MacInsiders Logo

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Internet, Home phone, tv and cell phone bill **jewel 03** General Discussion 15 10-15-2009 07:29 PM
Choosing the Right Cell Phone Plan: Some Things to Consider saukalra ARCHIVES 61 08-26-2009 02:21 PM
Cell Phone Plans jhan523 General Discussion 76 09-21-2008 08:13 PM
Cell Phone Help Kevin Computers & Tech 7 08-30-2007 12:29 PM

Cell Phone Plan?

 
Old 07-18-2009 at 11:58 AM   #1
Sultan
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 135

Thanked: 7 Times
Liked: 3 Times




Cell Phone Plan?
I'll be living off-campus at mac with my family in Mississauga. I was wondering what is a good cell phone plan to call home since its long distance and my other family members do not have cell phones so I can't get those family plans.

Also any company/cell phone recommendations would be great.
Old 07-18-2009 at 12:11 PM   #2
blackdragon
Elite Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,412

Thanked: 152 Times
Liked: 339 Times




I have a plan with Telus and i live in Oakville. It is not long distance for me, so I guess it depends where in mississauga and what # you get
Old 07-18-2009 at 01:02 PM   #3
Taunton
Elite Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,592

Thanked: 219 Times
Liked: 598 Times




I would recommend doing your research and calling each of the main companies. Tell them what you need and they will help you figure out what's best for you.

I just did all this about 3 weeks ago when I got a new phone and they all provided me with what plans they had which met my needs, and I compared them myself and made my final decision.
__________________
Ben Taunton
Life Science IV
McMaster University
Old 07-18-2009 at 02:09 PM   #4
PTGregD
Elite Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,841

Thanked: 229 Times
Liked: 349 Times




I use a Rogers long distance plan called "My5". It lets you call five numbers anywhere in Canada at any time, for free. As a student, I believe you can get an extra 5 numbers for free if they still have that promotion running (I have 10 numbers I can call). It helps when I log 2000 long distance minutes a month easy.
__________________
Gregory Darkeff
Alumni 2011 - Honors Commerce and Economics Minor
Old 07-18-2009 at 02:19 PM   #5
hyvaa
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 132

Thanked: 11 Times
Liked: 14 Times




Hey Greg, did you get a hamilton number? I am coming from Toronto.. so I am not too sure if I should get a toronto number or a hamilton one.
Old 07-18-2009 at 02:23 PM   #6
PTGregD
Elite Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,841

Thanked: 229 Times
Liked: 349 Times




Quote:
Originally Posted by caliver View Post
Hey Greg, did you get a hamilton number? I am coming from Toronto.. so I am not too sure if I should get a toronto number or a hamilton one.
I got a Hamilton number. If you go back to toronto, you can still call toronto locally, you just can't pick up the phone. So basically get caller ID, and when someone calls you, just dont' pick up, and then call them back.

Also, with My5/10, you can setup your friends/family and pick up whenever.

But you definitely want a Hamilton number, since you'll be spending the majority of your time there, and will probably want to pick up the phone
__________________
Gregory Darkeff
Alumni 2011 - Honors Commerce and Economics Minor
Old 07-18-2009 at 02:27 PM   #7
jade177
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 167

Thanked: 11 Times
Liked: 8 Times




I don't know if rogers still has this, but I have My5, and as well, have a $5 long distance plan that gives me 1000 long distance minutes for free. It's important to note that this still counts as minutes as a part of my plan
Old 07-18-2009 at 02:35 PM   #8
PTGregD
Elite Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,841

Thanked: 229 Times
Liked: 349 Times




Quote:
Originally Posted by jade177 View Post
I don't know if rogers still has this, but I have My5, and as well, have a $5 long distance plan that gives me 1000 long distance minutes for free. It's important to note that this still counts as minutes as a part of my plan
I used to have the $5 1000 minute plan as well, but it conflicts with My5. You can't really use both.
__________________
Gregory Darkeff
Alumni 2011 - Honors Commerce and Economics Minor
Old 07-18-2009 at 02:53 PM   #9
jade177
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 167

Thanked: 11 Times
Liked: 8 Times




I don't have a Hamilton number.....so every call I make is long distance. Aka 5 minute plan is worth it for me
Old 07-18-2009 at 02:55 PM   #10
PTGregD
Elite Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,841

Thanked: 229 Times
Liked: 349 Times




Quote:
Originally Posted by jade177 View Post
I don't have a Hamilton number.....so every call I make is long distance. Aka 5 minute plan is worth it for me
No, but if you use your my5 to call someone and ring up 1000 minutes, it ALSO uses up your $5 plan. Both plans conflict with Rogers' computer system, it can't handle them together. So when you go to make a call off your my5, you get billed for it.
__________________
Gregory Darkeff
Alumni 2011 - Honors Commerce and Economics Minor
Old 07-18-2009 at 03:25 PM   #11
casey.park
SRA Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 95

Thanked: 27 Times
Liked: 28 Times




Just in case anyone is opting for a Blackberry/iPhone, smartphone plans with the My5+5 bonus aren't available.

I currently have a $45 Blackberry plan with 300 anytime minutes (after complaining a bit), My5, 500 MB of data, and unlimited texting. I had to give up the My5+5 plan when I upgraded to the smartphone.
Old 07-18-2009 at 03:51 PM   #12
goodnews.inc
Moderator
MacInsiders Staff
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2,509

Thanked: 312 Times
Liked: 633 Times




Quote:
Originally Posted by PTGregD View Post
I use a Rogers long distance plan called "My5". It lets you call five numbers anywhere in Canada at any time, for free. As a student, I believe you can get an extra 5 numbers for free if they still have that promotion running (I have 10 numbers I can call). It helps when I log 2000 long distance minutes a month easy.
I wish that was offered for international calls.
2000/60 = 33.33333333333333 hours.
Oh, that's just one hour and around 6 minutes on the phone daily. For some reason it seemed like a crazy amount.

Edit: 1.11 = about 66 minutes...
66(0.25 cents/minute) = 66/4 = $16.50/day...
...

Edit II: $16.50 (30 minutes) = (16.50)(10)(3) = (165.0)(3) = $495 a MONTH! THAT'S RENT!!!!!
__________________

Emma Ali
Honours Life Sciences


Last edited by goodnews.inc : 07-18-2009 at 03:58 PM.
Old 07-18-2009 at 04:07 PM   #13
hyvaa
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 132

Thanked: 11 Times
Liked: 14 Times




so calling toronto with a hamilton number in toronto counts as local while picking up in toronto with a hamilton number counts as long distance? that's quite confusing lol.

what would be the cheapest plan from which company?
I don't really text much.. nor do i call much. but i do wish to get some long distance hours, as i may need to call my parents or relatives.

thanks in advance!
Old 07-18-2009 at 04:45 PM   #14
myoozik
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 285

Thanked: 67 Times
Liked: 42 Times




If you don't call or text much, just choose a pay-as-you-go prepaid plan. That way you won't have to commit to a monthly plan and you only fill up if you need it.

Skype is offering a really cheap deal too, but that's only if you have internet access. Or better yet, just set up a webcam chat with your family if you really want to save money.

hyvaa says thanks to myoozik for this post.
Old 07-18-2009 at 05:29 PM   #15
goodnews.inc
Moderator
MacInsiders Staff
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2,509

Thanked: 312 Times
Liked: 633 Times




Local and long distance plans depend on where you're calling from, Daniel.
Let's say all Mississauga numbers are 888 numbers and Hamilton numbers are 999 numbers.

If I live in Mississauga, with an 888 number, when I call Hamilton FROM Mississauga, it is a long distance call. When I am in Hamilton and call Mississauga it is a long distance call. But to the best of my recollection, when in Hamilton and calling Hamilton DESPITE having an 888 number, it is a local call.

If I live in Hamilton, with a 999 number, when I call Hamilton from Hamilton = local.
Hamilton to Mississauga = local distance.
Calling Mississauga while IN Mississauga, despite having a 999 number = local.

I think your best bet is a prepaid account because you aren't signing any contract and avoiding a contract is never a bad financial move. Wait until you get settled and see who calls you more often, or whom you call. I would suggest getting a Hamilton number because you will be calling from Hamilton a lot and making several new friends in Hamilton that you will be in touch with regularly.

You may want to have a landline simply because I think if your parents call you from Toronto (or Mississauga, for the OP), I believe landline to landline calls are cheaper than receiving calls on your cell where you might get stuck with a crappy or expensive plan which overcharges you for or doesn't allow free incoming.
__________________

Emma Ali
Honours Life Sciences


hyvaa says thanks to goodnews.inc for this post.



Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



McMaster University News and Information, Student-run Community, with topics ranging from Student Life, Advice, News, Events, and General Help.
Notice: The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the student(s) who authored the content. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by McMaster University or the MSU (McMaster Students Union). Being a student-run community, all articles and discussion posts on MacInsiders are unofficial and it is therefore always recommended that you visit the official McMaster website for the most accurate up-to-date information.

Copyright © MacInsiders.com All Rights Reserved. No content can be re-used or re-published without permission. MacInsiders is a service of Fullerton Media Inc. | Created by Chad
Originally Powered by vBulletin®, Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba vBulletin. All rights reserved. | Privacy | Terms