Wind cell
- Thread starter klamkracker
- Start date
I have a Wind phone. Sevice is really very good in the Lower Mainland. Seems they have it covered already, even the stuff they are scheduling for next year. Victoria Abby and Whistler next year. Pleasantly surprised that roaming is the same in the US as it costs in Canada though. If you go from a Wind zone in Vancouver to any other Wind cty, still the same deal.
As they expand their network, it can only get better and more worrying for the big 3 fat cats.
As they expand their network, it can only get better and more worrying for the big 3 fat cats.
Thanks for your input. I've been shopping around for a new provider and I've been really curious about Wind but couldn't find anyone who'd actually dealt with them.
I really hate Fido...Bell....and Rogers customer service, all of them. Hate it. Just like I hate the whole 3 year contract trap.
Trying to determine what combination of plan and add-ons to choose, with Rogers for example, is like a going around in circles. At least that's what I found when I sat down and tried to figure it out.
There was like 10 different ways of combining option/plan/features to get the same end result, so trying to determine which of those was the best deal in the end, was a nightmare.
Did I say I hated the 3 year contract trap? Oh yeah, I did. Well, I really hate it. lol
Wind plans & add-ons are structured in a really much simpler way, and cheaper bottom line. On top of that, the first 6months are 50% off (until end of june) so ridiculously cheap during that period. And there's no contract. No contract. Did I mention there's no contract? Oh, I did. lol
I think I've just made up my mind. Finally.
Thanks!
I really hate Fido...Bell....and Rogers customer service, all of them. Hate it. Just like I hate the whole 3 year contract trap.
Trying to determine what combination of plan and add-ons to choose, with Rogers for example, is like a going around in circles. At least that's what I found when I sat down and tried to figure it out.
There was like 10 different ways of combining option/plan/features to get the same end result, so trying to determine which of those was the best deal in the end, was a nightmare.
Did I say I hated the 3 year contract trap? Oh yeah, I did. Well, I really hate it. lol
Wind plans & add-ons are structured in a really much simpler way, and cheaper bottom line. On top of that, the first 6months are 50% off (until end of june) so ridiculously cheap during that period. And there's no contract. No contract. Did I mention there's no contract? Oh, I did. lol
I think I've just made up my mind. Finally.
Thanks!
^
So I guess you're happy with Rogers then? lol, j/k
The only thing with Wind I'm wondering are their cellphones. I mean, they don't really tell you which phone are compatible. Plus, since they don't offer contracts, I think you must buy their phones outright.... which is pricey (though cheaper overall).
I might check out Wind after my contract is over.
So I guess you're happy with Rogers then? lol, j/k
The only thing with Wind I'm wondering are their cellphones. I mean, they don't really tell you which phone are compatible. Plus, since they don't offer contracts, I think you must buy their phones outright.... which is pricey (though cheaper overall).
I might check out Wind after my contract is over.
Direct from the wind website in FAQ section
http://www.windmobile.ca/support/faq/#question-3
Question Can I bring my own phone to WIND?
Yes, you can get a WIND SIM card and service without buying a WIND phone, though your phone will need to be unlocked and compatible with our AWS/1700 Mhz/BandIV network.
If you have an unlocked, AWS-compatible phone, here’s what you need to do:
Bring the phone or data stick you want to use to any WIND store or kiosk
Have a WIND retail specialist check to make sure your phone will work on our service
Sign up for a WIND plan, buy a SIM card and activate both
You’re good to go!
Unfortunately not all of our special offers are available with SIM-only purchase – but you’ll still get our awesome rates on our standard plans. There may also be certain limitations on functionality, such as the ability to use International Roaming. To learn more, visit a retail location.
http://www.windmobile.ca/support/faq/#question-3
Question Can I bring my own phone to WIND?
Yes, you can get a WIND SIM card and service without buying a WIND phone, though your phone will need to be unlocked and compatible with our AWS/1700 Mhz/BandIV network.
If you have an unlocked, AWS-compatible phone, here’s what you need to do:
Bring the phone or data stick you want to use to any WIND store or kiosk
Have a WIND retail specialist check to make sure your phone will work on our service
Sign up for a WIND plan, buy a SIM card and activate both
You’re good to go!
Unfortunately not all of our special offers are available with SIM-only purchase – but you’ll still get our awesome rates on our standard plans. There may also be certain limitations on functionality, such as the ability to use International Roaming. To learn more, visit a retail location.
Their phones, if you decide to purchase it from them, aren't that expensive. They don't have tons of options, that kind of sucks but right now they have a few of them on sale.
But if you don't like what they have, and already have your own but want the special offer, just buy their cheapest phone, get your line activated then just ditch/sell on CL the Wind phone and use their SIM in your own.
The cheapest one right now is $70 and there's one at $90 which is on sale from $140.
Honestly, I've paid the penalty to get out of a contract with Fido and then later with Solo (Bell). So overall I'm sure no matter what, I'm still going to be saving money in the end even if I pay the full $450 for the BB Bold.
And not having to deal with Fido or Rogers customer service makes it that much more appealing. lol
But if you don't like what they have, and already have your own but want the special offer, just buy their cheapest phone, get your line activated then just ditch/sell on CL the Wind phone and use their SIM in your own.
The cheapest one right now is $70 and there's one at $90 which is on sale from $140.
Honestly, I've paid the penalty to get out of a contract with Fido and then later with Solo (Bell). So overall I'm sure no matter what, I'm still going to be saving money in the end even if I pay the full $450 for the BB Bold.
And not having to deal with Fido or Rogers customer service makes it that much more appealing. lol
My only comment is this. Wind has a kiosk at a local Blockbuster I have been going to for many years. There is one young lady that has worked there for as long as I have been going there and we have become friendly. We were talking about Wind and she said that when Wind set up at the store she was thinking about getting a phone from them, but after a few weeks the number of phones returned was rediculous, so she has changed her mind. I did notice they do sell some phones not carried by other providers.
Just passing on a tidbit for others to think about.
D
Just passing on a tidbit for others to think about.
D
I myself have to suffer untill October 14th when my contract with rogers is up.....then I get to tell them to take a flyin fuck at a rolling donut....and then I am going to buy a Wind phone and enjoy good customer service and an even better price plan...a friend of mine has been on the Wind system for sometime and he has had no problems....though he splurged $550 on a google Android phone that would work on the cellular bands Wind uses...how good is Wind...well when he travels to Edmonton he tethers his laptop to his phone ans never had a problem with service.
Wind is pretty much just like Clearnet way back when...a small start up cell provider that did not screw you with a contract or with price plans or expensive phones...yeah you have to buy the phone....but you are not roped into a 3 year contract with nasty charges on you if you wish to terminate the contract...Wind is very similar to Clearnet....but you can bet Wind wont turn around and sell to 1 of the big 3 cell providers like Clearnet did when it sold out to Telus
For me to pay $180 for a phone that is pretty much identical to a blackberry (HTC Maple) and then pay $45 a month for unlimited calling/texting/voicemail/call ID/call forwarding and other stuff...add $10 for a more than adequate data plan and it is a no brainer for me + I dont get dinged for a system access fee/911 fee as well as paying for caller ID and my5 and unlimited evening/weekend calling and I also am not roped into a 3 year contract....FUCKIN A....the best part is that the Wind cell service area is only going to grow and get better over time.
I am swtching as soon and maybe even before my contract is up.....and no I do not work for Wind LOL
SR
Wind is pretty much just like Clearnet way back when...a small start up cell provider that did not screw you with a contract or with price plans or expensive phones...yeah you have to buy the phone....but you are not roped into a 3 year contract with nasty charges on you if you wish to terminate the contract...Wind is very similar to Clearnet....but you can bet Wind wont turn around and sell to 1 of the big 3 cell providers like Clearnet did when it sold out to Telus
For me to pay $180 for a phone that is pretty much identical to a blackberry (HTC Maple) and then pay $45 a month for unlimited calling/texting/voicemail/call ID/call forwarding and other stuff...add $10 for a more than adequate data plan and it is a no brainer for me + I dont get dinged for a system access fee/911 fee as well as paying for caller ID and my5 and unlimited evening/weekend calling and I also am not roped into a 3 year contract....FUCKIN A....the best part is that the Wind cell service area is only going to grow and get better over time.
I am swtching as soon and maybe even before my contract is up.....and no I do not work for Wind LOL
SR
lol i called customer service for fido and had this east indian who i couldnt understand. I thought wtf cant you guys hire someone who spoke english. I cant wait till my contract is up.
And not having to deal with Fido or Rogers customer service makes it that much more appealing. lol[/COLOR][/FONT]
Do you absolutely want data? Because if you don't really need it and don't mind going without it, chatr is probably pretty good.I'm looking for a phone and carrier right now.
I'm only concerned with lower mainland coverage.
I have low usage for time, data and text.
Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?
Thanks
For $45/month you get unlimited calls to anywhere in Canada & text messages and it also includes all the basic features (call display, voicemail, call waiting/forwarding & group calling). There's another plan @ $35/month.
It's a low frills service from Rogers and no contract. And they don't offer data so it really depends on whether you can go without.
Fido is owned by rogers....rogers bought out Fido the same as telus bought out Clearnet....in both instances it was a means to A:reduce competition and B:gain more market share.lol i called customer service for fido and had this east indian who i couldnt understand. I thought wtf cant you guys hire someone who spoke english. I cant wait till my contract is up.
In a recent parliamentary report the opinion was that Canadain consumers are getting the shaft from cell phone providers (meaning Bell/Telus/Rogers) and we are....cell customers with Verizon in the USA get plans with 5000 minutes a month that can be used anytime and they roll over and over...if you use say 2345 minutes in 1 month the unused minutes roll over....and this is offered at far less than ANY plan by a Canadian provider.
I know who is getting my business...VOTE with your wallets and purses guys and gals....if a strong enough message is sent then things will change.
SR
Have 4 accounts with Wind and they are a total and complete nightmare. Dropped calls are the norm, texts just disappear into the ether and i have called one phone from another in the same room and the call doesn't even show and never appears as a missed call. If you leave the wind zone you frequently cannot get a connection at all, even though you are supposed to be able to connect through another carrier.
Customer service is WORSE than Rogers, the longest wait I had was 2 hours and then the call dropped before I was connected. 40 minute waits are not unusual and the staff are frequently ignorant and unhelpful.
My advise is to avoid them like the plague.
I was delighted to get rid of Rogers but in my experience Wind are completely unsuitable for anyone in need of any semblance of reliability in their cell provider.
I was thinking of trying Verizon as I believe they have a US/Canadian package, the options here are all pretty grim.
Customer service is WORSE than Rogers, the longest wait I had was 2 hours and then the call dropped before I was connected. 40 minute waits are not unusual and the staff are frequently ignorant and unhelpful.
My advise is to avoid them like the plague.
I was delighted to get rid of Rogers but in my experience Wind are completely unsuitable for anyone in need of any semblance of reliability in their cell provider.
I was thinking of trying Verizon as I believe they have a US/Canadian package, the options here are all pretty grim.
not to hijack the thread, but i was having a problem with my 'puter all last winter. i phoned customer support many times and spoke to many canadian born technicians who tried to fix the problem but they couldn't. finally it was working so poorly that i phoned again, and i got an east indian that spoke english so poorly that i had to ask him over and over to repeat his questions and suggestions, which he patiently did. but guess what... eventually he solved the software problem that was causing the 'puter to malfunction. i thanked him profusely for his help, and he thanked me back for being so patient with his poor understanding of english, and we both wished each other a very good day and terminated the calllol i called customer service for fido and had this east indian who i couldnt understand. I thought wtf cant you guys hire someone who spoke english. I cant wait till my contract is up.
so i learned something valuable that day - sometimes real expertise comes from the least likely places... and conversely, the term asshole knows no colour
^^This is entirely true. My Bell Plan is $27.95+tax and includes 250 mins, unlimited incoming mins, 100 long distance mins, evenings\weekends from 6pm, caller id, voicemail and unlimited texting. The best window for negotiation is the last 1-3 months before the expiration of your plan. What phone companies usually do is take the base part of your plan and add features with 100% rebates\promos in order to make you sign on for another 3 years.
And so you are back to square 1...locked into another 3 year contract....no thanks.^^This is entirely true. My Bell Plan is $27.95+tax and includes 250 mins, unlimited incoming mins, 100 long distance mins, evenings\weekends from 6pm, caller id, voicemail and unlimited texting. The best window for negotiation is the last 1-3 months before the expiration of your plan. What phone companies usually do is take the base part of your plan and add features with 100% rebates\promos in order to make you sign on for another 3 years.
SR
Very true. I've been with Fido for 8 years. Always had a retentions plan. I just signed up a recent one to get the iphone 4. My current plan is:If you are looking to switch to Wind you can probably just do as well if not better by staying with Rogers and or Fido. They have a retentions department when you call to cancel just ask to be transferred and they can do wonders. Do not waste your time talking to the regular customer relations rep who can do jack. You have to come across as someone who wants to cancel.
200min, unlim. e/w after 5 pm, CID, VM, 2500 txt msgs, Fido 2 fido, 6GB data plan all for only $40! (the 6GB data plan is a $30 add on on its own if you get it the regular route)
I think i will try them aswell. It was like the old Fido city plan and everyone did not want that plan but the people that still have it are lucky!I use Wind. I love them! $50 p/month for unlimited text and talk to anywhere in Canada. It's not so cheap if you travel outside of their limited zones frequently, but it's great if you plan on staying within the lower mainland.
There haven't been many dropped calls for me (only in elevators). I also found the customer service to be exceptional. They accept complaints and concerns via Twitter, email, and such and I find they take them seriously. Maybe I've just been lucky?
Well my old blackberry finally died this week...the trackball died and that was it...the phone was useless for what I required....I had the choice of either opting for the handset upgrade from rogers and being roped into a fresh 3 year contract (my cellphone contract lasted longer than my marriage BTW) or I could opt to go with Wind Mobil.....luck was on my side in that the rogers bill I just got was the final bill of my contract...the phone is still active till mid October but I shut it off and wont use it for anything so that I dont get dinged for overages etc...as well as for data charges that rogers has miscalculated on EVERY bill
I have been on Wind mobile for 2 days now...setting everything up was easy and the salesman was very helpfull.....thus far I have had no problems....never experienced a dropped call so far even calling to a friend in BC or with a long conversation I had last night....the phone I bought was the HTC Maple...pretty much the same idea as a blackberry...it works fine for what I need for work...though some tweaks are needed to fine tune it.....I have lost internet connection in 2 locations so far....I also lost internet connection with rogers in 1 of the same places so go figure.
All told I am quite pleased....I have a new phone that is better than my old one.....I did have to buy it but no big deal there....I am not roped into a nasty contract that includes abusive fees such as system access/911 that are arbitrarily charged to me....I have cut the cost of my monthly cellular bill by more than half and will enjoy more convenience features such as included call waiting/caller ID/call forwarding/Voicemail as well as unlimited calls incoming and outgoing and the same thing goes for texting.
IMO this is win-win.....decent cellular service at a fair price...with no nasty contract...yes the coverage area is not huge....and neither was rogers/telus/clearnet when they started out....give Wind time to grow and they will and so will the coverage.
I am just so glad to be rid of rogers...they suck wet ass.
SR
I have been on Wind mobile for 2 days now...setting everything up was easy and the salesman was very helpfull.....thus far I have had no problems....never experienced a dropped call so far even calling to a friend in BC or with a long conversation I had last night....the phone I bought was the HTC Maple...pretty much the same idea as a blackberry...it works fine for what I need for work...though some tweaks are needed to fine tune it.....I have lost internet connection in 2 locations so far....I also lost internet connection with rogers in 1 of the same places so go figure.
All told I am quite pleased....I have a new phone that is better than my old one.....I did have to buy it but no big deal there....I am not roped into a nasty contract that includes abusive fees such as system access/911 that are arbitrarily charged to me....I have cut the cost of my monthly cellular bill by more than half and will enjoy more convenience features such as included call waiting/caller ID/call forwarding/Voicemail as well as unlimited calls incoming and outgoing and the same thing goes for texting.
IMO this is win-win.....decent cellular service at a fair price...with no nasty contract...yes the coverage area is not huge....and neither was rogers/telus/clearnet when they started out....give Wind time to grow and they will and so will the coverage.
I am just so glad to be rid of rogers...they suck wet ass.
SR
