Fido is a Canadian cellular phone company. I won't even dive deep into that debate but I really dislike companies that hold customers at mercy. Monopolies are just horrible. You will be hearing that a lot. I use the word horrible a lot so I apologize in advance.
I would like to share my horror story with FIDO. I have been with this company for almost a decade. Why? Because I landed an amazingly cheap plan under $20 CND, very basic but I only needed it for emergency. I had purchased my own smart phone and didn't even receive a phone from them. I think I have the original one from when I signed up. I had upgraded in the last year to an unlimited data plan for $60 a month with them. I am not a contract.
Their service is not great, my phone can't even make calls when I'm up North. The other major providers like Bell, Rogers do much better but they don't have comparable monthly plans.
OK so today is Black Friday. The Samsung Galaxy 4s is being offered for $0 with a 2yr. plan from most providers. Their monthly plans are a bit higher but their reception is much better. I want this phone. I have a Samsung Galaxy now and I am happy with it so I would like the upgrade.
Well Fido is still offering the same phone for $275, they point out it was $375 yesterday.
ME THINKING OUT LOUD
So you are telling me you rip off customers?! If you ordered yesterday you would have paid more. Well, why not give them the promo' price if you know it's wrong?! I really dislike crooked business.
OK let me tell you a bit about the annoying customer service rep' - customer relations to be exact. It was a lady. She spoke very fast, wouldn't let me talk or ask questions. She had a hard accent which made it hard for me to understand her. She was rude and without even seeing her I gathered she felt superior.
So here is the deal she gave me. Because I am a loyal customer and they want to scam me.
ME THINKING OUT LOUD AGAIN That's what it's all about in my opinion. A contract a way is to ensure they get business but they can not provide good service.
What did they come up with?
1. Sign up for 2 years. Get the phone for $0 but you have to get a max plan which is $85 but we'll give it to you for $65plustaxes.
2. Sign up for 2 years. Get the phone for $170 and sign up for a smart plan which is what I have now so $60plus taxes each month.
THE HOOK? You can't move to a lower level plan during the 2yr period without charges. And, you can't cancel your contract without charges.
ME THINKING OUT LOUD
(doing that a lot in this post). I can buy a smart phone unlocked for $200-500, then use any provider and not worry about locking in a contract. I hate to feel jailed!
I have decided to wait it out and see what the new year brings. There are talks here in CANADA that the CRTC will be changing rules for wireless phone carriers to protect customers. And if it's not sweeter well maybe something better will come out and I can buy a used Samsung Galaxy S4 for a sweet deal.
Thanks for letting me vent and please share your views if you need to let some steam off too.
Mavra