Wanted: Cheap cell phone solution.

[Hard Idle]

I've been out of the wireless loop for since mid 1999 (last phone was a Clearnet...). but I need one soon.

I thought I'd give this one last try before coughing up the $114 for Virgin:

Does anyone have, or know the best way to get a used phone to use with the pre-paid TELUS plan. I want to get the phone & service connected and my first $10 card all under $100 total. Is this possible?

TELUS retailers charge $99+tax for the refurbished Samsung, but that's not any less than Virgin and you still need to buy time initially. Are there any flee-market type retailers who could get it on a cheaper phone?

If my co-worker sells me her old phone she used with BELL 4 years ago, what's the cost and proceedure of getting it conected with TELUS?

I just don't want to pay more than $60 for the hardware, I don't give a damn about any games, pictures, ringtones or any of that stuff.

 

[mmouse]

Have you looked at Fido?
I think you can get a brand new Sony + $30 airtime for $99.

 

[Gentle Ben]

I've been out of the wireless loop for since mid 1999 (last phone was a Clearnet...). but I need one soon.



If my co-worker sells me her old phone she used with BELL 4 years ago, what's the cost and proceedure of getting it conected with TELUS?

I just don't want to pay more than $60 for the hardware, I don't give a damn about any games, pictures, ringtones or any of that stuff.

Not all phones are compatible with all companies networks,I'd be careful about buying a used phone ayway, it could end up not being such a good deal in the end!

 

[TheNiteHwk]

Telus!

I am with Telus right now. For me they are the best of all the cell phone companies right now. (I have tried them all over the years) They not only have what I believe to be the best plan they have excellent service as well. For example when I wanted to change my phone # they did it for free. When I had a problem one time retrieving my voice mail I called them up and they were really helpful right away in a very cheerful manner. More then I can say for some experiences I have had with other companies.

The plan I have with them right now on a pay 'n talk is very good I think. The only catch is the first time you take this option you have to top it up with $50. Then you phone them or you choose I think its option #5 on your phone. (better to phone them and let them do it for you) After that just make sure you top up with $10. or however much time you use every 30 days so your balance don’t fall below $50. If you do this your daytime is only 5cents per min and eves and weekends are free. As far as I know there are no better plans then that for pay as you go phones.

Oh... the phone I have now cost me $100. two years ago brand new. I believe they have some now though for even less. Just go to a Telus store not one of their brokers... go to a company store and you will get the best deal.



Have fun.

 

[Hard Idle]

TELUS does have good deals, but unless I get the phone for something like $70, it's not cheaper than VIRGIN. I also think TELUS' plan is better for people who will talk more and use the time within 30 days. I'm more interested in VIRGIN's better standard VoiceMail package, free checking of messages form a land phone, and longer grace period to use the time. But I'd still take TELUS if my initial amount due was less than VIRGIN's $99+tax.

 

[Hard Idle]

I have been offered an AUDIOVOX phone that came with a Bell Mobility plan 2 years ago (though the phone looks older). It's a CDMA, I cant find the model number anywhere on it.

I've heard that CDMA phones are very difficult to unlock. Is this true? Does that mean I could only use this phone with a Bell contract? Are unlocked phones only usefull with GSN providers?

 

[Hard Idle]

OK, I'm gonna try this one last time.

Hard to believe on a board like this there isn't a tip about getting hooked up cheap for cash.

I need a phone to go with some pay-as-you-go plan, I need it activated and operational with voice mail all for a maximum of $90 due - not 99+tax - $90 (or less) . Any more and I won't have the gas to work until next pay day. Can it be done?

 

[WhaWhaWha]

Thats a tight budget. Work another week without the cel phone and put aside another 25 bucks. You'll make it taxes and all.

Another option is to look for free hardware on the freeTOreuse yahoo group. Lots of people giving away lots of free electronic goods including palm pilots and cel phones all the time. Members are constantly giving away cel phones and cel phone accessories. But there is competition so you have to present an appealing case to be selected as a recipient. Of course you could spend a day or a month finding what you seek. You never can tell.

Members can only give away items or receive them for free. No selling or trading allowed. Items not permissable to five away include pets illegal substances, and sexual favors.

I joined in May and have so far accumulated:
2 Lexmark Printers
A month's worth of free cat food.
New cookware including iron wok
Brand new Air Nikes
15" Monitor
14" Monitor
Pentium II computer
New Doc Martens
Videos and books (including scarface)
Teeth whitening kit (unopened)
---- worth $50 retail
Simpsons wall poster - the one that features all the characters ever shown.
Bookshelf
Designer fragrances (Poison and others - unopened)
New Mens clothing - including Christian Dior Dress shirts
Small Couch


I have given away:
A refrigerator
A bed
A vintage-style period-piece dress
---- worth $150 worn as a costume by my daughter only once
My daughter's used shoes
Replacement blade set for Philishave
---- worth $90 retail

 

[tboy]

OK, I'm gonna try this one last time........

Dude:

Relax with the attitude, just because you WANT something doesn't make it so....it is not like we are all just sitting around waiting to solve your problem for you!

If it were easy and cheap then everyone would do it. Cellphones and cellphone service is NOT cheap in Canada and no matter who you go with or what plan you have, you're gonna pay.

As for free/cheap phones: you only get what you pay for. Cheap phones=cheap reception/hard to use/less options.

Used phones? If you actually PAY for a used phone, you're throwing your money away. Put it this way: Are there that many technogeeks who HAVE to have the newest and best phone all the time? For the most part people replace their phones when something happens to it, ie: batteries die, screen cracks, stops working etc. If you want a broken phone, hell I have 2...

Not all phones will work with on all companies systems, PERIOD. Other than the phones with the removable card, you're pretty much stuck with using a fido phone on fido service, bell on bell etc.

Let me ask you this: The most you will save is MAYBE $25.00 - $30.00. Not a huge savings by a long shot. Is it really worth all the trouble you may run into trying to get a phone cheap(er)?????

Another question: Do you HAVE to have a cellphone? Is it a do or die situation? If you're that short of cash that you will have to walk to work until payday maybe you shouldn't be getting a cellphone? Last time I checked land lines were still the best deal at $30.00 +/- a month and there are still a lot of pay phones around at 25 cents a call.

 

[feminista]

For anyone who is very dependent on a cell phone i would advise against using telus. This is more directed towards escorts for whom their cell phone can be a life-line.

Telus has a tendency of doing maintainance in the middle of the night. They give no warning to customers despite the fact that these shutdowns are scheduled well in advance. Sometimes the system is down from midnight to 6am.

All the drivers and escorts at the agency I am with are asked to use any other provider.

 

[mikeinthebush]

Buy a phone off E-Bay. I've done it plenty of time's. Come to think of it I do have a spare Nokia 3595. Unlocked and ready to go.

 

[Hard Idle]

I'm Just Stubborn

Why make a big deal over $20-$30 dollars? I don't know, why do some people complain about lapdance and incall prices. I don't need a fantastic phone with a gazillion features - I'm willing to take a lesser package to pay less, why does it have to be all or nothing with these people?

I'm not good with searching howardsforums, but a few threads lead me to believe some outfits in Chinatown / Koreantown will get you a cheap phone and connect it with some fly-by-night reseller with no hassle. I was very disappointed with the offers, maybe you need to speak the language or know the secret password?

Good new is the Virgin Wireless CSR informed me of acouple of retailers who have a discount on the Nokia, making it $79.99, No Activation, No Access Fee, Free Display & Free VoiceMail you can check from your work or home phone. The per minute rates are expensive, but I don't figure to use more than 20 min most months, pluse the credits are good 120 days. SOLD!

 

[papasmerf]

PAY PHONES

realy chaep if you limit your calls

Just think, no annoying incomming calls!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[slyguy]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10061030&catid=10155&logon=&langid=EN

Basically the phone is free as you end up with $75 in talk credit.

 

[Hard Idle]

PAY PHONES

realy chaep if you limit your calls

Just think, no annoying incomming calls!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, been doing that a long time. But There's no voice mail and you can't give a phone #. I share a landline and I just don't want other people getting my messages or answering for me anymore. Last time I ordered a second line, It was a hude hassle to get the contractor there, plus they wanted a deposit! I don't even want to know what they'll want now that i don't have a Visa anymore!