[Arcaneind]

Today the straw finally broke the camel's back!

After years of not switching from Bell for home phone, long distance and Internet because I didn't want to change my e-mail address, an add-on fee finally did it. Not only had Bell quietly upped my Long Distance plan from $7.95 to 9.95 but I learned that the $5.95 "Network Charge" on my phone bill was actually a additional long distance fee in disguise!

I have been looking at TekSavvy for a long time in RedFlagDeals and DSLReports so I made the call and switched.

Based on my math:

• Home phone - $11.20 per month cheaper (based on line, call display & non-published number)
• Long Distance - $10 per month cheaper (based on my 6-month average of 242 minutes @ $0.029/minute)
• Internet - $21.16 per month cheaper (but I do have to buy a modem for $60)

That's over $400 a year (closer to $500). I was considering Yak for long distance until TekSavvy told me their based rate per minute is cheaper.

*I'm not pushing TekSavvy because I cannot speak for the quality of their service yet BUT that is significantly cheaper!

 

[CanadianCapitalist]

I don't have any experience with Teksavvy but Yak is great. Also, I'm planning on signing with National Capital Freenet (available only in Ottawa) for internet service. I'm tired of paying close to $50 with Bell. NCF is $30 with a modem purchase.

 

[mfd]

I went through the same experience with Bell. I finally had enough and decided to move my internet service. Unfortunately I still have a bell land line . I have yet to deal with teksavvy support but I have plenty of friends using the services and they are happy with it.

 

[FrugalTrader]

I don't have any experience with Teksavvy but Yak is great. Also, I'm planning on signing with National Capital Freenet (available only in Ottawa) for internet service. I'm tired of paying close to $50 with Bell. NCF is $30 with a modem purchase.

I second YAK for long distance on home and cell service.

 

[Ben]

Yes, my wife gets the credit a year ago for telling me about the long-distance charge cleverly disguised as a network charge. We have Bell basic phone line, with YAK LD plan (3.5c/min I believe). About $30/month, after tax and average LD charges.

 

[Elbyron]

Here in Alberta, Telus also has a similar scam, where they charge you hidden LD fees on top of a monthly "long distance plan" charge, which gives you the "privilege" of paying a ridiculously high rate (I forget what it was, but several cents per minute at least). My fiancee used to pay for this until I showed her that you can get long distance plans such as Yak for $0/month that give you much better rates than Telus.

 

[Leading Edge Boomer]

Oh No! Don't deprive Bell of revenue people. I need those nice dividends they pay me.

 

[Sampson]

Yeah, those telecomms - they just don't get it. They had a monopoly for so long that they stopped focusing on service, and innovation within the field.

I can't say I'm too surprised those dinosaurs are beginning to lag and get hit hard by the two big cable companies - who interestingly enough, are both family business - operated at the core with a somewhat 'small business' mentality.

Good for consumers, finally.

 

[Arcaneind]

Opps!

I sent out an e-mail to my friends and family telling them that I'm switching from Sympatico and to use my new e-mail address. Of course I used the opportunity to knock Bell, as well.

I forgot that one of my friends has a new job working at Bell and made an attempt to keep me as a customer. I apologized for my insensitivity but still declined out of principal (plus I figured that they still wouldn't match that price point). I was then told that there is a "big push" internally at Bell to address some of these issues. Hope it works for them.

 

[pwo]

I don't have any experience with Teksavvy but Yak is great. Also, I'm planning on signing with National Capital Freenet (available only in Ottawa) for internet service. I'm tired of paying close to $50 with Bell. NCF is $30 with a modem purchase.

Wow... Freenet is oldschool. I'd like to know how it works out. I'm currently paying Bell their premium for average service.

 

[DMat]

Yes, my wife gets the credit a year ago for telling me about the long-distance charge cleverly disguised as a network charge.

It's really sad how few people question it. In 2002ish, it was $1.25/month, but that doesn't make it any less a clever disguise.

 

[GregR]

Tried to loose BELL Three times!!!!

I've been trying to rid myself of Bell Satellite service for three years now.....

But every time I call to cancel due to thier poor customer service they either give me free satellite for six months, half price for a year and this time half price for six months.

Almost worth the cost at half price.....

Even if you don't want to cancel your dish or internet service try calling and tell them you want to cancel thier service and switch to someone else and see what they come back with.


https://www.networthiq.com/people/GregR

 

[mfd]

Even if you don't want to cancel your dish or internet service try calling and tell them you want to cancel thier service and switch to someone else and see what they come back with.

I wrote an article about calling your providers about getting discounts. Its amazing how apprehensive people are to making a 5 minute phone call that can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

 

[cheapo]

Bell then Rogers now Atlantic Telecom

Im now on my 3rd telephone service provider, which isnt all that bad considering. At first i was with Bell for many years and finally got tired of their "take it or leave it" attitude and high bills. Rogers offered a pretty good deal and so i went with them and again, after time they start bumping up their bills and charge crazy amounts in additional add on charges, such as "system access fees" - total scam!

Anyway i have my internet with cogeco and my TV (i refuse to bundle it all with one supplier as then they basically have you where they want you).

I am now with atlantic telecom and have to admit i am impressed at the savings i have made. No set up fees, no "system access fees" etc and a lot of features which i may never use, but heck for once i have more than i need for less than i could expect.

I was a little hesitant about switching once again, but a saving is a saving and im saving $50.00 month and i can talk all i want in canada, the usa and europe and i pay $20 bucks a month!

Hopefully i wont be switching again in the future, i think i found my "happy medium" good service, good price and great savings, so pat on the back for me!

Anyone thinking about giving bell, rogers or any other "rip off" phone companies the boot should try this voip company, it works well and i even kept my number - for FREE!

 

[George]

Here in Alberta, Telus also has a similar scam, where they charge you hidden LD fees on top of a monthly "long distance plan" charge, which gives you the "privilege" of paying a ridiculously high rate (I forget what it was, but several cents per minute at least). My fiancee used to pay for this until I showed her that you can get long distance plans such as Yak for $0/month that give you much better rates than Telus.

You might want to look into Shaw's basic home phone service ($21/mo, includes 4 cents/min long distance and call display). If you'd like to stay with Telus, you can call them and ask for the retentions/loyalty people, and they'll match Shaw's offer.

I called Telus today and dropped my local line from $25.90/mo (without call display or a long distance package) to $22.95/mo (with call display and 4 cents/min long distance). In both cases the number is unlisted (an extra $2/mo).

There are deals to be had, but often you have to threaten to cancel your service to receive them.

 

[Arcaneind]

Just as an update.

For those apprehensive about switching.

My phone and ADSL switch (internet) to TekSavvy was a seamless transition. I didn't realize that the phone had even switched over at first. I had to buy a modem for the internet switch, but five minutes to input my new password and I was done.

This months saving will pay for the modem alone!

 

[CanadianCapitalist]

Any updates on whether you all are happy with Teksavvy phone & internet? I've decided to say goodbye to Bell. I currently pay $75 for phone + Internet. Looks like I'll be paying $60.37 for the exact same service from Teksavvy. That's enough of an incentive for me to switch.

 

[Toronto.gal]

Only have internet with them and no complaints at all thus far [been with them for only 1/2 year].

 

[brad]

We've managed to reduce our Bell fees by dropping services we don't need and going to cheaper plans, but I agree that the continuing price hikes make it very tempting to leave. I will say this about Bell, though: their on-the-ground repair techs are fantastic. Every time I've called with a problem, the people who came to fix it were professional, efficient, and conscientious. Some of the best service I've ever gotten from any company anywhere. Over-the-phone tech support is of course not at the same level, I'm not referring to that here.

 

[HaroldCrump]

I've decided to say goodbye to Bell. I currently pay $75 for phone + Internet. Looks like I'll be paying $60.37 for the exact same service from Teksavvy. That's enough of an incentive for me to switch.

If price is the only reason, you can call and simply ask for a discount.
If you have been a long-time customer, your chances are good.
In the past few weeks, I have called and received $10 off each of my services.
I'm now paying $24.95 for landline (including CID, call waiting, etc.).
I'm paying $40 for Fibe internet.
And (I believe) $30 for basic dish.
Each of these is about $10 off regular prices.

Every time they increase prices, I call and ask for a discount.
I couple of times I had to threaten to cancel, got escalated to their retention dept. and they re-instated the discount.
I have been doing this for at least 3 years now.

Now, if you hate Ma Bell from the bottom of your heart and nothing will make you stay, that's another matter....

Switching is a hassle, so I'd rather spend a few mins. calling and asking for a discount.
I'm willing to walk as well, if and when this strategy no longer works.