View source for Bell Mobility

{{Short description|Canadian wireless network operator}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Bell Mobility Inc.
| former_names = Bell Cellular (1986-1993)
| logo = Bell Mobility logo.svg
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| key_people = {{ubl|Blaik Kirby ([[President (corporate title)|president]])|Stephen Howe ([[Chief technology officer|CTO]])}}
| industry = [[Mobile network operator]]
| products = {{ubl|[[Feature phone]]s|Smartphones ([[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]])|[[mobile broadband modem]]s}}
| services = {{ubl|[[Mobile telephony]]|[[Short message service|SMS]]|[[Multimedia Messaging Service|MMS]]|[[mobile broadband]] ([[5G NR|NR]]|[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] and [[UMTS]])}}
| parent = [[Bell Canada]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1986}}, in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
| location = [[Mississauga]], [[Ontario]], Canada
| homepage = [https://www.bell.ca/mobility bell.ca/mobility]
}}
[[File:BMCFordExplorer2012.png|thumb|right|A Bell Mobility [[Ford Explorer]] fleet vehicle]]
[[File:Bell Mobility HQ In Mississauga - 2012.png|thumb|Bell Mobility Headquarters in [[Mississauga, Ontario]] - "Creekbank Campus"]]
'''Bell Mobility Inc.''' is a Canadian [[mobile network operator|wireless network operator]] and the division of [[Bell Canada]] which offers [[wireless]] services across Canada. It operates networks using [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] and [[Evolved HSPA|HSPA+]] on its mainstream networks. Bell Mobility is the [[List of Canadian mobile phone companies|second-largest wireless carrier in Canada]], with 11.1 million subscribers as of Q2 2024.<ref name="investors.bce.ca">{{cite web|url=http://www.bce.ca/investors/financial-reporting/2018-Q3/2018-q3-investor-fact-sheet.pdf|title=Bell Investors Relations|website=Bell Investor Relations}}</ref>

Bell-owned [[Virgin Mobile Canada]] as well as [[Loblaw Companies|Loblaw]]s prepaid [[PC Telecom]], operate as [[Mobile virtual network operator|MVNOs]] on the Bell Mobility network. Some of Bell Canada's regional subsidiaries continue to operate their own wireless networks separate from (but generally allowing for roaming with) Bell Mobility; these are [[Northwestel]] (NMI Mobility and Latitude Wireless), [[Télébec]] (Télébec Mobilité), and [[NorthernTel]] (NorthernTel Mobility).

In July 2006, Bell Mobility assumed responsibility for the former [[Bell Aliant|Aliant]] wireless operations in [[Atlantic Canada]] as part of a larger restructuring of both Bell and Aliant, and continued to do business there as '''Aliant Mobility''' until re-branding as Bell in April 2008.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060516213826/http://www.bce.ca/en/news/releases/corp/2006/03/07/73404.html BCE and Aliant form one of North America's largest regional telecommunications service providers<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Bell similarly acquired [[Bell MTS|MTS]] in Manitoba in 2017, rebranding it as Bell MTS; initially operating autonomously as '''Bell MTS Mobility''', its wireless customers were brought under Bell Mobility in late-2018.<ref>{{cite news|date=2018-10-12|title=Bell phasing out 'Bell MTS' wireless branding, directing customers to 'Bell Mobility'|language=en-US|work=MobileSyrup|url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2018/10/12/bell-phasing-out-mts-brand-manitoba/|access-date=2018-10-13}}</ref>

== Networks ==
Although both are different and independent from one another, both the CDMA and UMTS networks use the 850 and 1900&nbsp;MHz frequencies. Bell's LTE network uses Band 4 [[Advanced Wireless Services]] (AWS 1700/2100&nbsp;MHz) and Band 2 [[Personal Communications Service]] (PCS 1900&nbsp;MHz) in most coverage areas and Band 7 (2600&nbsp;MHz) in a few areas.

As of April 30, 2019, all CDMA service from Bell has been discontinued.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180323121232/https://support.bell.ca/Mobility/Smartphones_and_mobile_internet/CDMA_EVDO_network_change CDMA Service Changes]</ref>

=== UMTS ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:BellMobilityBMCFordExplorer2012Edited.png|thumb|right|A Bell Mobility [[Ford Explorer]] fleet vehicle.}]] -->
In October 2009, [[Telus Mobility]] and Bell announced plans to deploy [[High Speed Packet Access|HSPA]] technology by 2010 as part of an effort to eventually upgrade to [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|LTE]] technology. The network, using largely shared infrastructure, launched on November 4, 2009.

According to Bell, the single-channel HSPA+ network is available to 96% of the Canadian population. It provides download speeds of up to 21&nbsp;Mbit/s, with typical speeds ranging between 3½ and 8&nbsp;Mbit/s. The dual-channel network, on the other hand, began in 2010 and is available to 70% of the Canadian population. It can reach download speeds of up to 42&nbsp;Mbit/s but with typical speeds of 7 to 14&nbsp;Mbit/s.<ref name="BCELTEPR">[http://bce.ca/en/news/releases/corp/2011/09/13/76957.html The latest BCE News Releases About Corporate, Financial, Regulatory, Products & Services » BCE]. Bce.ca. Retrieved on 2013-12-09.</ref>

Bell's HSPA+ network coverage is in portions of all Canadian provinces and territories, but it is not possible to drive in Canada between the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast without going through areas without any cellular coverage, as there are gaps in cellular coverage in British Columbia and Ontario.<ref>[http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Coverage_map 4G LTE, HSPA and 3G network coverage map - Bell Canada]</ref>

===LTE===
[[File:Bell Mobility LTE USIM.png|thumb|Bell Mobility LTE SIM card]]
Bell launched [[3GPP Long Term Evolution|LTE]] by using the 1700&nbsp;MHz (Band 4) frequency in [[Toronto]] and surrounding areas on September 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2011/09/14/bell-launches-lte-in-toronto-four-other-areas/ |title=Bell launches LTE in Toronto, four other areas |publisher=TeleGeography |date=2011-09-14 |access-date=2014-04-17}}</ref> Since then, Bell has expanded LTE into most areas of Canada where it has HSPA coverage, and launched LTE on to the 2600&nbsp;MHz (Band 7) frequency for additional bandwidth in March 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/07/30/bell-to-go-live-with-lte-speeds-of-up-to-150-mbps-in-toronto-tomorrow-plus-launch-the-sierra-wireless-763-turbo-hotspot/ |title=Bell to go live with LTE speeds of up to 150 Mbps in Toronto tomorrow, plus launch the Sierra Wireless 763 Turbo Hotspot |publisher=MobileSyrup |date=2012-07-30 |access-date=2013-07-26}}</ref> and on to the 700&nbsp;MHz spectrum (paired bands LTE Band 12/17 and 13 and unpaired Band 29) in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1828114-Article-Hunting-for-Bell-s-700Mhz |title=Hunting for Bell's 700 MHz |publisher=Howard Forums |date=2014-04-03 |access-date=2014-10-20}}</ref> Bell will use either Band 13 or Band 12 depending on provinces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://agora.ic.gc.ca/overview_eng.cfm?p_auction_id=8.0&p_round_no=0&p_color=yes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227224807/http://agora.ic.gc.ca/overview_eng.cfm?p_auction_id=8.0&p_round_no=0&p_color=yes |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-02-27 |title=Industry Canada 700 MHz Spectrum Auctions |access-date=2014-10-20 }}</ref>

As of May 2017, LTE coverage reaches 97% of Canada's population, but there are gaps in coverage in smaller communities and between communities, where Bell's HSPA+ network is available but its LTE network is not available.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Network|url=https://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Our_network|website=Bell Mobility|publisher=Bell|access-date=30 May 2017}}</ref>

As of February 2016, Bell Mobility has launched [[VoLTE|voice over LTE (VoLTE)]].<ref>[http://mobilesyrup.com/2016/02/03/bell-soft-launches-voice-over-lte-in-select-ontario-area-codes/ Bell soft launches Voice Over LTE in select Ontario area codes]</ref>

=== 5G NR ===
In June 2020, Bell launched [[5G]] services in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver using 1700&nbsp;MHz AWS-3 spectrum (band n66). Bell has used equipment from [[Ericsson]] and [[Nokia Networks]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-12|title=Bell launches 5G services in five Canadian cities|url=http://www.rcrwireless.com/20200612/5g/bell-launches-5g-services-five-canadian-cities|access-date=2020-07-08|website=RCR Wireless News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bell Launches 5G in Canada: Exclusive Tech Details|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/bell-launches-5g-in-canada-exclusive-tech-details|access-date=2020-07-08|website=PCMAG|language=en}}</ref>

===Radio frequency summary===
{{further|UMTS frequency bands|LTE frequency bands|5G NR frequency bands}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Frequencies used on the Bell Mobility Network
|-
! Frequency range !! Band number !! Protocol !! Generation !! Status !! Note(s)
|-
| '''850'''&nbsp;MHz CLR || 5 || rowspan="2" | [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]]/[[High-Speed Downlink Packet Access|HSDPA]]/[[Evolved HSPA|HSPA+]]/[[Evolved High Speed Packet Access#Dual-Carrier HSDPA .28DC-HSDPA.29|DC-HSPA+]] || rowspan="2" | [[3G]] || rowspan="2" | Active || rowspan="2" | Fallback for calls and HSPA+ data. Network to be shut down by December 31, 2025.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=What's the 3G Sunset and How Will It Affect Existing IoT Deployments? {{!}} Operator by Hologram|url=https://www.hologram.io/blog/3g-sunset-att-rogers-telstra-vodafone-orange-iot|access-date=2020-10-24|website=www.hologram.io}}</ref>
|-
| '''1.9'''&nbsp;GHz [[Personal Communications Service|PCS]] || 2 
|-
|'''600''' MHz DD
|71
| rowspan="7" |[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]]/[[LTE Advanced|LTE-A]]/[[LTE-A Pro]]
| rowspan="7" |[[4G]]
| rowspan="11" |Active/Being deployed
|Spectrum owned by [[Telus Mobility|Telus]], but can also be used by Bell customers via the RAN sharing agreement.<ref name="telus.com">{{Cite web|title=TELUS secures new 600 MHz spectrum licences|url=https://www.telus.com/en/about/news-and-events/media-releases/telus-secures-new-600-mhz-spectrum-licences|access-date=2021-08-16|website=TELUS|language=en}}</ref>
|-
| '''700'''&nbsp;MHz A/B/C/Upper C1-2/D/E || 12/13/17/29 || Mainly used in rural areas/rural coverage. Also used to provide Dual or Tri-band [[LTE Advanced]] coverage within city limits.
|-
| '''850'''&nbsp;MHz CLR || 5 || Used for extra bandwidth within cities and rural coverage. Re-farmed from Decommissioning CDMA network across the country. Also re-farmed from 850&nbsp;MHz UMTS network in some areas.
|-
| '''1.7/2.1'''&nbsp;GHz [[Advanced Wireless Services|AWS]] || 4/66 || Main LTE Band used across the country. Also being used to provide [[LTE Advanced]] coverage.
|-
| '''1.9'''&nbsp;GHz [[Personal Communications Service|PCS]] || 2 || Secondary LTE Band being deployed and used for [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]]/[[LTE Advanced]] coverage. Re-farmed from Decommissioning CDMA network. Also re-farmed from 1,900&nbsp;MHz UMTS network in some areas.
|-
| '''2.6'''&nbsp;GHz IMT-E || 7 || Found in select markets, but being developed slowly in new markets alongside to provide [[LTE Advanced]] coverage.
|-
| '''5.2'''&nbsp;GHz U-NII || 46 || [[License Assisted Access|License assisted access]] (LAA). Additional capacity in select cities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bell the first wireless provider in Canada to achieve Gigabit LTE speeds |url=https://www.bce.ca/news-and-media/releases/show/bell-the-first-wireless-provider-in-canada-to-achieve-gigabit-lte-speeds-1 |website=BCE News and media |access-date=28 September 2021}}</ref>
|-
| '''600'''&nbsp;MHz DD || n71 || rowspan="4" | [[5G NR|NR]] || rowspan="4" | [[5G]] || Being actively deployed in several markets alongside n78. Spectrum owned by [[Telus Mobility|Telus]], but can also be used by Bell customers via the RAN sharing agreement.<ref name="telus.com"/>
|-
| '''1.9'''&nbsp;GHz [[Personal Communications Service|PCS]] || n25 || Secondary NR band
|- 
| '''1.7/2.1'''&nbsp;GHz [[Advanced Wireless Services|AWS-3]] || n66 || Secondary NR band.
|-
| '''3.7'''&nbsp;GHz [[C band (IEEE)|C-Band]] || n77/n78 || Spectrum acquired in 2021 auction.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Canada raises $7.2B in 3.5 GHz auction for 5G|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/operators/canada-raises-7-2b-3-5-ghz-auction-for-5g|access-date=2021-08-18|website=FierceWireless|date=2 August 2021|language=en}}</ref> Active since June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bell, Rogers Launch Fast Mid-Band 5G in Canada|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/bell-rogers-launch-fast-mid-band-5g-in-canada|access-date=16 June 2022|website=[[PCMag]]|date=15 June 2022|language=en}}</ref>
|}

== Products ==
[[File:Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 Bell package EN.jpg|thumb|[[Sierra Wireless]] AirCard 555 CDMA modem from Bell]]
Bell Mobility currently carries [[iPhone]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] smartphones, plus the TCL Flip feature phone. These types of smartphones were added to Bell's lineup on November 4, 2009, coinciding with the carrier's launch of its 3G [[High Speed Packet Access|HSPA]] network.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hardy |first1=Ian |title="It's On"... Say Hello to the Bell HSPA Network! |url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2009/11/04/say-hello-to-the-bell-hspa-network-full-device-and-price-plans-revealed/ |website=MobileSyrup |access-date=July 27, 2025 |date=November 4, 2009}}</ref> Since the launch of its 5G NR network in 2020, all devices sold by Bell are compatible with its 4G LTE network, and most smartphones are also compatible with its 5G network.

Former devices sold by Bell generally used deprecated network technologies: 3G [[CDMA2000|CDMA]] and [[High Speed Packet Access|HSPA]]/[[Evolved High Speed Packet Access|HSPA+]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=CDMA Network Discontinuation |url=https://support.bell.ca/mobility/smartphones_and_mobile_internet/cdma_evdo_network_change |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=support.bell.ca}}</ref> 2G [[cdmaOne|CDMA]] and 1G [[Advanced Mobile Phone System|AMPS]]. Of these, only the HSPA and HSPA+ networks remain in operation, although they are scheduled to be shut down by December 31, 2025. In contrast to [[Verizon (wireless service)|Verizon]] and [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] in the United States, Bell did not offer CDMA service with its iPhone and Android devices. Bell formerly carried devices with the [[BlackBerry]], [[webOS]] and [[Windows 10 Mobile|Windows]] operating systems, which are no longer supported.

==Services==

===History===
The first cell phone conversation in Canada took place on the Bell network between [[Jean Drapeau]] and [[Art Eggleton]], the mayors of Montreal and Toronto, on July 1, 1985.<ref name=cbc30yrscell>{{cite web|title=Cellphones mark 30 years in Canada|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/cellphones-mark-30-years-in-canada-1.3132058|website=cbc.ca|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref>

The first cell phone customer in Canada was Victor Surerus, a travelling funeral director out of Peterborough, Ontario who purchased a $2,700 CAD telephone set and took out a service subscription with Bell Canada in July 1985.<ref name=cbc30yrscell />

Bell Mobility discontinued its [[Advanced Mobile Phone System]] (AMPS) analog mobile network in February 2008.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

===Current services===
* [[Telephony]]
* [[SMS]] and [[Multimedia Messaging Service|MMS]]

Bell offers a service to check account balances, minutes and [[megabytes]] of mobile data used, add features and answers to frequently asked questions. The service is called TCARE, short for text message care. It is used by sending a blank message to the phone number TCARE (82273).

===Mobile Internet===
Bell offers four Internet-only plans and several [[smartphone]] plans and add-ons for customers wishing to access [[mobile broadband]].

Various fixed data allowances are offered by Bell: 10, 20, 100, 300 and 500&nbsp;MB, as well as 1 to 6&nbsp;GB, 10&nbsp;GB and 15&nbsp;GB. The 20&nbsp;MB add-on is a daily allowance, while the others are monthly allowances.

Flexible data plans are also available. This is used for Bell Mobility's Internet-only plans and some smartphone plans, which begins with a certain usage limit at a lower tier. if this is exceeded, the customer moves to the next higher tier with a slightly larger allowance.<!-- Previously, service was disconnected for the remainder of the month once 15 GB of data has been used and resumed either on the following month or by calling Bell to allow pay-per-megabyte use. Now Bell will automatically charge when 15 GB is exceeded. --->

The flexible "Turbo Hub flex plan" from Bell differs in that customers have to pay a premium if they want to increase the maximum theoretical speeds from 7.2&nbsp;Mbit/s to 21&nbsp;Mbit/s. No additional usage is included when paying for the speed upgrade. Bell's policy is to only allow the sale of Turbo Hub service with its own Turbo Hub devices.
<!-- Supported hardware: NetGear MBR1210 (no voice), NetGear MVBR1210C (voice), Ericsson W35 (discontinued) --->

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Monthly tier
! rowspan="2" | Monthly bandwidth limits
! rowspan="2" style="width:130px;"| Turbo Hub
! colspan="2" | Speeds
! rowspan="2" | Over Usage Multiplier
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! | Download
! | Upload
|-
| First
| 2 GB
| rowspan="4" | Ericsson W35 (discontinued), NetGear MBR1210 (4G), NetGear MVBR1210C (4G + Voice), NetGear MBR1516 (LTE)
| rowspan="4" | 7.2 Mbit/s (some 21&nbsp;Mbit/s)
| rowspan="4" | 5.76 Mbit/s
| 7 times # of extra GB
|-
| Second
| 5 GB
| 4 times # of extra GB
|-
| Third
| 10 GB
| 4 times # of extra GB
|-
| Fourth
| 15 GB
| 10 times # of extra GB
|}

* Bell's wireless Internet plan starts at the initial 2&nbsp;GB tier. If this is exceeded, the tier automatically goes up to 5&nbsp;GB, then up to 10&nbsp;GB, then up to 15&nbsp;GB as the final tier. There are additional charges if one does goes above the 15&nbsp;GB tier.

Some [[Grandfather clause|grandfathered]] customers have an unlimited mobile Internet plan or add-on. These are usually limited to older and slower [[CDMA2000|CDMA]] devices such as the now-discontinued [[Palm Pre]], and normally cannot be used for tethering unless the device is a [[mobile broadband modem]]. Its active [[Virgin Mobile Canada]] brand also have grandfathered accounts with unlimited mobile broadband.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

=== Mobile TV and Radio===
{{main|Bell Mobile TV}}
Bell Mobile TV was launched for Bell [[smartphone]]s on October 18, 2010.<ref>[http://mobilesyrup.com/2010/10/18/bell-launches-3-mobile-tv-theme-packages-sports-variety-and-hbo/ Bell launches 3 Mobile TV theme packages: Sports, Variety and HBO - Mobile Syrup]</ref>

===Push-To-Talk===
On April 24, 2012, Bell launched an improved [[Push-to-talk|Push-To-Talk]] (PTT) service. It is powered by Bell's newer [[HSPA+]] network, in contrast to the operator's older PTT (Officially titled 10-4) service which used the [[CDMA2000|CDMA]] network. HSPA+ service is available at one flat rate for unlimited Bell-to-Bell PTT service from and to Canada. The monthly service can either be purchased alone, or added to any plan at a lower cost. PTT roaming in the [[United States]] or other countries is billed per megabyte. One megabyte offers approximately ten minutes of PTT talk time. Consequently, Bell offers approximately 100 to 400 PTT roaming minutes for traveling in the USA.

===Solo Mobile===
{{Infobox company
| name = Solo Mobile
| logo = Solo Mobile Logo.svg
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| fate = Only existing customers [[Grandfather clause|grandfathered]]; unsold stock transferred to Bell Mobility and [[Virgin Plus]]
| key_people = Walter Van De Vijver, CEO
| industry = [[Mobile virtual network operator]]
| products = [[Feature phone]]s and [[smartphone]]s
| services = Postpaid cellular service
| revenue = 
| owner = 
| num_employees = 
| parent = [[Bell Canada]]
| foundation = 2000 <small>(as Solo Prepaid)</small><ref name = "S2000">[https://web.archive.org/web/20000619212230/http://www.bellmobility.ca/ps/solo/overview/default.asp Solo Mobile first website]</ref><br />2005 <small>(as Solo Mobile)</small>
| location = [[Canada]]
| homepage = [https://www.solomobile.ca/ solomobile.ca]
}}
'''Solo Mobile''' is a discontinued [[mobile virtual network operator]] in [[Canada]], launched in 2000 by Bell Mobility as '''Solo Prepaid'''.<ref name = "S2000">[https://web.archive.org/web/20000619212230/http://www.bellmobility.ca/ps/solo/overview/default.asp Solo Mobile first website]</ref> Its products and services were positioned as a low cost brand. Solo was initially only sold in [[Ontario]] and [[Quebec]], and included monthly plans for a 1¢/minute rate on nights and weekends.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bellmobility.ca/ps/solo/overview/default.asp |title=Bell Mobility - Solo Prepaid |website=www.bellmobility.ca |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010214033018/http://www.bellmobility.ca/ps/solo/overview/default.asp |archive-date=14 February 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The brand later expanded to [[British Columbia]] and [[Alberta]]. In 2003, the company targeted [[Fido Solutions|Fido]] prepaid customers with a trade-in promotion,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.solopixel.com/SOLO/Promotions/en/HTML/114_en.aspx |title=Solo - Are you tired of spotty coverage? |website=www.solopixel.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040219185139/http://www.solopixel.com/SOLO/Promotions/en/HTML/114_en.aspx |archive-date=19 February 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> as well as students with a "Lunchtime & After School" prepaid plan.  The brand was temporarily withdrawn from the market after the launch of Bell Mobility prepaid services.  The SoloMobile.ca domain name was registered by Bell on December 17, 2004, with the [[Canadian Internet Registration Authority]].<ref>[http://whois.cira.ca/ CIRA WHOIS.]</ref>

On August 1, 2005, the service relaunched as Solo Mobile,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.solomobile.ca/ | title=Solo Mobile | accessdate=2011-12-21 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050613233940/http://www.solomobile.ca/ | archivedate=2005-06-13}}</ref><ref name = "SoloLaunchPR">{{cite web | url=http://www.bce.ca/en/news/releases/bm/2005/07/25/72566.html | title=Bell Canada launches new wireless service dedicated to country's youth | last1=Prendergast | first1=Nessa | publisher = BCE Inc. | accessdate=2011-12-21}}</ref> and was also available as a postpaid service. The service was initially limited to the Sanyo 2300 flip phone, available in four colours. That same month, the free Solo Mobile / Eckored concert tour featuring [[Keshia Chanté]] was organized to promote the brand. In 2008, Solo offered per-second billing to postpaid customers, a feature that originated with competitor [[Fido Solutions|Fido]] and also available with [[Koodo Mobile]] at the time. Solo's monthly plans became nearly identical to those offered by [[Koodo Mobile]]. On May 7, 2009, Bell Canada fully acquired Virgin Mobile Canada, which was rebranded to [[Virgin Plus]] in 2021. With this acquisition, the Solo Mobile brand became a lower priority. Solo offered four new features phones in its lineup in 2009,<ref>[http://mobilesyrup.com/2009/07/02/bell-offically-takes-over-virgin-goodnight-solo-mobile/ Bell officially takes over Virgin, goodnight Solo Mobile - MobileSyrup.com]</ref> and five more in 2010.<ref>[http://mobilesyrup.com/2010/05/06/solo-mobile-still-alive-just-released-the-lg-230/ MobileSyrup.com LG 260]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.howardchui.com/2010/05/06/solo-mobile-releases-lg-230/ |title=HowardChui.com |access-date=2011-07-27 |archive-date=2011-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929125010/http://www.howardchui.com/2010/05/06/solo-mobile-releases-lg-230/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The LG Flick is Solo Mobile's first HSPA+ device. In 2011, Solo offered the [[Samsung Galaxy Gio]] [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[smartphone]] and the Samsung Gravity 3 feature phone.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://rethinkcanada.com/_content/uploads/2a1d0262-774b-11e0-abdb-a392f4107004/Solo_Mobile_Website.jpg | title=Solo Mobile website | publisher=Rethink Communications | accessdate=2011-12-27}}</ref> The carrier previously offered [[BlackBerry]] smartphones, but not the [[iPhone]]. By the end of the year, the LG 230 was the only CDMA device still sold by Solo.

On May 17, 2012, new Solo Mobile activations were officially discontinued. The service remains limited to Bell's HSPA+ network, as Solo customers cannot access 4G LTE or 5G NR service. On July 31, 2017, Solo discontinued its prepaid services, and existing customers were migrated to Bell Mobility prepaid service.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Daley|first1=Dean|title=Solo Mobile is migrating all of its customers to Bell starting July 31st|url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2017/06/29/solo-mobile-migrates-customers-bell-starting-july-31st/|website=Mobile Syrup|accessdate=August 6, 2017|date=June 29, 2017}}</ref> New prepaid activations were later discontinued at Virgin Plus on September 30, 2024,<ref>{{cite web |title=Update on Prepaid Plans |url=https://www.virginplus.ca/en/support/prepaid-plans-update.html |website=Virgin Plus |access-date=July 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922162531/https://www.virginplus.ca/en/support/prepaid-plans-update.html |archive-date=September 22, 2024}}</ref> and at Bell Mobility on December 31, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prepaid Plans |url=https://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Cell_phone_plans/Prepaid_plans |website=Bell Mobility |access-date=July 20, 2025 |language=en |date=December 31, 2024}}</ref> Since these changes, Bell is promoting [[Lucky Mobile]] as its prepaid brand.

=== Discontinued services ===
Bell launched a proprietary Video Calling service on November 4, 2009 for select [[HSPA+]] mobile phones. The service featured a cost of $5 [[Canadian dollar|CAD]] per month for unlimited video calls.<ref>[http://www.bell.ca/support/PrsCSrvWls_Ftrs_VideoCalling.page#0 source]</ref> It was supported by the [[LG Xenon]], [[Nokia C6-00|Nokia C6]], [[Nokia N97]], [[Samsung Galaxy S (2010 smartphone)|Samsung Galaxy S]] Vibrant, [[Samsung Omnia II]] and [[Samsung Wave S8500|Samsung Wave]] smartphones. These devices have all been discontinued. It is unknown whether or not a non-Bell Galaxy S, or even Bell's [[Samsung Galaxy S II]], support the Video Calling service. These [[Android (operating system)|Android]]-based devices, however, can use the included [[Google Talk]] for videoconferencing as long as they have an Internet connection available.

[[BlackBerry Internet Service]] is no longer available.
{{clear}}

==Advertising==

In conjunction with the 2006 Olympics, Bell Mobility introduced a pair of [[anthropomorphic]] CGI [[beaver]]s named Frank (voiced by [[Norm Macdonald]]) and Gordon (voiced by [[Ken Hudson Campbell]]),<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2006/02/frank_and_gordon.html |title=source |access-date=2007-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717230444/http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2006/02/frank_and_gordon.html |archive-date=2011-07-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> who constantly got into misadventures which led to Frank getting flustered with the antics of the dimwitted Gordon. Analysts covering a potential restructuring of [[BCE Inc.|BCE]] suggested getting rid of the ''[[Frank and Gordon]]'' ad campaign. They have also criticized some of Bell Mobility's initiatives as failing to tap the market, such as offering full-length movies.<ref>[http://mobiletv.bell.ca/ Movies<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423220500/http://mobiletv.bell.ca/ |date=April 23, 2012 }}</ref>

The ad campaign was canceled by Bell on August 1, 2008<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bell-s-beavers-bite-it-1.748159 | work=CBC News | title=Bell's beavers bite it | date=August 1, 2008}}</ref> and replaced with the "Today just got better" campaign.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

==Criticism==

===Feature restrictions===
<!-- almost every sentence needs clarification and/or attribution and/or rewrite -->
Some clients{{Who|date=February 2014}} of Bell Mobility have claimed that their phones' features have been restricted. This action is typically referred to as "crippling". Examples of claims of restricted features are the inability to perform [[Bluetooth]] file transfers, for example with the [[OBEX]] profile or with a [[USB]] cable. Restrictions also include increasing the GPS lock time (2–10 minutes) and resolution (1-2.5&nbsp;km) of third-party applications while maintaining the speed (10-15 s) and accuracy (10–25 m) of the branded GPS Nav program. GPS Nav service costs $10/month or $3.50/day in addition to the cost of a data plan. The phones affected include the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, BlackBerry 8130 Pearl, and BlackBerry 8330 Curve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/09/25/bell-messing-with-the-gps-on-blackberry-phones/|title = Bell may be messing with the GPS on Blackberry phones|date = 25 September 2008}}</ref>

Some clients claim that Bell Mobility purposely restricts these features in order to force them to use the data services and as a result pay more usage charges. Methods around these restrictions are to use an external memory card or software such as [[BitPim]]. Researching the abilities and lack thereof is recommended{{By whom|date=February 2014}} before purchasing a phone or [[Personal digital assistant|PDA]] device, as some desired features may be lacking in the initial choice.

Some clients{{Who|date=February 2014}} claim that Bell Mobility withholds firmware upgrades, especially for devices that are not meeting sales expectations. While some SKUs do receive updates on a regular basis, Bell Mobility is reluctant to release upgrades that add enhancements to product, focusing only on firmware releases that fix issues. Oftentimes those upgrades fail to become available as well.{{Citation needed|date=February 2014}}

===Data Plans===

In December 2007  the BBC reported a customer with a $7/month unlimited mobile browser plan received a $85,000 bill.<ref name="BBC">[[BBC News]],"[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7141935.stm]" December 13, 2007</ref> The customer had used his phone as a wireless modem for his computer, and so data transferred was not included under the customer's unlimited mobile browser plan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://support.bell.ca/Mobility/What_is_my_Bell_Mobility_service_agreement |title=Wireless terms of service- bell.ca<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2012-07-21 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721060642/http://support.bell.ca/Mobility/What_is_my_Bell_Mobility_service_agreement |archive-date=2012-07-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bell Mobility now releases in detail acceptable data usage in the terms of service.[http://www.bell.ca/acceptableuse] The BBC reported "Canadians complain that their mobile phone charges are much higher for comparable service in the United States".<ref name="BBC" />

===Text Messaging===
In July 2008, along with [[Telus Mobility]] Bell introduced charges of 15¢ for incoming SMS messages. Critics were quick to point out that there is no way of blocking incoming message fees and suggested Bell and Telus were price fixing as both had announced the fees simultaneously.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/bell-telus-customers-to-pay-for-incoming-text-messages-1.724763 cbc.ca]</ref> Bell (and Telus) are now being sued by frustrated consumers and subscribers, as they demand change in text charges.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bell sued over text messaging expense|url=http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/business/story.html?id=037f5454-2f18-4c3f-808c-f6240c5191b2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221722/http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/business/story.html?id=037f5454-2f18-4c3f-808c-f6240c5191b2|archive-date=2011-06-28|access-date=2014-02-17|website=Canada}}</ref> Many customers were frustrated because this fee also apply to existing customers with ongoing contracts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bell, Telus face class action over text message fees|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/bell-telus-face-class-action-over-text-message-fees-1.311842|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910025044/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080728/text_message_fees_080728/20080728?hub=Canada|archive-date=2008-09-10|access-date=2009-05-29|website=CTV News|date=28 July 2008}}</ref>

==Retail presence==
In addition to running its own retail operations, Bell co-owns [[Glentel]] alongside their chief telecom and media rival, [[Rogers Communications|Rogers]]. Bell Mobility also distributes through the independent [[Cellcom Communications]], mainly in the [[Greater Montreal]] area. Bell purchased ownership in [[The Source (retailer)|The Source]] (formerly known as [[RadioShack#Canada|RadioShack]]) to increase its retail presence.

==See also==
*[[Bell Canada]], the parent of Bell Mobility
*[[List of Canadian mobile phone companies]] 
*[https://www.bell.ca/business/mobility Bell Business Mobility Services]

==References==
{{reflist|33em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.bell.ca/mobility Official website]

{{Bell Canada}}
{{Canadian mobile phone companies}}
{{Canadian ISP}}

[[Category:Bell Canada]]
[[Category:Mobile phone companies of Canada]]
[[Category:Companies based in Mississauga]]