."

If an update is available they will be able to download and install it over the air with no charge for the data used during the update.

Eligibility & Restrictions:

Customers must have a BlackBerry data plan to perform updates over the air. Please note that Rogers Wireless customers with the $15 Personal Email plan are not eligible for wireless updates.

Customers will not be able to upgrade over the air while roaming but will be able to check for software update availability when they return to Canada.

Customers can use their device during the download process, but not during the installation process. They may pause or cancel the download process to make or receive calls, however, if the customer answers a call during the download process, the download process pauses automatically. The download process resumes once the call has ended.

Before performing a wireless software update, customers must make sure their device has the following:

• 64 MB of flash memory
• BlackBerry device software 5.0 or later
• Battery power level of at least 50%
• An available wireless network connection

Going Wireless With The Rogers Rocket Hub?

Originally posted February 17, 2010
The latest addition to the Rogers lineup is the Rocket Hub - a 3G wireless router, designed to bring high speed internet to even the most remote of locations. As long as you have access to the Rogers Wireless Network, you can access the web. In addition to high speed internet access, the Rocket Hub allows users the ability to connect their home phone lines for improved voice calling.

The device is powered by Sony Ericsson, and is only about the size of a regular paperback novel. A true "Plug and Play" item, the user plugs the device into a power outlet and immediately connects to the Rogers 3G network.

The single phone port on the back of the device allows rural areas to receive telephone service without having to wait for service providers to install phone lines - a task that can take weeks. As the device relies on the wireless network, it must be connected for users to be able to make calls - if the power goes out, there is no wireless connection.

Benefits of the Rocket Hub:

• Extremely user friendly through set up - a true "Plug and Play" device
• Ability to share internet connection between up to thirteen computers
• Voice calling through the wireless network (not VoIP)
• 3G connectivity allows fast mobile connection and high speed internet up to 7.2 mbps
• Has Wi-Fi capabilities
• Highly portable device - can be used anywhere that there is an AC power outlet and cellular coverage
• Quality build but lightweight

Downsides to the Rocket Hub:

• The device runs at very high temperatures - heat dispersion is not particularly good
• Reception and wireless access depends on the location of the user
• The device requires HSPA / 3.5G network access to be able to work
• The device must be connected to an AC power outlet for internet connection - although there is a portable, external battery option available, this will only allow voice calls to be made

User Review after Using the Rocket Hub:

• The product is convenient for those in need of a wireless / LAN network for either personal or business use, in areas where service is regularly unavailable
• The speed generated on the device averaged about 4mbps on our review (during peak times), which is ideal for internet browsing, email, and streaming video. During off-peak times, the speed increased to 6mbps.
• Slight disappointment that the device is not HSPA+ ready with the ability to reach speeds of 21mbps, considering that this will soon become standard on the Rogers Wireless network
• This would not be a good solution for those users looking to use the Rocket Hub for online gaming purposes - internet response time is not fast enough
• Although the Rocket Hub is made of plastic, it has a solid and durable feel to it when on hand. It doesn't break easily upon moving, and its lightweight design allows for ease of carrying
• The voice quality of calls made using the Rocket Hub were comparable to making a cellular telephone call - much better than using VoIP.

Target Market

The Rocket Hub is a suitable product for any customer who requires access to high speed internet and / or voice services, for personal or business use. There are two plans available to suit that usage, starting at $35 per month for the data only option.