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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Kitsune on June 30, 2015, 08:10:30 AM

Title: Quebec cell phone plans?
Post by: Kitsune on June 30, 2015, 08:10:30 AM
Ok: I'm glaring down at our ludicrous cell phone bills.

Our needs:
- Maybe 20 minutes/month on the phone? Seriously, we don't talk on the phone much at all
- Ideally unlimited text messaging. What we don't do by talking is done by text
- 500 MB data would be fine

Current details:
We have cell phones with Virgin at the moment; mine is unlocked and my husband's isn't. I have 5 months left on my contract (or 75$ to end it), and my husband has 9 months (or 100$). We each have a monthly phone plan that costs 60$ (each, argh), that include unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 2GB data (which we don't usually use unless we're away on vacation and not paying attention, but switching to 1GB would save 2$).

My phone is unlocked and I like it fine (it's a Samsung S3 that does everything I need it to), so I was thinking of cancelling my plan (and paying the fee) and getting the 38$/month bring-your-own-phone plan with Virgin (750MB and unlimited text, and the savings would pay off the cancellation fee in 3.5 months). I'm trying to convince my husband to to the same (net savings of 50$/month, once you count taxes... for exactly what we use now, with exactly the phones we have now). That's still almost 100$/month for cell phones, though, which seems ludicrous.

QUESTION: I know the US has WAY better options for text-and-internet-only phones, but I can't seem to find anything better in Quebec. Does anyone know anything that would point me to something better?



And to answer the objections about not needing cell phones: I have 2 side-hustles going for which I need to be reachable for work while away from home; I use a voip phone line (10$/month) that goes through the data on the phone to ensure that I'm always reachable at the same number and can do business as needed. I also have aging parents with heart issues and a kid in daycare, so I do need to be reachable when I'm away from home. My husband has less 'need' for a cell phone and works from home, but refuses to give it up entirely... honestly, super-basic data would probably make him content, I just can't find a place that sells it for that much cheaper. UGH, Canadian phone plans SUCK.
Title: Re: Quebec cell phone plans?
Post by: daverobev on June 30, 2015, 01:13:20 PM
If you can do without the data, 7/11 prepaid topups give you 365 days connection.

If you need data, get a Koodo promo when one pops up.

https://www.koodomobile.com/rate-plans?INTCMP=KMNew_NavMenu_Shop_Plans
Title: Re: Quebec cell phone plans?
Post by: Kitsune on June 30, 2015, 01:25:39 PM
Yeah, that's my issue - I need text and (some) data, but I don't need phone.

Actually, I could manage without the text, even. The data is the only non-negotiable part.

What I need is for data to be cheap, and it seems like all I can find is data stacked on top of expensive options I don't need. Frustrating!!
Title: Re: Quebec cell phone plans?
Post by: daverobev on June 30, 2015, 01:56:06 PM
Yes, it's annoying.

One option if you just need data is to get a Tbaytel $100 for 20Gb/year expiry SIM.

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/tbaytel-prepaid-data-100-20gb-365-day-expiry-1397855/

Hoops must be jumped through, of course.

Or:

http://www.telus.com/en/on/mobility/plans/tablets/index.jsp?INTCMP=Beta_PlansCatalog_CardCTATabletPlans

Just DON'T use a Koodo/Telus PHONE - any other device should be ok.