JasonSuriano.com

I’ve been reading the countless articles being published about the much anticipated iPhone release in Canada and while I agree the rate plans, especially as they relate to data usage, is nothing short of robbery, I’ve tried to think of a few quick tips to help cut down on “unnecessary” data usage. While I believe that these rate plans go against the original philosophy, spirit and intent of the iPhone I know that several of my friends will be shelling out for the phone, so here goes:

1. Keep the use of safari/ page views to a minimum. Again, I realize that this might be tough but once the novelty wears off, you may find yourself using the browser less.

2. Turn the “Edge” network off while not in use. Remember, because the phone is wi-fi enabled, you can probably pick up a a free wireless signal from a retailer – surprisingly enough Safeway has free wi-fi – who knew? – and you can always look for our friends who keep their networks unsecured (see: linksys and default).

3. Use the unlimited hotspots like they are going out of style (they are free after all).

4. Avoid the urge to turn your iPhone into a “crackberry.” Limit e-mail usage as much as humanly possible although e-mail is not as big a data hog as you might suspect.

5. Load the iPhone with as many movies and albums as it will allow. Instead of surfing the web limitlessly (come on Rogers, do the right thing) you could watch 40 Year Old Virgin for the 20th time in a crowded airport terminal and be sure that someone, at a questionable point in the film, sees what you are watching – I may or may not know this from experience

I keep hoping that Rogers will have a change of “heart” due to both the large public outcry and media attention but Rogers is betting that the novelty of the phone will win out and unfortunately, I think they will prove to be right.