So I just signed up with Fido and chose a motorola krzr k1. I love the phone, but apparently it doesn't live up to it's advertising. I tried to make a ringtone from an mp3 on my computer - doesn't work. After talking to a guy at the Fido store, I learned that Motorola blocked the ability to use mp3's downloaded from a PC as a ringtone on all of Fido's (and Roger's I assume) phones. I sent an email to Fido.ca regarding the issue and this is the response I received (In red):

In regard to your question about ringtones, any MP3 format file which was not purchased directly on a Fido handset through a legitimate website cannot be used as a ringtone. This characteristic applies to all handsets launched since September 2006 and to all handsets which will be launched in the future.

Unlike the music in an electronic format used for personal listening, the ringtones are considered as a public performance. Purchasing a CD or a song for a MP3 player does not give one the right to use it for a public performance, which includes ringtones.

Fido has the duty to make sure that all MP3 files used as a ringtone include a digital rights management (DRM), entailing that it was purchased from a legitimate source.

It is always possible to purchase ringtones (MP3 format included) from the fido.ca website or by using the Surf, Download & Play service from your handset or by navigating directly using mobile internet (data fees apply). For more information on this subject, click here.

Needless to say I fired back an email asking why I can play even an UNPROTECTED MP3 in the phones media player in public through the speaker on the phone, and that apparently isn't considered a "public performance". I also suggested that they needed to re-think their policy as I shouldn't have to pay for air time and browser use when I'd rather just use songs on my PC that I've already paid for, and don't think I should have to pay for again.

This leaves me with 3 questions: First, does anyone know of any work around to this? Secondly, would Motorola Phone Tools program give me access to the ringtone folder on the phone? And thirdly, I hear rumors from one of the guys at the Fido store that it MAY be possible to unblock the feature by contacting Motorola directly. Any ideas?