Help me pick a new phone+network

[IgnitedSoul]

All right, so the deal is my contract with Rogers ends this month, and I want to move to either Wind or Mobilicity. I know a lot is currently changing with the mobile networks, though to be honest, I’m don’t fully understand what all the implications of that are. If I join either network within the next month, does it even make a difference to me? (Sorry if dumb question.)

What are your experiences with coverage? FWIW, I spend very little time outside of the city, and live in Huntington Hills.

As far as phones go, right now I’m using a Nokia E5-00 and can’t wait to get something newer/faster. Still, I don’t want to blow a ton of money on an iPhone or S4, and am not crazy about huge 5” screens. So if I went with Mobilicity I was looking at the Xperia T; with Wind, the Nexus 4 (but the cheaper prices of the Optimus L9 and Xperia L are also appealing). If anyone can speak for any of those phones, it’d be much appreciated.

I should also mention that I carry around an iPod Touch 5, so I don’t necessarily require the space for music, nor a perfect on-the-go camera. I’m more concerned with how they run, longevity, and battery life.

Thanks!

[RedMileDJ]

Check the Nexus thread. You won't be disappointed in the Nexus 4.

Buy it outright from Google and just pop in your SIM card. Don't sign a contract.

Win!

[TurnedTheCorner]

Wind coverage is fine in the city.

[bubbsy]

if you are going to be staying in an urban center for the most part, highly suggest wind. the all you can eat unlimited plan is awesome.

[Rathji]

I would be hesitant to go with any contracts/tabs at this point, at least until the Verizon thing works itself out.

Wind is your best bet. The nexus 4 is a beautiful phone.

[IgnitedSoul]

By contracts, you guys just mean the 2-3 year ones, right? 'Cause I definitely want away from that malarkey.

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

Check the Nexus thread. You won't be disappointed in the Nexus 4.

Buy it outright from Google and just pop in your SIM card. Don't sign a contract.

Win!

I've been skimming that thread, but will definitely take a longer look.

And that's actually a pretty good idea, but just to clarify your suggestion:

- Buy from Google: $350 instead of the on-sale price of $450 from Wind — avoid potential $200* Tab

- Go to Wind and have them port over my information from Rogers

- Get up to $200 credit on extra/roaming charges for bringing my own phone over when joining them for month-to-month plans

Did I get that right?


*considering I'm looking at the $30/mo plan (or their current $33 promotion)

[Rathji]

Yes, you have that right.

And a tab is essentially a contract, with more logical consequences for breaking it.

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by IgnitedSoul

By contracts, you guys just mean the 2-3 year ones, right? 'Cause I definitely want away from that malarkey.



I've been skimming that thread, but will definitely take a longer look.

And that's actually a pretty good idea, but just to clarify your suggestion:

- Buy from Google: $350 instead of the on-sale price of $450 from Wind — avoid potential $200* Tab

- Go to Wind and have them port over my information from Rogers

- Get up to $200 credit on extra/roaming charges for bringing my own phone over when joining them for month-to-month plans

Did I get that right?


*considering I'm looking at the $30/mo plan (or their current $33 promotion)

Sounds about right.

I'm just saying you can get a kick ass phone for under $400 and not be locked in a contract.

I have no idea how the tabs and credits work. I'm with Telus, month-to-month, simply for the coverage.

I'll never sign a contract again.

[Anduril]

Buy from Koodo, lowest price even with shipping from Google. You should technically be able to buy outright from Bestbuy though it's possible they might not allow you depending on the store.

And as others said, go to Wind. No reason to pick mobilicity unless you're really penny pinching.

[IgnitedSoul]

Originally Posted by Anduril

Buy from Koodo, lowest price even with shipping from Google. You should technically be able to buy outright from Bestbuy though it's possible they might not allow you depending on the store.

And as others said, go to Wind. No reason to pick mobilicity unless you're really penny pinching.

I happened to be at the mall today, so I stopped by Wind. The guy there also brought up Koodo and said they were the cheapest place to get the phone. Very reassuring!

Thanks again for the feedback everybody, safe to say my mind's made up.

[cral12]

I'm in basically the same boat and thinking strongly about the Nexus 4.

Are you buying it outright from Koodo then (i.e. not on the tab?)

I get that nice not to have a contract. I guess I'm trying to see the advantages. I'm guessing flexibility of not having to wait a contract out. Other than that can you get better rates from providers? Other advantages?

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by cral12

I'm in basically the same boat and thinking strongly about the Nexus 4.

Are you buying it outright from Koodo then (i.e. not on the tab?)

I get that nice not to have a contract. I guess I'm trying to see the advantages. I'm guessing flexibility of not having to wait a contract out. Other than that can you get better rates from providers? Other advantages?

If you're planning to use Koodo's service in the first place, then it makes sense to pick whatever plan you're interested in and get a Nexus 4. That way you slowly decrease the amount you owe on the Nexus 4 making it 'cheaper' in the long run. Realistically, you'll have saved $150 over a year.

Definitely not a bad option to do. Turns out you want the newest iPhone/Nexus? Just pay the remaining $150 and you've basically paid $150 for the Nexus, and are free as can be. Granted even with the offerings the big providers give for bringing in your own phone ($20 off their top tier plans, whatever you want to call them), Koodo could easily be your best bet depending on what kind of plan you're looking for.

[IgnitedSoul]

Originally Posted by cral12

I'm in basically the same boat and thinking strongly about the Nexus 4.

Are you buying it outright from Koodo then (i.e. not on the tab?)

I get that nice not to have a contract. I guess I'm trying to see the advantages. I'm guessing flexibility of not having to wait a contract out. Other than that can you get better rates from providers? Other advantages?

Yup, bought it outright from Koodo for $315 (including the tax, but if you do it online they ship it for free).

The flexibility without the tab definitely became a big plus. Other than that, like Anduril mentioned, there can be discounts for bringing in your own device. For Wind (don't know a ton about the other providers) this page explains the credit they'll give you (though it only applies to add-ons and such, not your monthly fee).

[MrMastodonFarm]

I'm a little shocked Koodo let you buy it right from them without making you set up a plan first.

[AC]

To piggyback on this discussion, here's my situation:

My current 3 year Rogers contract expired on October 5th, I'm using a Blackberry Torch 9800.

I bought a Nexus 4 about a month ago that I've just been using via wifi at home.

Should I:

• wait until Sept 29th to get that $33/month offer from Wind?
• get that offer now and cancel my remaining 1.5 months with Rogers?
• get that offer now and tell Rogers to cancel my plan once the contract has expired on Oct 5th?
• mystery option

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by AC

To piggyback on this discussion, here's my situation:

My current 3 year Rogers contract expired on October 5th, I'm using a Blackberry Torch 9800.

I bought a Nexus 4 about a month ago that I've just been using via wifi at home.

Should I:

• wait until Sept 29th to get that $33/month offer from Wind?
• get that offer now and cancel my remaining 1.5 months with Rogers?
• get that offer now and tell Rogers to cancel my plan once the contract has expired on Oct 5th?

Get a Nexus 4! Oh wait...you already did.

Do you want to port your number over to Wind?

If you want to keep your number you either need to cancel early or wait until your contract is up.

Am I understanding your situation correctly?

[AC]

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

Get a Nexus 4! Oh wait...you already did.

Do you want to port your number over to Wind?

If you want to keep your number you either need to cancel early or wait until your contract is up.

Am I understanding your situation correctly?

Yeah, I'd prefer to keep my number.

What is the cancellation fee for previous 3 year contracts? $20/month?

If so that would be the cheapest option, instead of paying the full $44/month my bill is with Rogers.

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by AC

Yeah, I'd prefer to keep my number.

What is the cancellation fee for previous 3 year contracts? $20/month?

If so that would be the cheapest option, instead of paying the full $44/month my bill is with Rogers.

I believe $20 is the norm. I know it is with Telus. Not sure about Rogers.

What you do is this: go to Wind and ask to port your number over to their system. As far as I know, they take care of contacting Rogers for you and then you get a final bill in the mail from Rogers + any additional cancelation fees.

At least that's how I understand it. I could be wrong. Don't take this as scripture.

[AC]

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

I believe $20 is the norm. I know it is with Telus. Not sure about Rogers.

What you do is this: go to Wind and ask to port your number over to their system. As far as I know, they take care of contacting Rogers for you and then you get a final bill in the mail from Rogers + any additional cancelation fees.

At least that's how I understand it. I could be wrong. Don't take this as scripture.

Thanks! I think I'll stop into a Wind store tomorrow to ask them about the offer and what they suggest given my situation.

I've been stuck in endless Rogers contracts for 9 years so the prospect of this kind of freedom is overwhelming to say the least.

[RedMileDJ]

No prob. Just make sure Wind has the coverage you require.