Yellowknife Online

If you have a new cell phone on the new Bell HSPA (3G) network, an iPhone you may be dealing with lose of signal. Bell is currently aware of the issue and it is once again a nation wide issue, not just Yellowknife. They were aware of the problem as of 1pm today.

They suggest to be patient and try connecting your iPhone to iTunes and make sure everything is up to date.

This is not the first issue with the iPhones on this new network for Bell. Only hours after the new network and iPhones launched many users experienced problems with the network GPS. The GPS was not able to accurately figure out where the phone was located and would generally redirect it to our of territory. This was also a problem as the phone would think it needed to call long distance when phoning a local number. Needless to say some customers where not happy about that one.

Not all users are experiencing the signal issue today but many are. Now although the best thing to do is just be patient, Bell actually encourages it users to call in a report the problem as it help elevate the issue up the list. Data Support number is 1-877-328-2123.

This week I’m talking about last weekends fun filled events, and events to come.

I also talk about a recent post, Ban Cell Phones while Driving, and would love to hear your feedback. Leave me a comment.

Just take a listen and let me know what you think. If your interested in joining me on the show definitely contact me!

The first day of the iPhone sales is over so I thought I would give you all a little feedback on my thoughts of the new phone.

For those who went out and got a new iPhone, you’ll know that the phone didn’t start working right away. The iPhone and new network launched at the same time and nation wide therefore the network became clogged and it took phones several hours to fully activate. But all seems well now. From what I have heard the phones would connect themselves to the network when the network recognized them, but there was at least one report of a phone being able to phone but not use any data. If you are experiencing any problems with the phone or data the best thing to do is restart the device and sync it with iTunes before calling Bell.

Moving on to the sales of the iPhone. Both the NWTel Retail store and Roy’s Audiotronic had the iPhone for sale Wednesday, but only Roy’s had the 32gb iPhone. I dealt mainly with Roy’s as they are in the same mall as I work. I have to tip my hat to the staff working that day. The thing with the iPhone is it is not like any other phone and the plans are all new, so the staff had to learn on the go. The phone did not arrive until the night before therefore there was no way for them to learn before hand. So thanks everyone, I hope you know your work is appreciated.

If you haven’t gone and gotten an iPhone yet but want to, here is some information you should know. Even though it was busy I don’t think either place sold out,  so that is good news. There are 3 sizes: 8gb, 16gb and 32gb. The 8gb is only the iPhone 3G, which does not have video capabilities and is slower among other things. Both the 16gb and 32gb are the iPhone 3GS, which is the latest iPhone with all the features. Roy’s is the only place that offers the 32gb at the moment, but both stores tell me that they have more of all 3 on order. Roy’s sounding more confident about getting more devices in soon. As for plans, they offer 4 different options, a $55, $65, $75 and $95. They all include all the feature you would find on any other plan. The phones retails with no plans for: $599, $699 and $799. If you are going to sign up for a new plan (no existing phone plan) you will have to dive in for 3 year and the prices are: $99, $199 and $299.

So why was I so excited for the iPhone? Simply to better YkOnline. With this faster network I will be able to publish photos, videos and posts at events and on the go. So this benefit you all.

As I find out more about the new network I will let you all know. If you have any question about the iPhone let me know below. Also, tell me Yellowknife what do you think of the iPhone, did you get one? Why? Not?

This is the interview I did with CBC North Radio Wednesday evening about the iPhone and new Cell Network launch in Yellowknife.

NorthwesTel just announced on their Facebook page that Bell will launch its brand new HSPA network on November 4, 2009. NorthwesTel retail stores will carry 12 of the fastest and most powerful phones out there. That includes Apple’s iPhone.

So what does this mean for Yellowknifers. Well for starts we will now be up to speed with the rest of Canada when it comes to cell service and will also be able to use all the features equipped with smartphone. Readers, when the new network launches will you consider upgrading your phone?

UPDATE: iPhone Prices with NO plan/Retail Prices

• 8gb: 599.99
• 16gb: 699.99
• 32gb: 799.99

*YkOnline does not guarantee those are correct.

Earlier this morning I was speaking with a friend, who was telling me that Rogers may have signed a deal with Ice Wireless to bring their services to the north. What does this mean, well it means not only would we get a GSM Cell Network that supports data but we’d get the use of an iPhone up here as well. You can currently use a Rogers phone up here but on Ice Wireless’ network but with no data and at $.90 a minute why even bother.

Having Rogers come up, even if it is a year away would save me a lot of hassle if I get an iPhone when I leave the north to go to school in August.

When I heard this wonderful bit of gossip I wanted to see if I could find any more information on it, but unfortunately I didn’t. What I did find was this:

Click to Enlarge

As you can see it is a YellowPages search for Cell services here in Yellowknife, NT and not only does it say we have Rogers up here, it also says we have Fido. Huh!

I also had a chuckle when I didn’t see Bell on the list and it is actually up here.

UPDATE: I may have been Mistaken. It may actually be Ice Wireless, which makes more sense as it is already a GSM provider.