Well the network will never be compatible since they are different frequencies. It is the same technology but with the exception of some higher end phones most will work on one network better than the other.

The others already offer lower prices. If you go to Howard Forums (a phone enthusiast discussion site) you'll see a topic called retention plans. You basically need to call the company and ask for these plans and they are considerably cheaper than the normal plans you get. For me it isn't about the cost. I want to support the new players. If Rogers came in at less I would still switch.

I wouldn't sign up till they have a network that is compatible to the other three and that might take a few years. I believe you will see that the other three will lower their prices due to the pressure that their customers might leave. I remember years ago Telus in my city had a talk Halifax plan that let you talk unlimited 24/7 for around $40.00 dollars. The plan was so popular that Telus stopped it and people were selling their plans for around $2000.00.I believe your are going to see those plans in the future because of other competitors coming into the market.

I don't suspect there will be many issues. Wind is only a new Canadian player but globally they dwarf the incumbents so I expect the network to have few problems. My cell phone bill will go from $260+tax to $98+tax and I'll be getting more. I could call Rogers and get a retention plan that would be competitive but I don't want to support a company that milks the average customer and then makes deals when under pressure. I'm willing to suffer though some technical issues to support the new guy and help them become successful.

The two big negatives with Wind are that while the plans are very cheap outside of their network you have service but piggybacking on Rogers so at a high rate. For Ontario that means you can only use the phone in the GTA and soon Ottawa. By 2011 they should have the entire 401 corridor but till then it might be hard to attract customers.

The second negative is that you need to buy your own phone. This isn't a big deal for me as I buy my own phone regardless but I think it will discourage a lot of potential customers. That is another reason I can't wait as I my current phone while wonderful when I bought it is rather embarrassing now. I have my eye on a N900 which actually works better on the Wind network than on Rogers.

I think you should wait a while and let them work out the bugs before jumping on the band wagon.

I'm a big fan of Wind. Soon as it is available in my area I'm switching from Rogers. Canadians have been screwed on cell plans for a long time.

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