HawthorneVillager.com

My contract expires in January, 2014 so I'm starting to look around too. Wind Mobile's coverage is spotty in areas- I've heard you can't get much reception in Campbellville for example, and in other spots they use Rogers' cell towers.

There's a couple of them that have a "tab system," too (Koodo, and I think Virgin Mobile?). It's where you pay for example $40/ mnth, a nd 10% of that goes to paying off the phone. When you have the phone paid off, the 10% then becomes a credit towards a new phone.

Don't go to Telus. I've had some rough customer service experiences- only encountered one person I'd consider helpful.

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I have had nothing but great service from Telus ... as for providers youll have some good experiences and some bad. I have been with Telus since moving here to Milton and theyve been proactive when reviewing my bills. I had a data plan set up with unlimited bandwith (forget what I was being charged) I got a call from them saying they could save me money seeing how I never came close to limit of a lower plan...ended up saving me 15$ per month.

Reception for me has been awesome in everywhere Ive gone with my phone. My BlackBerry works with full bars in my basement. I'd check with the folks at Communication Zone (Thompson/Derry) as theyve always treated me and my wife really well.

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Mike Cluett
Local/Regional Councillor
Wards 1,6,7 & 8

Website | Email mike@mikecluett.ca | Cell (647) 888-9032 | Facebook Page | | Twitter @Mike_Cluett

I have a Blackberry Bold (not too too happy with it - multiple battery pulls during the week, resets itself, bbm doesn't work when I leave the house in the morning right up until I'm at work, etc.), my service is with Telus and I've had no issues with their customer service. I need a new phone too. Waiting for the new BB with the keypad to come out in April or whenever.

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Some people are like slinkies. They're really good for nothing but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Many providers offer 10% discounts (or more) on posted prices if you have your own hardware

Sadly I left TELUS for Rogers a couple of years ago and I regret every minute of it. I've never had better cell phone customer service and coverage than TELUS.

People's experiences with cellphone companies will vary wildly. One person can have an amazing experience with Rogers (or Bell, Telus), while another can have nothing but nightmares with them. In the end, they're all the same - crazy high prices and not-so-much customer service.

Take your time to negotiate with your current provider, if your qualms with them are based on price only. This gets thrown around far too often, but ask to see if you can get patched over to a retentions or customer loyalty department. Those agents are authorized to negotiate monthly credits and free features.

I did a lot of research trying to decide which provider to go with. I wanted to upgrade to an iphone (from my flip phone LOL) but didn't want to pay crazy prices for data and voice. I decided to go with Koodo. They have the cheapest plans and great coverage. I have never hit a blank area in the year that I have had my phone and it even is reasonably priced when I go to the States.

Yup. That about sums it up.

...now back to praising and hating the same companies at the same time.

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I too have been lucky with Telus (touch wood).
However, the Fido plan they have been advertising for a while give's you unlimited talk time, call display and voice mail, with 1 GB of data.

IMO worst possible option for a couple of reasons
1- Often when an agent promos out a feature that promo has a drop off point. Maybe agent in error sets it 2 years into your 3 year term. When u get bill, u call back in, and whoops that particular discount code no longer exists so now u either pay for feature or change plan (this gets even worse if agent leaves incomplete memos as often the cellco won't even attempt to work with u)
2- You are not price protected for features. Even in contract. So lets say you negotiate to get 50% off that $10 call display bundle. Cellco raises price of bundle to $15, and u still get 50% off but u pay higher monthly bill
3- Promo codes are compatible with certain soc sets only. Say you have an old Blackberry & negotiate free data. A month later walk into store and upgrade to an iPhone. As data feature changed even though discount soc is on your account it no longer is applicable. And u get billed (this is same for % discounts as well, and even if your needs change; maybe u get discount on minutes but change to a Canada wide plan for example)
4- Many promo expire in certain time frame if you do not lock in via hardware upgrade (so u forced to reset contract dates or buy a phone u didn't need)
5- Most promo/discount socs are undocumented which means often customer service or line support might not realize they are screwing u, and worse have no idea how to fix it

If price is primary option you are best to pick cheapest plan with most expensive hardware so they can apply all your credits upfront

Having said that I am amazed more people don't simply buy phone then go month to month