RuinediPhone.com Acquisition FAQs Answered
QUESTIONS FROM OILCHANGE.COM TO YOU
We have received many comments from supporters saying we have to do more than just send the petition to make a difference.
#1 Some have suggested there be a peaceful and organized rally / protest when we deliver the petition to Rogers.
#2 There have since been other offers from Rogers competition that are more competitive and some have suggested people cancel their Rogers contracts and that we start a separate petition that keeps count of how many people have canceled their Rogers contracts.
What are your thoughts?
There are a number of questions and concerns from supporters that Oilchange.com would like to address. Below you will find frequently asked questions and answers.
Q: Are you affiliated with any telecommunications company?
A: No, we are full service web design and Internet marketing company that has no affiliation with any telecom company. We do however advertise Oilchange.com on 680 News, a Rogers owned radio station and we do pay for some other Rogers services and none of those services involve cell phone plans.
Q: Why are you taking over a grassroots movement?
A: When we found out about this petition and heard about the data plans Rogers was offering for the upcoming launch we were as disappointed as everyone else. Our executives used to be on Rogers wireless plans and they were too expensive so we then switched to Telus and they too ended up being too expensive. We now use Verizon cell phones and save a significant amount of money and can travel all over Canada and the US and not pay extra for roaming fees or long distance charges.
When we saw the site go down under control of the original site owner we felt strongly enough about this issue to acquire it and make sure the petition continues to grow without interruptions especially when momentum was building. As a corporate entity we have more resources to manage this website and take it to higher levels. The Paypal donation button has been removed because Oilchange.com is taking on the cost of this website. We have added video content to Youtube, accelerated the petition sign ups and are making adjustments to the website on a daily basis.
We are behind this petition 100%.
Q: What did you do with all the Paypal donations?
A: Oilchange.com has not received any payment from Paypal Donations. We are taking on all the costs associated with this website. The previous owner has told us to notify everybody that he used the funds to market the site and did not use any funds for himself.
Q: What’s your motivation?
A: The Rogers pricing of their iPhone 3G data plans is just one example of many in this country where Canadians are being overcharged. There are countless examples in every sector. We have created a platformCanadians.com to expose all of these price differences to make a difference here and obtain more competitive pricing on goods and services, more choice and ultimately put more money back in Canadian pockets.
Q: There have been some duplicate entries in the petition, what are you going to do about this?
A: We scrub the site once a day for duplicates and other spam posts.
Tags: iphone canada, iphone petition, rogers, ruinediphone
July 6th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Thank you for this communication. Please remember that his started as grass roots and please try to keep the spirit of this protest as intended, and that is for the good of all. But above all, thank you for taking this on and trying to make an even bigger difference.
One thing that I believe would be useful is more communication in the blog are a about any developments that are taking place.
Cheers and good luck. …All for one and one for all!
July 6th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I honestly think there should be protests or something even smaller and simple.. Something written in .doc and .pdf formats explaining 1 page some key points why not to buy the iPhone from Rogers. Then days before hand it out to friends and post it near the Rogers Store locations.
On the day of go early and hand out your print outs all over Canada to the people waiting in line and even entering the store. If your asked to leave the location then just get a friend to keep going on..
I was thinking this one up and I think it be the most effective way.. Also include things like what it could cost the user in 3 years in total costs and such.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Just don’t buckle !!! I know the lure of the iPhone, but at least restrain yourself 1 week. It doesn’t take much to scare the wallets of these companies, 1 week of sales that comes no where near the anticipated margins will have impact. If you’re going to buckle and buy one anyways, please you can last 1 more week.
From what I read with iPhone stock being diverted elsewhere you mght have to wait a week anyways. Rogers needs to know you have convictions behind your signature. Hold out !!!!
July 7th, 2008 at 12:38 am
The media does love a good protest….
The best think by far is just getting more exposure. Getting someone on the news talking a bout the overpriced services compared to other countries that don’t have our Canadian price fixing attitude would be the best thing. The more people know what’s going on, the better. But really, the only thing that will change the situation is to allow more than one carrier into the market. Open it up to foreign competition and force our large companies to compete for real. Short of that, all I can think of is exposure exposure exposure. Good luck to you guys. Hope your advertising rates don’t suddenly go up on 680 news.
July 7th, 2008 at 3:14 am
Kane’s idea is great: Make a data sheet in PDF form, 1 or 2 pages, explaining the problems with the current plans, and distribute them among the people near the Robbers locations, especially on the first launch days.
Many people may not understand the meanings of KB, MB, etc. They should be advised about the potential costs of having a data-hungry iphone on a plan like those by Robbers.
July 7th, 2008 at 4:40 am
Will you be cancelling your own Roger’s services, cellphone or not?
July 7th, 2008 at 7:14 am
I find it troubling, that with all the issues in the world, the quiet Canadians have decided to “Have their voice heard” over a cellphone rate plan.
July 7th, 2008 at 7:24 am
I, too, thank you for this communication. I was getting worried that the acquisition would bring this effort to a halt, but am glad to see you communicating with your users.
Absolutely agree that a one-pager handed out to those who choose to buy on the 11th is essential. Everyone who has signed the petition already understands how ridiculous the plans are, so getting this info to those who don’t “get it” has to be a priority.
Along the same lines, more exposure in the media is equally as important. Have you issued any press releases with the most recent petition numbers? Do you have someone available to speak to the media?
I also think that the protest idea on delivery of the petition would be wise, as it’ll make for a good media event for even more exppsure. I’m sure there will be other stories on the 11th covering the lineups and first customers to pick up the 3g, so this would make for a good contrast.
Lastly, whule I understand your affiliation with the canadians.com domain, I urge you to keep your efforts focused on the iPhone for simplicity’s sake. Pushing people to canadians.com adds no value, and just confirms the opinions we’ve read in many articles so far that we’re all just whining about anything we find “unfair”.
Thanks for all you’ve done so far, and look forward to hearing frequent updates.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I feel that at the very least we should let Rogers know that we don’t want their product. I’m sure that the iPhone will sell but if we can organize a boycott of the iPhone by not purchasing it and hurt their initial sales forecast then maybe change will occur.
If it comes out that they have less than stellar sales that will effect projections and revenue. This will impact their stock and that’s the best way to get change.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I would love to join a rally / protest. Is there any planned protests going on around Canada? Contact me at my blog site and let me knoe plz, http://ahmedeltawil.spaces.live.com
July 7th, 2008 at 11:05 am
How about visiting a Rogers store over the weekend and tell the sales staff that you’re there to _not_ buy an iPhone. And that you would have, if the rates were better.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I’m not buying an iPhone unless unlimited data is an option and the price is reasonable, say 30 bucks a month for data/email/text. Caller ID should be included as well. There should also be a NO CONTRACT option!!! I will not support Rogers venture with the iPHONE at these rates!!! I will wait it out until there is some competition. My Fido contract ran out months ago and I’m even thinking of leaving Rogers/Fido for one of the newer more affordable plans being offered my Telus!
July 7th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
We also need to educate the general public about MB and GB and Overages before they get locked into a 3 year plan because at that point it’s too late!!!
July 7th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
[...] (July 7th 2008): The folks at RuinedIphone.com and OilChange.com have posted a FAQ and news updates on why and how they are taking over. Kudos and thanks for this update. We all appreciate [...]
July 7th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Yes, I like this idea of petitioning and handing out some info.
I presume we need to get organized if we are to do this.
I propose we meet to discuss.
I would be available this Tuesday July 8.
July 7th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
What is the problem with you guys. Why do you insist on deleting my comments which have legitimate suggestions for the advancement of this campaign. I didn’t say you should quit I just wanted to let you know that you could do better. I guess this will get deleted as well.
Have fun.
July 7th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
@ Jason L. I think you’re onto something.
The petitions and a few blog posts are one thing. Organizing protests and rallies for mobile/wireless services? There are more important causes to focus our energies on.
http://www.makepovertyhistory.ca
July 7th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I have had anger towards Rogers for years, I have used all of the big 3 service providers and decided to finally stay with Rogers because it was easy to unlock a gsm phone and take it over seas, potentially saving hundreds if not thousands by purchasing sim cards in other countries.
I have no interest in the iPhone because I own a HTC tytn2, the thing that bothers me is that they are so similar and I was hoping to get a good data plan once the iPhone came to Canada.
If there is any interest in a protest, I would g;ady join as I live in Toronto, very close to downtown.
ps.. CP24 is also very disapointing. This news channel had been a staple in the Toronto community for reporting current issues in the community. They acted like a voice for the little guy and now that they have been purchased by Rogers I feel they have fallen off.
NOT EVEN 1 MENTION OF THIS PETITION OR RUINEDIPHONE.COM, BUT WHEN ROGERS ANNOUNCED THE RELEASE OF THE iPHONE .. THEY REPORTED THAT EVERY 10 DAMN MINUTES
July 7th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
We should protest outside CP24 during a Breakfast Television taping.
July 7th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
@ Jay Gilmore
Don’t worry, your not the only one who is getting their comments deleted.
I posted some about how the situation where in Norway, and that Canada isnt alone in this. Everything deleted.
July 7th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I agree that a one pager to distribute to people informing them of this issue including key comparisons of Rogers vs. the US, but also to the just-announced Bell $10 unlimited plan for the Instinct.
Then, combine this with protests at high-profile Rogers locations across Canada with volunteers carrying “Boycott Rogers’ iPhone” signs and handing out the information sheets to passersby. Then get the word out to local TV stations in every city with a protest planned to make sure this hits the media bigtime on July 11. We need to make a HUGE statement to make sure our voices carry weight!
July 7th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Here’s a protest Rogers cannot ignore.
At 6PM on July 11th, anyone with a Rogers Wireless phone should turn it OFF for an hour. Use your landline for an hour.
If Rogers’ network goes quiet for an hour they will sure notice. It might even hit them in the pocketbook too.
Spread the word.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Re: Rally/ Protest
Here are my thoughts:
1. Choose a popular Rogers store in each major city across Canada.
2. Ask for volunteers from these cities to agree to meet at that particular store for a planned protest.
3. Have signs and printed material ready.
4. Contact media from those major cities and tell them the time and the location you will be protesting.
5. Protest must be peaceful.
6. The time to start organizing this in NOW.
7. Start a new thread and find out how many people are interested in showing up at major cities across Canada. Each group can decide which store they will show up at as a group.
8. Oilchange.com can provide people with the materials needed to download and print. It should be uniform and carry the same message for all cities.
9. Put the message out to other blogs, the facebook group etc, so we can have as many volunteers from across Canada as possible.
10. Oilchange.com contacts all media BEFORE Friday listing times and locations for the protests, volunteers show up at locations, and a major protest across Canada for fair cellular plans will take place, and due to it’s scale could easily make world news.
p.s You have three days to get this organized if this is what you choose to do.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Good idea on cancelling of contracts / transferring phone numbers to competitors. I’m doing it on July 11. Can someone post the steps we need to take to transfer a wireless number from Rogers? Information about cancellation fees, etc. ?
July 8th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Has anyone thought about contacting the CRTC? Telecommunications rates are governed in part by the CRTC and it is their fault we have no True competition on telecom rates. What about your MP, MLA or MPP regarding Rogers’ monopolistic/anticompetitive pricing structure. Yeah sure protesting and such will help but why not get some communication going.
Has the ruinediphone.com campaign devised a PR model, who is official spokesperson, who is the human voice for this? Are you making contacts to media outlets on our behalf, if so what’s been done, if not, what help do you need.
Mounting a campaign of this sort, it is important to have a clear, singular voice from which our message can be spread.
While I have criticised oilchange.com, I still think that they/you can lead this with the right tactics. Just keep us actual people informed.
BTW: In many western nations calls are only single charged–that is outbound only and airtime isn’t charged on inbound calls.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Virgin mobile, and now Koodo are both really good alternatives to rogers/telus/bell. ive been with virgin for 3 years now, on no contract, and i have no complaints
July 8th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
@Andre
I doubt that would be successful – the people who are reading your posts love their cells phone more than the average person – or they would not be here!
I’ve had the idea to type something up showing the costs of the plan over three years. I hope to have a first draft by tomorrow and then hopefully the community can revise a perfected one for Thursday we can all download and photocopy a couple times.
I’ll post the stuff up here but also on my website: martinlawrence.ca
July 8th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19267860884
join the facebook group and invite all your friends so they can sign the petition too
July 8th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Here in Canada, a few things should be done against Rogers :
1) A formal legal request to a Federal Judge to prevent Rogers from selling any iPhone 3G until new, much lower rates (at least, at par with its US counterpart AT&T) will be made public.
2) A giant Class Action Lawsuit against Rogers alone for not being on par with its counterparts in the U.S.A. and to reimburse the 6.99 fee for all the years each person has been customer with Rogers.
3) Cancel your plans with Rogers or go to the minimum plan available (VOICE only) with no bells and whistles (a.k.a. voicemail, text messages and so on).
4) Organize a Protest in the major cities of Canada, ending in the local Rogers HD of each city and blocking the access to anyone. (MUST be pacific Protest).
5) Send a petition (in real papers, not just on a website) to Apple US and Canada against the selling of iPhones in Canada until Rogers releases new voice/data plans.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Rogers just posted a price change! $30 for 6Gigs of data that you can put on your current plan. Not unlimited but not bad. Unfortunately it’s only available for a limited time, sill Aug 31st 2008.
See it here:
http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1607093105&view=5804-0&Start=0
July 9th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
There should be a peaceful protest outside the Rogers Plus store in downtown Toronto ( its right beside the rogers Centre a.k.a skydome)
in the morning
this way morning television programs can boradcast it and people will see it before they go and buy their iPhone
Any thoughts?
July 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
A petition where if you pay no money to rogers you can sign up would be a neat little deal. See how many people we can get.. If you had used there services and canceled, you could tell the story. A dedicated “no money to Rogers” site. I would check everyday.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Check out this hilarious new video about the iPhone in Canada – Rogers gets hurt!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUK2X3HK0i8
July 10th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Looks like oilchange.com found a way to grab some free PR by latching onto the iPhone pricing issue.