[pedanticfreak]

Nevermind the cheap device. The $25 per month service that includes 300 minutes, unlimited text, and unlimited data is the real story here.

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/beyond-talk-...

Of course, you get what you pay for in coverage

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/check-cell-phone-coverage

Meanwhile in Canada you can't even get unlimited data over wired internet.

[r7000]

In Canada I have unlimited data (with fair use policy), unlimited text and unlimited minutes (North America) for $40/month. The existence of such plans is quite new.

Concerning the introduction of "mandatory" metered internet in Canada: it appears the big guys may have been so greedy they over-reached. The consumer backlash is strong and the decision is now under review by government.

[hexis]

Could you explain the "fair use policy"?

[iuygtfrgth]

Yes - you pay and they decide later what you get.

[r7000]

Max speed to 5GB per month after which they reserve the right to slow down your connection.

[jbri]

I guess that means all our plans here in New Zealand are technically "unlimited"...

You know, the ones that give you X GB of traffic, after which you're throttled back to dial-up speeds.

[fhars]

That sounds like a mobile plan in the €30 per month range, not like an unlimited residential plan.

[phlux]

Can you then explain the use of the term "unlimited"

[aphexairlines]

The carrier has an unlimited license to distort the English language.

[iuygtfrgth]

If that's on mobilicty - they use AWS so you are bit more limited in your choice of phones, and where they will work.

[moomba]

Yea, the cheap device part is nothing new. Just look on ebay for "unlocked android phone" and you'll find tons of G1's and other low end devices below $100.

[davidedicillo]

I agree, the real deal is the plan. Otherwise you could get an iPhone 3GS for $49 with AT&T and it would be a much better device than that.