I just called Rogers and they put me through to their Paging and Data department. Anyone that's looking for a cheaper way to PIN message and text message can hook up a RIM 950 to Rogers (Mobitex data network) for only $25/month (assuming you have your own device).

The rep told me that includes 75,000 characters per month.

Anyone else using a RIM 950 and on this plan? Is it a good alternative to paying a hundred a month for the new Blackberrys?

I'm thinking about getting one for the wife.

Not a bad deal, but the coverage footprint for Mobitex is not very good in Canada. In Ontario, you're limited to the golden horseshoe and major cities only.

anyone on PageNet? how's their pricing and coverage?

I have a couple 850's & 950's on Mobitex with Cingular and I got a letter yesterday that they will be discontinuing service 12/31. They invited me to buy 8700's.

Would this effect Canada too? Is it the same network?

Rogers owns their own Mobitex network. And while its still running, I wouldn't expect them to keep it up for too much longer.

I just got off the phone with PageNet. They want $69.95/month for unlimited RIM 950 service. Apparently that's the only plan they offer. Looks like I'm going with Rogers unless there's another Mobitex provider in Canada?

Rogers has the only Mobitex network in Canada.

And once again, I urge you to check the coverage maps before signing up. Mobitex does not have a large coverage footprint; certainly not as big as voice services.

Ditch the 950.... if you need paging, buy a pager.

Get a GPRS device for data.. (or Bell if you don't n eed to roam overseas)

Can you post an image of the letter.

Anyone know if all RIM 950 devices are compatible with Mobitex networks anywhere? I called Rogers and the rep didn't have a clue about it. I need to buy one from ebay but I'm not sure if they'll be compatible with Rogers.

They both run on the Mobitex network, US or Canada. Are they full compatible?