Years ago it was only the elite who could afford to carry a wireless device. In 1997 two new players launched PCS service in Canada, Clearnet and Fido. These two carriers were about to transform the wireless industry in Canada.
They introduced concepts like per second billing, rate plans starting at $20 per month and elimination of contract terms making wireless an affordable option for the average consumer. A lot has changed in ten years. TELUS acquired Clearnet and Rogers acquired Fido, however the industry has remained as competitive as ever.
For a consumer, it is important to know what you are looking for when shopping for a wireless phone. Here are some key tips for when you are doing your competitive shopping:
1. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to use your phone. If you currently have a wireless phone, bring a copy of your monthly bill with you so that you can match your rate plan to your usage instead of picking any plan which could incur you many additional charges. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
a. Do you require unlimited evenings, nights and weekends
b. Are most of your calls incoming or outgoing?
c. Do you have a set number of people you call more than others?
If you are not being asked these types of questions, chances are you are going to end up on the wrong rate plan. There are hundreds of plans to choose from, it is crucial that you are able to select the one that is best suited to your needs for optimum savings.
2. Select a rate plan that is slightly higher than what your estimated usage is. If you pick the “next plan up” it will most likely cost you around $5 more and include anywhere from 50 to 100 additional minutes. If you stick with the base plan and go over by 100 minutes it is going to cost you approximately $35 as the average monthly overage charge is $0.35 per minute. An extra five bucks is worth the added security!
3. Expect to pay for the features that you pay for on your home phone such as voicemail, call display, text messaging etc. If you like the added features consider bundles where you can also save money. For example, voicemail is $6, call display is $6, unlimited text messaging is $10 but for $15 you can get a bundle that includes all of this and more.
4. Expect to pay service fees. You can expect to pay $35 to $40 for an activation fee, $25 to $30 for an equipment exchange fee, and $5 to $15 for a phone book transfer. In most organizations employees are not authorized to waive these fees. Your option is usually to defer payment to your next monthly invoice or pay in store.
5. Expect to keep your phone number. Local number portability means that you can transfer your home phone number, your business phone number or your wireless phone number to any telephone carrier you chose. Make sure you know the terms and conditions of your contract as this can cost you up to $20 times the number of months remaining in your contract. Once you move your number it is too late to avoid this cancellation fee.
A competitive industry means that consumers have to be savvy about how they shop. These five tips should arm you with enough information to make a sound buying decision. If you have any other questions or topics that you would like answered please let me know
Visit PARLEZ WIRELESS and benefit from our outstanding service and competitive prices.
PARLEZ WIRELESS
4312 Innes Road
Orleans, Ontario K4A 5E6
t. (613) 824-0388
f. (613) 824-2184
hello@parlezwireless.com
Lisa Legros is a Golf enthusiast, entrepreneur, owner of ForeHerGolf, community champion and Parlez Wireless Customer.
Parlez Wireless is a strong supporter of community, without our community we would not have a successful business, so to us it is important to give back as much as we can.
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