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This post likely isn't too interesting to you unless you live in Ontario and wish an inexpensive yet reliable phone with long distance and you do most of your calling in the evenings or on weekends.
My Top 10 Questions to Ask Cell Phone Retailers1) How easy is it to switch a phone number if I move? What's the process and is there a charge for this? Can I change my plan options if my needs change?
2) Is automatic and/or paperless billing an option?
3) What are the roaming charges when I'm outside my local calling area? outside Canada?
4) Can I choose my number? Is there a charge for this? Can I switch over my existing number?
5) What's the call quality like with this phone? Which phone is your best seller? How many people get your basic model and then upgrade?
6) What's the most common reason customers give for terminating their service with you? (or switching to a new company once their contract ends)
7) If I have problems with my phone what can I do? Do you offer loaner phones if I have to send mine away for service? Is there are charge for this?
8) What are you contract terms? What's the penalty for early termination?
9) What's the most common bill related inquire you get? Are there any charges people are surprised to see on their first bill?
10) Is "unlimited" truly unlimited or is there an unspoken upper limit?
Cell Phone ReviewCompany:
Koodo Mobile Phone: Samsung U410 (Red or Black) $75 (or free after 2 years on the plan below)
Plan: 100 Anytime Minutes, 50 Outgoing Text/Unlimited Incoming Text, Unlimited minutes after 7pm M-Th and 7pm F until 8am M ($20)
Long Distance: Unlimited Canada Evenings (after 7pm) and Weekends ($15)
Extras: Voicemail $5
Total (after taxes) = $45.20
Extra Info:
- No Activation Fee if Done Online or In Store
- No System Access Fee /911 Fee / Monthly Fee
- No Contract
- No Penalty for Leaving except you have to settle your balance on the phone
Company:
BellPhone: Samsung a640 or Samsung m300 - Free with 3 year contract
Plan: 100 Anytime Minutes, Unlimited Nights and Weekends ($25) or 150 Anytime Local or Long Distance Minutes ($30)
Long Distance: 100 Minutes ($12) or 200 Minutes ($20)
Extras: System Access Fee $8.95 + 911 $0.75
Total (after Taxes) = $34.70 (No Long Distance) or $54.70 (3.5Hrs Long Distance) or $69.70 (10Hrs Long Distance)
Extra Info:
- One Time Setup Fee $35
Company:
RogersPhone: Samsung A226 $19.99 with 3 Year Contract
Plan: 200 Anytime Minutes, Unlimited Evenings (9pm) and Weekends $30
Long Distance Plan: 200 Canada Wide Minutes $20
Extras: Voicemail $7, System Access Fee $6.95
Total (after Taxes) = $56.95
Company:
Telus Phone: Samsung U540 (Free with 2-3 Year Contract)
Plan: 300 Anytime Minutes and Unlimited Evenings (9pm) and Weekends $30 or 150 Anytime Minutes and Unlimited Evenings (6pm) and Weekends $30
Long Distance: Unlimited Canada Wide $30
Extras: Voicemail $7, System Access Fee $6.95 + 911 $0.75
Total (After Taxes): $67.00
Extra Info:
- One Time Activation Fee $35
Company:
FidoPhone: Nokia 2760 (Free with 2 Year Contract)
Plan: 100 Anytime Minutes and Unlimited Evenings (7pm) and Weekends $25
Long Distance: Unlimited Canada Wide $20
Total (After Taxes) = $45.00
Extra Info:
- No System Access Fee
- One Time Activation Fee $35
Company:
Solo Phone: Samsung M300 (Free with 2 Year Contract)
Plan: 100 Anytime Minutes and Unlimited Evenings (7pm) and Weekends $20
Long Distance: Unlimited Canada Wide $20
Total (After Taxes) = $40.00
Extra Info:
- No System Access Fee
Company:
Virgin MobilePhone: Samsung m510 or m300 (Free with 3 Year Contract)
Plan: 100 Anytime Minutes, 1000 Minutes Evenings (7pm) and Weekends, 100 Text Messages $25
Long Distance: Unlimited Canada Wide $20, Voicemail $7
Total (After Taxes) = $52.00
Extra Info:
- No System Access Fee
- One Time Activation Fee $35