[Yogi]

My cell phone contract with telus is soon up for renewal. With all the different options available now, I'm just wondering whether it's worth renewing for another 3 years,-'free' new phone again- or should I look into another company which may provide the same or better service at a better price. Should I consider a 'pay as you go plan'? I don't know a lot about how these work. Or don't! Here's a copy of my last bill with the services provided, the costs for same, and my usage. How does that stack up against what another provider can offer? Your thoughts on this.


Current Charges - Detail Contract Term : 3 yr
Monthly Service Plans Oct 17 to Nov 16
Service Plan Name
Your Choice 30 - 6pm Night&Wkd

Total $ 30.00

Additional Local Airtime 'Free Airtime includes: bonus minutes, birthday calling, evenings & weekends, free incoming,' 611 and In Netomrtc Calling
Service Total *Free Included Chargeable Total
Airtime Airtime Airtime Airtime
Phone (minutes) 259:00 122:00 137:00 0:00 0.00

Total $ 0.00

Long Distance Charges
Service Total Free Included Chargeable Total LD Minutes LD Minutes LD Minutes LD Minutes
0 Domestic Phone 199:00 199:00 0:00 0:00 0.00

0 Total $ 0.00

Value Added Services Oct 17 to Nov 16
4
Service Total
°D 50 Bonus Minutes Free
z
A_ 6pm Local Nights & Weekends Free
Loyalty Caller ID $7
w Nationwide 30 30.00
Total $ 35.00
Other Charges and Credits
Charges and Credits Total


Network and Access
Charge Total
Enhanced 911 Access Charge 0.75
System Access Fee 6.95
Total $ 7.70
Taxes Total
GST 3.64
Total $ 3.64
1:00555eet9001: 96

Total current charges $76.34

[Brenda]

I have a Virgin Mobile Pre-paid "plan"

I pay $40/mo (ex taxes) for unlimited incoming, 200 minutes local free, and unlimited texts (incoming texts are always free). When I use more than my 200 minutes, I pay $.30/min. When I call long distance, or to the US, I pay $.30/min. They have several plans to suit your needs. No contractterm, no system access fees, I don't think I pay an 911 fee, no contract fee

My phone (an LG Rumour) was $50

I can change whenever I want to whatever I want, even to a monthly plan.

http://www.virginmobile.ca/vmc/en/home/index.html

[Lemmy]

Throw your cellphone in the trash and walk away. You'll feel like Kevin Spacey in "American Beauty".

[Yogi]

Lemmy wrote:

Throw your cellphone in the trash and walk away. You'll feel like Kevin Spacey in "American Beauty".

I can assure you that the temptation was almost more than I could control at times!
Since I live 'out in the boonies' and do a lot of traveling around the countryside in all weather, as well, I pretty much require it for work purposes, chucking my phone isn't really a viable alternative. Otherwise, truly the best option!

[Scape]

You have airtime and long distance. You could half your phone bill by dropping the LD. Do you need it?

[BeaverFever]

how often do you use it and what do you use it for? If you just use it on evenings and weekends, prepaid might be better.

Im opposed to contracts on principle, and used to be a bill collector for a cell phone company, saw a lot of people get fucked over. IMO, a company should work to keep you as a satisfied customer, not get you to sign a legally binding document where youre FORCED to be their customer under penalty of law. Dont reup your contract just so you can have a fancier gadget if your current phone works fine, thats how they get you.

[Yogi]

Just about anywhere I call from here is LD. So i'm kinda screwed one way or another. I don't use my phone 'just to yap', and I'm not much into gadget phones. I just shake my head when I see the ones being advertised now! I can't even remember how to use the camera on this one! I was thinking of getting a 'Mike' phone, mainly because of the durability and also I do know a couple of people who have them so those calls are virtually free. I don't know if I have to sign a contract to get one or if I can just 'pay and go' with a 'Mike'. Anybody have/had one of these?

[jambo101]

Lemmy wrote:

Throw your cellphone in the trash and walk away.

Best idea,rid yourself of the addiction..

[Tricks]

Get an iphone like me

[Yogi]

Tricks wrote:

Get an iphone like me

Seriously. I don't even know what an I-phone is! Really! I just need a phone to be able to say "Hello, kiss my ass, good-bye"!
Don't need one to 'play games on', take pics with, text other people with mindless drivel about my toothpaste'.

[Tricks]

Good luck getting a cell phone that doesn't do that shit.

[Brenda]

Tricks wrote:

Good luck getting a cell phone that doesn't do that shit.

I think I have one left, from 10 years ago...

[Scape]

Then keep your current phone and renew for better rates or a credit.

[Patish]

Yogi wrote:

Seriously. I don't even know what an I-phone is! Really! I just need a phone to be able to say "Hello, kiss my ass, good-bye"!
Don't need one to 'play games on', take pics with, text other people with mindless drivel about my toothpaste'.

How that can be ? Two people at a distance 6000 miles from each other, have identical opinion about this device.

[acidcomplex]

well look at it this way, Telus has the best coverage and you are always going to need a cell phone, so why not get a deal on one. it comes down to two things really

1. Do you want to pay full price now or get a deal on your phone?.
2. Do you mind being locked in for 1,2 or 3 years with a provider?
3. Non contract plans are subject to increase prices, while the contract ones are not

If you answer Yes to any Id say get a contract. You may find cheaper somewhere else and there's a reason for that. lesser quality of service.