Cell Phone Plan Suggestions/Options

[Imusion]

Okay so I've held off from getting an actual cell phone plan for the longest time and now I might be considering moving from pay as you go to an actual plan.

My current situation is this. I'm with Speakout Wireless and it costs me $0.20 per min and the vouchers last for 365 days. When they run a promo with a free phone I can sell the phone and SIM for about $65 total so the total cost of a $100 voucher for me is about $35. That $100 lasts me about 4 months so $35/4 = $8.75/month. I don't talk a lot on the phone, it's used more for getting rides or letting people know where I am etc. However I do text quite a lot.

I have a really high end Windows Mobile smartphone and now I'm starting to feel that I'm not getting the most out of it due to not having a data plan. Also I find getting refills for Speakout Wireless a hassle because I have to drive out to a 7-11 which isn't really convenient for me since it's so far.

So this has really driven me to think that maybe getting a plan from say Rogers would be the better idea so I can text more freely without having to worry about running out and also access the internet on my smartphone without having to be around a wifi hotspot. My main concern is the running costs of a plan versus pay as you go.

What would you guys recommend? What kind of options do I have available from Rogers? Any plan/option recommendations? I need a push in the right direction. Do I have bargaining power if family member is with Rogers (mom has been for probably over 6 years, brother been with pay as you go rogers) and we also have internet/cable with them?

Cheers help is appreciated.

[RiCHC3]

I think the only time your family will work to your benefit (specifically just your mother, your brother is probably trivial) is if she changed her account to some sort of family plan and then added you to it.

Outside of that, as someone who realistically has no tenure with the company you will likely only have access to what's available on the website(s) of various providers. However, you could sign up for a promo offer (which usually comes with a long term contract). Even then, I don't think you'll -save- all that much on your monthly costs.

If the EPP plan still exists, it's always a great place to start and just add on whatever you need. (If you're unsure of what that is, go a quick search -- eating a sandwich :P).

[Imusion]

Couldn't really find out what the Rogers EPP consists of... tried looking around but no real details... nothing updated on HowardForums either from what I saw.

Would taking over someone's existing plan be possibly a better option?

What about the coming school year? Does Rogers usually run some good promos for students??

[skyblue12]

all promos always suck.

EPP is $17.50 + saf + 911
200mins
6pm evenings/weekends
3 year contract

[RiCHC3]

all promos always suck.

EPP is $17.50 + saf + 911
200mins
6pm evenings/weekends
3 year contract

I think it's $20 now, but I could be wrong.
I beieve only Bell still has it at $17.50.

Would taking over someone's existing plan be possibly a better option?

What about the coming school year? Does Rogers usually run some good promos for students??

Well, with new carriers coming out it'll definitely be interesting to see what's just over the horizon from -all- parties. If you do sign a long term 3 year contract the chances are you can negotiate a better price with whomever you're with.

Typically though, starting off -standard- prices are a total rip off and a retentions plan (getting someones current contract) would probably save quite a bit of money. I'd think, optimally, takeover someone elses contract that's relatively short (say 6 months or less). You essentially get immediate savings on a plan, obviously get access to a phone in general :P, and you have wiggle room to "get out" if the new carriers become more appealing.

All speculation, but you'd think the student promos for the Fall semester would be some of the best we've ever seen for awhile (to lock people into a contract). Who knows though.