[torndownunit]

Believe it or not I am 30 and have never owned a cell phone. I decided I need to get one as my main phone line for awhile and I have no idea where to start looking. This seemed as good a place as any to ask info/advice.

Even though it would be my main line, I would still not be using it much. I work so much that I rarely talk on the phone. It's as much so that people can leave me messages as anything. So I don't know if a monthly plan or a pay by minute thing is better.

About the only other things I'd be interested in is text messaging with it.

Anyone have any any advice for companies/plans?

 

[GuitaristZ]

Well, Superstore (the grocery store) has a mobile service, where you buy a phone, and then you buy minutes to use. There is no monthly/yearly bill or anything. The stupid thing is, I believe the minimum amount you can buy is like 15$, and it only lasts 40 days maybe, I forget now. Anyway, it might be suitable for you if you will be using your phone enough. I hardly use it. Maybe mine gets used maximum 20 min per month, but yeah not very much lol...so this plan works good with me.

 

[J S Moore]

You'll never be able to compare services from one company to the other. They're all done differently for just that reason. I have never had any problems with Fido and I like the per second billing. Not one of the companies will pay any attention to you once your a customer so don't expect anything past the initial incentive. Well I guess that's not precisely true. Fido has a Fido dollars program that basically gives you a rebate on what you spend, I'm sure others are doing the same thing.

One thing I can say is go directly to the companies themselves, not the everything under the sun places. You know, the ones that offer every cell phone service under one roof. It's probably better to buy the phone and pay monthly rather than do a contract. That way you have a bit more leverage in any dispute.

 

[BHarris]

You may want to look into a 'pay as you go' service to start out. the phone will typically cost around 100.00,, and you have to 'top up' the phone each 30 to 45 days, depending on the carrier.

Most pay as you go plans will give you an initial minute pack (anywhere from 10.00 worth or, with telus, up to 75.00 worth),, as well as such things as
a message centre at no charge,, and quite often text messaging as well..

DON't lock yourself into a 1 or 2 or 3 year plan for something that you've never used before and don't know if how much you will use in the future. Go with a pay as you go plan,, and over the course of time you will see your usage pattern and THEN be able to choose a monthly plan that best fits YOUR usage,, not their bottom line..

myself, I went with telus payntalk,, phone about 100.00, 75.00 account credit, 10/month top up,,and the acrued minutes roll over into the next month.. my wifes phone is still on that plan,, my own, because of business usage now, has a monthly plan (upgraded to pda/phone with email and pda features which I use extensively)..

take you time and check out every company offerings... (Bell, Telus, Rogers, Fido, Virgin Mobile),, they are all different,,,

 

[Geek]

Hi,

I've been using Roger's PayGo for years. Great coverage and can reload them from anywhere. I'll never use a plan again (especially since according to the News, Canadian's are thoroughly hosed on plans. Our PayGo is one of the cheapest in the world though).

 

[torndownunit]

With the ROgers PayGo plan, do the minutes 'roll over' to the next month as well if you don't use them?

I'd like a PayGo thing where the minutes either have a long expiry time, or don't expire at all if there is such a thing.

 

[bRian]

You can save a lot of money by buying a used phone as well. I paid $100 for a $350 phone for my daughter. Make sure it is a phone that can be used with the phone co. you choose to go with. Each phone has a serial # that you can check to make sure there isn't an outstanding bill. A lot of folks get locked into a contract just to get a free phone, trust me it's not worth it. I was told I could get a free replacement after 2 yrs. When it came time that I could upgrade the phone I was told I'd have to sign another 3 yr contract. At least Billy the Kid wore a mask and had a gun. It will be pay as you go from now on.

 

[Xanadu]

If you don't want to get locked into a 2 or 3 year contract, virgin mobile is the way to go. It's a bit more expensive, but you can leave whenever. There isn't like a $200 charge for breaking contract. Depending on how many minutes you want, you might want to get like a 200 minute plan, sometimes it's cheaper than pay-by-minute.
And I'd stay away from Bell. They've always screwed me around.

 

[Geek]

Hi,

With the ROgers PayGo plan, do the minutes 'roll over' to the next month as well if you don't use them?

Only if you top them off. I use $10 cards and they're good for 30 days. I always top it off a day before expiry and the whole thing rolls over.

If you keep it over $25, you can get the one-cent-per-minute weekend and evenings package.

I'd like a PayGo thing where the minutes either have a long expiry time, or don't expire at all if there is such a thing.

$100 cards are good for 365 dys.

Cheers!

 

[torndownunit]

Thanks for the info so far guys. I know someone suggested I visit actual companies outlets, but that is not really an option up here. The only non-superstore place that has an outlet in my area is Bell. So the information relating to people's experiences with their companies/plans is really helpful.

Virgin and Rogers were both options I had considered.

What happens with these plans when you travel around Canada? Also, do any of them work when you go into the States?

These probably are obvious questions to some of you, but again I have never owned a cell phone. For some reason I have just always avoided it. I am doing more traveling lately though, and I need it for occasional work contacts.

 

[Xanadu]

I had a long distance plan before, that was from anywhere in canada to anywhere in canada was free... just the minutes. But now im on a plan where i have to pay extra for long distance, and roaming charges if im not in ottawa.

 

[Geek]

Hi,

My mom has Bell. They totally suck (at least in the west). Leave a major centre and *poof*, no service.

What happens with these plans when you travel around Canada? Also, do any of them work when you go into the States?

Roger's is all across Canada. When I did a X-country, other the deep mountains, I had signal all the way. Internet access for more than 1/2 of it to boot.

Roger's PayGo will roam in the US as long as you're within shot of a Cingular (IIRC) tower (or whomever owns them now.)

Cheers!

 

[david henman]

And I'd stay away from Bell. They've always screwed me around.

...don't get me started!



-dh

 

[Michelle]

And I'd stay away from Bell. They've always screwed me around.

<edit: I should shut up> :smile:
Wouldn't have a celly if it wasn't for my daughter.

 

[torndownunit]

To those of you using the Rogers Paygo, what model phone are you using?

I decided to go with Rogers, now I have the confusion of deciding which phone....

I am looking at the Motorola V360, or the RAZR I think.

 

[BHarris]

go with the razr..
just my opinion though..

 

[Tarl]

I,m 49 and never owned a cell phone .....never will...... sorry folks but lifes too short to spend it yakking on a phone.

 

[Geek]

To those of you using the Rogers Paygo, what model phone are you using?

Motorola V185? 186? Just going obsolete when I got it. It was the only phone that allowed my big fingers to dial without hitting four keys at the same time

 

[torndownunit]

I,m 49 and never owned a cell phone .....never will...... sorry folks but lifes too short to spend it yakking on a phone.

Well I have never owned one either. I need it for business reasons though. Can't avoid it any longer.

And while I appreciate your opinion, it doesn't belong in the thread. I am requesting advice from people who have phones. Whether or not cell phones are needed doesn't matter.

The RAZR is replacing the V360. BUt from looking at the specs, the V360 actually has more features and costs less....