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Bell Mobiliy $100. top up... pay as you go
August 13, 2009
5:21 pm
MAK
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I have a Bell phone and have been using the pay as you go plan but I have very light usage. I'm trying to find out the features and restrictions of the Bell $100. top up offer but can't find it on the internet. It was mentioned on the "phone"...but I lost the thread and can't recreate it (and I'm too impatient to bleep through all the options which don't let you go backwards if it is the wrong path!).
I'd like to compare the Bell $100; the Rogers $100 and 7/11 $100. offers. Thanks for your input.

August 13, 2009
5:57 pm
verybcbee
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I used to using Bell Prepaid Card and refill via the phone, as long as you top up before the balance expired then all remaining balance can be carried forward together with your new balance till the next expiry date....well

This year I swtich to Roger and do the same, it works, I got $50 credit when open the account and top up on Dec 2008 for $100, so far so good, all balance are carried forward till now....

August 13, 2009
6:42 pm
Big Ang
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One important thing is the cost per minute.

$100 at $0.30/minute is not worth as much as $100 at $0.20/minute.

Advantages with Speakout
- all top-ups last for 365 days (or until you use them up)
- least expensive anytime per minute rate at $.20/min. Some other companies may offer the same price, some may offer a lower price on weekends, but I don't think any offer a rate less than $.20/min anytime of the day
- really inexpensive text messaging costs ($.04/text when buying a $75 or $100 top-up card). But you pay for incoming and outgoing.

Advantage with Rogers
- a variety of prices, check them out, one of them may work for you.

Advantages with Bell
- None, except you get a $50 startup credit with some phones.
- $.30/min rate anytime of the day - 50% higher than Speakout
- $.15/text message, sent or received, triple what Speakout charges.
- a variety of price plans, similar to Rogers. Check them out to see which one fits you best
- You're stuck with the phone Bell offers - no SIM card so you can't change phones.

August 13, 2009
9:23 pm
iamdrumming
Niagara Falls
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October 14, 2008
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I think that there is some good posts here. When people are comparing plans, they always compare the costs, which is normal.

Another thing to equally consider is the network each is on. Bell/Aliant is strong in the east, and Telus is strong in the west. I have found in Ontario, SpeakOut (which uses the Rogers network) is considerably much better than any other carrier. I have been all over Ontario, and Rogers coverage blows away Bell coverage, and by a long shot. It was night and day.

You can have all the gizmos on a phone, and get discounted plans, but if a phone is struggling to get a signal, what good is it? A phone's number one priority is to get a signal and make a call. Of course, it will vary for everyone, but that is my experience.

August 14, 2009
10:30 am
MAK
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Guests

Thanks so much for your comments. I had hoped to avold the cost and environmental impact of a new phone which would be necessary if I switched carriers. Bell's top up for $100 and $50 expire after 60 days and that is a nusiance to keep track of. Also that is more useage than I need. I guess I'll have to get my calculator out and do the math. Thanks for your help.

August 14, 2009
1:31 pm
Big Ang
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It's pretty easy to decide.

If you're going to be using it primarily in the evening and weekends - then go with Rogers.

If you're going to use the phone anytime throughout the day - then go with Speakout.

If you don't have a 7-11 anywhere near you - then go with Rogers.

If your usage will be less than 8 minutes/week average - then go with Speakout.

If you will average at least 50 minutes/week - then get a plan, don't go prepaid.

If you will send/receive more than 60 text messages per month - then go with Rogers and get a messaging pack

If you'll be sending/receiving some texts, but less than 60 per month - then go with Speakout (the rates are much less expensive)

August 14, 2009
1:41 pm
Big Ang
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I forgot 2 things.

If Rogers happens to have a phone that you simply must have - then go with Rogers.

And if you can't decide, then go with Speakout. It's less expensive to start (especially if you take advantage of the current deal) and it will probably be the least expensive for you.