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At the rate that Canadian mobile wireless service providers are popping up and offering new deals to consumers, you'd think the battle to bend the ears of cell phone users – and open their wallets – has gone to the dogs.

Well, hotdogs at least, in the case of major wireless company Rogers Communications Inc. and Egyptian-backed upstart Wind Mobile of Toronto.

On the very day that Rogers, the country's largest company in the wireless space, unveiled its discount mobile-phone brand Chatr, Wind Mobile set up a stand selling $1 hotdogs a stone's throw away from a Rogers' store at the bustling Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.

While Wind promoters were handing out $1 hotdogs to a small line of people during Wednesday's lunch hour, the Rogers team was presiding over a larger crowd at the square where the mobile company was holding a soccer ball kicking contest with the Ontario Soccer Association.

Ken Campbell, Wind Mobile CEO, was hoping passersby sinking their teeth into the juicy street meat would also take a bite at their offer of a $150 credit to Rogers, Fido or Chatr customers who switch over to his company's services. “They chatter. We listen,” read the flyer being handed out.

Imitation is the best form of flattery

Cheap, no-fuss, no contracts, and unlimited voice and text plans have been the major bargaining chip of Wind and fellow newcomers Mobilicity and Public Mobile. Such plans appealed to low-income customers and immigrant communities seeking affordable long-distance rates and no-frills services.

Chatr's launch in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa could cut into that market. The line, which is not being sold in existing Rogers or Rogers Plus stores, has 16 mall kiosks in those locations and will also be offered by third-party dealers such as Best Buy, Wireless Wave, Zellers and Future Shop.

Chatr's unlimited talk and text option costs $45 a month, close to the price offered by the other players. The service will be carried on the existing Rogers 3G wireless network... [Next Page]

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