Cell phone rates for Internet in parks

[disneyfan2]

I have an iPhone and an curios how to get the best rate for Internet and texting package... I would like to use a few of my apps(Dining and park waits)

I just dont know what coverage I need to add? I am with Telus???

 

[ccudmore]

I am with Telus???

I have no idea if you're with Telus or not.

There's an entire sticky thread at the top of this forum (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1648835) about cell phone usage at WDW. You're probably best to look through that and see what applies to you.

If you are with Telus, you can check their web site at http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/US/index.shtml to see what their roaming rates are for data, texting and voice.

A couple things to keep in mind:
- It will be expensive no matter how you do it. The only cheaper way to do it is if you have an unlocked iPhone, which you would have paid something like $800 for. I'm assuming you don't have that.
- Data roaming is turned off by default on the iPhone. Once you get across the border you'll have to enable it in the iPhone configuration settings if you want to connect to the AT&T 3G network.

 

[roxysmum123]

Honestly, I'd avoid using your iPhone there at all costs. Just from my own personal experience I did everything "right" before my trip, got a us plan, bought us airtime, bought roaming data and barely used my iPhone for my whole trip with the exception of wait times and stuff like that and came home to a 500$+ phone bill.

Now I just leave my phone at home and check the wait times at the times board or at the rides themselves. Not worth the risk of that big of a bill again.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Turn off your data as soon as you enter the US, or as roxysmum123 mentioned - you will incur horrendous roaming fees.

 

[Tim in CA]

Yeah, as others have said, unless it is an emergency, it isn't worth it to use data at WDW for us Canucks. I used to work in the cell industry, and unfortunately the huge costs involved in data packages, and all the little things our iPhones use data for really add up. It's best to hunt for the elusive WiFi hotspots around the resorts, or just enjoy a vacation without your phone.... or if you must, find those apps that are of use and don't actually need internet...there aren't many, but I've found three that I plan to use.

If you really, REALLY need that data, I'd look into getting a MiFi router from one of the US carriers and then get a pay as you go plan. Won't be cost effective for one trip to the US, but if you do it a lot, it could pay off.

Cheers,

Tim

 

[tribus121]

I agree with the other posters I would turn data roaming off on your I phone .I work in a call center for a major Canadian Cell phone company and i see every day travelers who return to Canada from trips to the us to find bills totaling in the hundreds of $ ( The i phone apps use lots of data to update them selves ) so even just turning them on for a min or 2 a day can cost $$$)data in Canada costs around 5c a meg ,roaming in the us data costs almost 50c a meg even with a package and over 3$ with out . You even have to be careful when using WiFi because un less the phone is set to airplane mode with WiFi turned on it can switch to 3g with out you noticing if you lose the wifi single for a second .

Hope this helps

 

[disneyfan2]

thanks i will not be using it However, i would like to know what the opinions are for texting only,. i need to send home texts at least 1-2 a day...
If i turn off the data on my iphone, can i still send receive texts? What do i leave on and what do i turn off

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

thanks i will not be using it However, i would like to know what the opinions are for texting only,. i need to send home texts at least 1-2 a day...
If i turn off the data on my iphone, can i still send receive texts? What do i leave on and what do i turn off

You will need to check with Telus as to what type of texting plan you have ... I have a package where texting anywhere in North America is included

B