Edge in SK?

[snowsquirrel]

I was looking at Bell's coverage map. They show what looks to mirror Roger's coverage map in SK, labels as 'extended' coverage.

I need a new carrier, and really want a 9700. I live in an area where Bell and Virgin have very good coverage, but spend a lot of time SK. I used to live in SK, and I know the Rogers coverage there is brutal, but I could live with for a while. Does anyone know if a bell phone can use Rogers towers in SK without incurring extra charges?

I am assuming when Sasktel roles out their HSPA this summer (metro S'toon, and 'gina only), bell will likely use them. But it'll likely be 2011 before Sasktel upgrades the majority of their network to HSPA. As I said earlier, I believe bell and rogers to have a sharing agreement, so I would be covered then...

Can anyone with a GSM/HSPA phone confirm if they picked up any coverage (likely Edge) while in SK?

Thanks,
~S

ps - I find it odd that Virgin does not list the 'rogers' towers in SK... why would only bell phones get them?

[dancing-bass]

As far as I know, Sasktel and Bell are independant of each other, or somewhat anyways. (Similar to MTS and Bell). Rogers coverage in SK is nasty alright, but I never had problems the years I lived there when running on Sasktel (and I magine Virgin would be the same coverage map)

As far as HSPA, I have no idea. in theory it should work on edge, and then pick up HSPA once the new towers roll out.

BTW, where are you gonna live? (grew up in southern Sask in a small hicktown on the #1, and lived in S'toon for a few years after that. Lived in Regina for a year too but I try not to think about it )

[snowsquirrel]

Yeah, I know they are independant, but I have read Sasktel's press release stating that they will share their HSPA with Bell when it comes out. Though I suspect that province will see a dome before HSPA! So I am curious if I got a bell contract right now, if I would get coverage if I moved back, or when I visit there.

Actually I'd rather have a Virgin contract because of their killer $20 unlimited long distance deal (great when I live 4000km away, and have no home phone). I would think Virigin HSPA phones should have access to those Rogers EDGE towers too?

HowardForums: Your Mobile Phone Community & Resource - Roaming on Rogers in Man/SK

I live in NS right now, but visit SK every couple months. Often visiting family takes me far beyond the rogers maps. If I resettle in SK, I would probably try and find a place near S'toon. Though I must say for the last couple years, moving back becomes less appealing as housing prices are ridiculous. I lived in Calgary during a boom, but atleast you could get a decent place just outside for a reasonable price. Looking at MLS even places like Asquith are $$$ for houses. When I left S'toon 7 years ago, you couldn't give away a house in that hole. Last study I saw said SK was second most overpriced place to live in country. They defined overpricing as the ratio of average salary, to cost of a house.