Thinking about getting the latest and greatest cell phone? As part of Consumer Awareness Week, we’ve dialled up a few things to think about when it comes to cell phone contracts.
You probably won’t remember, but there was a time when cordless phones were the next best thing in telecommunications (and then there were those, achem, car phones…). Today we have cell phones that let us listen to music, read emails and more. But before you sign a cell phone contract, stop and think about these three things:
- Know what you’re buying. Are you paying for the phone outright, or is the cost included in your contract? Are you eligible to upgrade your phone after a certain amount of time?
- Can you change your plan? Find out if you can change your plan while in a contract, or if you are required to enter into a new one.
- Calculate how much you’re paying each month. The monthly base charge for your plan should be in your contact. Find out if data and long distance are included, and ask about any monthly add-on fees and taxes. Be clear about what you are getting!
There’s lots more to know about cell phone contracts and your rights and obligations. For more information, check out the website for the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s website (click on Wireless Code).
ADDITIONAL READING:
Own a cell phone? You need to know about ‘smishing’
Tips if you’re buying a used cell phone
OMG! Watch out for texting scams
I think all businesses should have to show their numbers on the phone. What is this “unknown name, unknown number” crap? The scammers hide behind these types of hidden numbers so you pick up the phone. Is there any way to stop this?
Just a quick note and something more to consider regarding the CRTC “Wireless Code” and the 2 years plans. Keep in mind that not ALL plans are two years and they don’t have to be.
Carriers must provide 2 years plans to consumers but that doesn’t mean all of their phones are going to be eligible for a 2 year plan. For example, if you go to a cell store and ask for an iphone 5, it will be a 3yr commitment. Typically, the $0 or low cost phones will be eligible for a 2yr plan but the more expensive the phone, the more unlikely it will be 2 yr eligible.
“Though 3-year contracts are not banned, customers must be able to cancel their contracts without penalty after 24 months, or two years”
As always, read the fine print and as questions before you sign anything.
Thank you both for your comments.
Shirley, I think you would need to check with the CRTC on why calls are permitted to have unknown name, number come through. You could also check with your service provider on how to block these types of calls.
John, good points you have brought up here. And yes, ALWAYS read the fine print. We can’t say it enough.
That’s not true John P. I recently signed up for an iPhone 5S on Bell and it says my contract end date is in 2016. That’s 2 years from now. And not only that but the phone is paid off at the end of the contract now. More expensive phones just require more expensive monthly bills.
Hi Kevin: depending on when you signed the contract, the new rules from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s Wireless Code may apply to your situation. Take a read of this article from the CBC that explains the new law: http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/cellphone-customers-have-bargaining-power-thanks-to-crtc-contract-rule-1.3087627
If you have further questions about your cell phone contract rights and/or the Wireless Code, here’s a link to the CRTC’s website: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/info_sht/t13.htm
I hope this information was helpful!
I have 3 yrs contact with bell mobily until 2016. Can you brake the contact. I have Galleys mini cell phone. I got the cell phone at COSTCO. Do you to pay cell out to brake the contact out?
I am 83, absolutely clueless electronicly but wish to purchase an unlocked cell phone with full screen. I doon’t have very gooood eyesight so woould lke something with larger numbers. II wish to use it for telephoone calls, no more than 300per month, same foor texts and have nternet. I don’t want a coontract and would like pasy as yoou go oor moonthly contract and doon’t wiish to pay more than 40 per month. I’m from England and everything s much cheaper there. Can you pleaase advise me with make etc. Cheers
Hi James, thank you for your questions. I understand that choosing the right phone can be difficult. I’m not in a position to offer advice about which option to choose from but I would encourage you to visit or call several providers to get information so you can make the best decision for yourself.
I hope it works out for you!
i got a phone for 3 years contract at samsung store. after 6 months the phone screen was shut down but still ringing. when I got the phone the sales man didn’t tell that if the phone has a physical damages and water damages will not be longer cover for the one year warranty. now, the technician found the reason why no screen because of the water damages. which is i never drop the phone to the water. When they screen my phone first in front on me they didn’t tell me that has a water damages. they told me that because I drop the phone will coz of the screen shut down. and they prepare me to expect to pay for $159.99. then i received an email that saying I need to pay $1,614 + tax because of the water damages coz. which on their policy not included the manufacture warranty that i just found out thru the technician and I call samsung customer service same explanation. how you can help me about this
Hi Christine, thank you for contacting us. We do not regulate the cell phone industry but you may want to contact CCTS (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services). It’s a federal organization and here is their website – https://www.ccts-cprst.ca/. I hope they will be able to help you resolve your issue quickly!