WIND Mobile

[trulankan]

anybody currently with WIND mobile? How is their coverage around the GTA (Scarborough, Markham, Pickering/Ajax, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton). I need to get a new phone and their prices are great but i'm worried about their coverage. I checked the map and their zone is pretty much within my range of usual travel but I'm wondering how their reception is within their zones. I'm currently with Rogers and my reception sucks ass at home in Scarborough and at my work in Mississauga. I rarely get a signal at work but my coworker who has Bell has no problem. I frequently drop calls or get poor call quality due to low bars when I am at home as well. I think it might be more of a problem with my rooted, custom-rom phone though lol. I have a Samsung Captivate with a custom ICS AOKP rom.

[MarkWB]

You will not get reception at Port Union park, the coastline of pickering, rouge beach, and in the "new" area of Brampton you will also not get reception. Don't expect reception in Caledon, or anywhere outside the major catch basin of the city. I don't recommend them if you're leaving rogers because of reception issues, my close friend has wind and I have rogers and places he doesn't have reception I sometimes do, but he never has reception anywhere I don't.

[peterm15]

Reception problems may be a problem with the phone itself.

As for " mapped" zones. If your in the city all the time it's great. But for me I travel a lot and it's not even worth my time to look at.

I am also with Rogers, but never have a problem with reception anywhere I am ( I spend a lot of time in Mississauga and in Scarborough) no problems with reception. I have an iPhone 4.

[tmpz]

If you're having problems on Rogers, then you'll probably run into the same reception issue with Wind/Mobilicity. The frequency that Rogers/Bell/Telus uses penetrates buildings a lot better than Wind/Mobilicity.

Are you sure it's not your phone? Got any other phones to test out?

[m_bisson]

It's true; Rogers does have better penetration....when they're ****ing you in the ass.

[MPS]

wind sucks in Toronto

[KenYork]

I'm currently on Wind. Their network is different from Mobilicity as I was with previously. For both companies there are dead zones throughout the city. but so does Rogers and the other carriers. I live is west Mississauga without any problems.

[bradrel]

The minute I hit burlington or right out of Mississauga, my buddies phone had zero reception. Maybe good if you're in the gta most the time like said above.

[Impressive]

In Milton, reception for WIND Mobile basically goes something like...

North of Derry Road and not too far West = maybe...probably
South of Derry Road = Hell no.

I looked into it for my dad because he was considering switching to WIND and getting an S II, but now he's on a company plan on Bell with an S III

[ZeroChalk]

what's the point of having a cell phone with no reception because it's outside the coverage area? I'm on rogers and so far the only time I get no reception is if I'm out camping (i.e. interior) or at a really far cottage. Other than that, it's pretty good. If you take the phone into the US, is it picked up by another carrier?

[lcianf01]

I have Koodo and i have excellent Reception everywhere i go

[tmpz]

Btw, 2 of my friends has Wind: Nexus S and a Nokia (not sure which model, it's pretty old). We went to Buffalo and the reception was fine up until we hit the border. The Nokia had a weaker signal though.

[peterm15]

The only place I didn't get reception with my Rogers iPhone was rural Newfoundland. But I did get reception in cornerbrook, gander and st johns. Plus some scatter places.

I've been with Rogers for over 10 years. Had 1 Nokia phone with a reception problem in DT TO. other then that it's been fine.

I honestly think you should pop your sim into another phone and see what happens.

[trulankan]

i really think its probably my phone and this shitty rom i put on it lol im stuck with rogers until 2013, i love my plan as its a steal but i would have pay the rediculous early upgrade fee in order to get a new phone

[tmpz]

Not sure if the Galaxy Nexus deal for $299 no contract from Mobilicity or Wind is still available. I think most places are out of stock.

[peterm15]

Are you sure your not eligible?
They have changed the contracts. There is no longer an early upgrade fee. You just have to pay off the phone remainder.
For example. My 3yr contract expires oct 2013. But I can upgrade now for like 50 bucks. It all goes off of your bill amount.

If your having problems call customer retention. Ask how much to cancel your plan, they will ask why and explain it. Ask for a new phone and they will offer you phones for the 3 yr contract price.

[SilentJay]

Are you sure your not eligible?
They have changed the contracts. There is no longer an early upgrade fee. You just have to pay off the phone remainder.
For example. My 3yr contract expires oct 2013. But I can upgrade now for like 50 bucks. It all goes off of your bill amount.

When was this instituted? I called them about 2 weeks ago asking how much to cancel and was offered a new phone at the 3 year rate after paying them $190 to break my existing contract, which ends Oct 2013 as well.

[peterm15]

Maybe you pay alot less per month then I do. It came into effect at least 6 months ago. Again it all depends on the contract price and phone price.

Either way. Call customer retention, the best people to talk to at Rogers. They should give you a phone for the 3 yr contract price without renewing yours. Or at least wave the fee.

I once called ( I can only deal with them) and asked why my phone bill was $3 over when I have 1000 rollover minutes for a year. She explained that was only for 3 months. I said ok. Thank you, then she cut me off. Asked me to hold. Lowered my bill by $20 a month while giving me a better plan. Then out of the blue decided to give me a discount on my cable bill and 3 months free Internet. All because I was nice to her.

[Lockdown]

Being nice is key as is paying your bills on time and in full every month. If you have a lot to bring to them as a customer then they will try much harder to keep you.

As for WIND I know two people who have had issues with customer service on top of the phone and they are the only people I know using WIND.
One was even told, you get what you pay for from the person at the kiosk.

[zoso]

Been with wind a few months after they came out

When i first got the phone there were a lot of dead zones but thank fully never anywhere i really used it, over time it got better and i could use it in more places. I still hit a dead zone every now and then (my bros house). but in some dense buildings it's bad too, high frequency signals do not penetrate that well

Soon there will be an auction for a 700Mhz frequency which if Wind gets they will be able to catch up to rogers a lot faster

Few tips
If you can afford the phone outright, get prepaid, this way you avoid any roaming charges if your phone decides to hop to another network or roam it wont' work because there is no money to pay for it and you get the same plans either way
If you can wait until a good promotion comes up than wait, i managed to get the holiday miracle plan $40 unlimited NA calling, Global texting, Data, VM, Caller ID etc. IMO the best plan ever
Keep a shoppers prepaid card at home/wallet, incase you need to top up for what ever reason you can just walk into a Shoppers and give it to them, I had a few issue but they never declined it.

[zoso]

Being nice is key as is paying your bills on time and in full every month. If you have a lot to bring to them as a customer then they will try much harder to keep you.

As for WIND I know two people who have had issues with customer service on top of the phone and they are the only people I know using WIND.
One was even told, you get what you pay for from the person at the kiosk.

LOL you get what you paid for from Wind, but you don't get what you paid for from Rogers :P

[Ozil]

Other than that, it's pretty good. If you take the phone into the US, is it picked up by another carrier?

I have rogers and when I went to Buffalo last year,it automatically switched to AT&T

[zoso]

I have rogers and when I went to Buffalo last year,it automatically switched to AT&T

Wind gets picked up by T-mobile due to the frequency

[SilentJay]

Maybe you pay alot less per month then I do. It came into effect at least 6 months ago. Again it all depends on the contract price and phone price. Either way. Call customer retention, the best people to talk to at Rogers. They should give you a phone for the 3 yr contract price without renewing yours.

I pay roughly $80/month and maintain a three-digit credit balance on my account at all times :P I do always end up speaking with retentions, but it takes me a few calls to get what I want. I just called in to inquire about the contract length and didn't really push for anything this time.

[Lockdown]

LOL you get what you paid for from Wind, but you don't get what you paid for from Rogers :P

I am definitely the exception to the rule but the only issue that I have with rogers is they perform their system updates for HD cable at 2:00AM every night.
So regardless what I am watching on TV, the box has to shutdown. It's a 10 min issue at the most.

I have zero cell issues and from time to time they call me up and just randomly (1-3 times a year) send discounts or freebies.

I do know people that have issues but when WIND says we can't help you, go use the website and your only internet is your phone, there's an issue, if the very problem is the lack of service on your handset. Again something that was easily fixed but it was the attitude at WIND that got me.

[trulankan]

I pay roughly $80/month and maintain a three-digit credit balance on my account at all times :P I do always end up speaking with retentions, but it takes me a few calls to get what I want. I just called in to inquire about the contract length and didn't really push for anything this time.

wow, $80 a month?! I hope you are getting a good plan for that amount...I only pay $50/month all-in and dont want to pay any more than that lol

[SilentJay]

It is a bit much, so next renewal i'll be working to get a $10 credit off my data, as I see so often. My bill is $76 after taxes if you want to be more precise :P

It's an older voice plan so I still have that stupid SAF charge on the account, but essentially I get 450 minutes, evenings and weekends at 5, rogers-to-rogers, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited incoming, voicemail, callerID, and 6GB LTE data.

[trulankan]

It is a bit much, so next renewal i'll be working to get a $10 credit off my data, as I see so often. My bill is $76 after taxes if you want to be more precise :P

It's an older voice plan so I still have that stupid SAF charge on the account, but essentially I get 450 minutes, evenings and weekends at 5, rogers-to-rogers, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited incoming, voicemail, callerID, and 6GB LTE data.

thats decent i guess since its LTE...i get 350 mins, eve/wkn at 5, network calling, unlim incoming, 2,500 txt, voicemail/caller ID, and 1GB data for $50

[zoso]

It is a bit much, so next renewal i'll be working to get a $10 credit off my data, as I see so often. My bill is $76 after taxes if you want to be more precise :P

It's an older voice plan so I still have that stupid SAF charge on the account, but essentially I get 450 minutes, evenings and weekends at 5, rogers-to-rogers, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited incoming, voicemail, callerID, and 6GB LTE data.

I don't get how Wind can offer unlimited plants but Rogers (and the others) is still in the ice age with this call after 5, or network to network BS.

[peterm15]

I don't get how Wind can offer unlimited plants but Rogers (and the others) is still in the ice age with this call after 5, or network to network BS.

They do offer unlimited, although in a family plan.

Keep in mind. These unlimited plans work with zone coverage. Bell telus and Rogers have unlimited plans that do not work with zones. Anywhere the phone works. It's unlimited.

[SilentJay]

I don't get how Wind can offer unlimited plants but Rogers (and the others) is still in the ice age with this call after 5, or network to network BS.

Little of everything really... On one side, they have lower overhead and everything in the world to prove in this market as new players so they have to undercut via pricing. On the other side, Ro-Bell-Us are all conniving, greedy, and collusionary bastards bolstered by backroom BJs from the CRTC and an indifferent government.

[tmpz]

I get the following with Rogers:
250 Minutes, Evenings start at 5
My 5 Canada
Unlimited Text
1GB Data
iPhone Value Pack with Voicemail - Visual Voicemail and CallerID

Credits
GRRF Fee Waived
50% off Value Pack
$10 credit

Total after taxes = $52.xx

If the iPhone 5 is available for Wind/Mobilicity, I'm switching!

[trulankan]

Little of everything really... On one side, they have lower overhead and everything in the world to prove in this market as new players so they have to undercut via pricing. On the other side, Ro-Bell-Us are all conniving, greedy, and collusionary bastards bolstered by backroom BJs from the CRTC and an indifferent government.

+1 all corporations are greedy

[DumpInfo]

If the iPhone 5 is available for Wind/Mobilicity, I'm switching!

I agree hands down. I'm currently on Wind but hate the coverage and the call failures it's a complete piss off especially when I'm up north (cottage) of Peterborough and I no longer have signal like wtf? Aside from the cheap monthly bill (2 phones at $62.xx, for unlimited data, calls, etc..) it's okay but could be a lot better. Anyways if the iPhone 5 comes out I'll be on that like rice. But might still consider switching providers cause I'm sick of wind at this point and it's only been like 7 months or so... :s

[trulankan]

I agree hands down. I'm currently on Wind but hate the coverage and the call failures it's a complete piss off especially when I'm up north (cottage) of Peterborough and I no longer have signal like wtf? Aside from the cheap monthly bill (2 phones at $62.xx, for unlimited data, calls, etc..) it's okay but could be a lot better. Anyways if the iPhone 5 comes out I'll be on that like rice. But might still consider switching providers cause I'm sick of wind at this point and it's only been like 7 months or so... :s

psshh iphone 5...it will be "revolutionary" for 3 months or less. Android FTW :)

[zoso]

The main thing is that it all depends on where you are and want to go, Wind is not for everyone. For me it's great but for a brother in law who does work around the GTA it's not, he cant afford to be unreachable

if you do go with wind, try to limit your talk time and try the data and texting from the areas you will be most. You only have 30 min talk time to test. You don't want to go past that, go home then realize you don't get signal from your house

[m_bisson]

It is a bit much, so next renewal i'll be working to get a $10 credit off my data, as I see so often. My bill is $76 after taxes if you want to be more precise :P

It's an older voice plan so I still have that stupid SAF charge on the account, but essentially I get 450 minutes, evenings and weekends at 5, rogers-to-rogers, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited incoming, voicemail, callerID, and 6GB LTE data.

Koodo gives you the same thing for 60, minus the LTE network.

[SilentJay]

Rogers-to-rogers, believe it or not, is quite handy :) Most people I know are on Rogers' network so I don't incurr any airtime charges. I thought Kodoo only gives 300 minutes though.

[Lactose]

It's true; Rogers does have better penetration....when they're ****ing you in the ass.

Agree.

[ZeroChalk]

psshh iphone 5...it will be "revolutionary" for 3 months or less. Android FTW :)

I borrow an android phone whenever I'm in the US... Can't say I'm a fan at all! I'm also using Android on my Nexus 7 tablet and I really don't like the interface. Maybe I'm too use to the Ipad but sometimes I get really angry at my tablet (OS).

*Patiently waitng for the Iphone 5*

[sp3GT]

Bumping an old thread, my Rogers contract ends in 4 days. Thinking of switching to Wind Mobile for the $39 special they have until Dec 24th.
Any thoughts?

Current Plan - Rogers:
300 Minutes, Evenings start at 5
Unlimited Evenings/Weekends / Rogers-To-Rogers
2500 Texts
6GB Data
iPhone Value Pack with Voicemail - Visual Voicemail and CallerID

Total after taxes = $58.xx

[Jenuine]

Bumping an old thread, my Rogers contract ends in 4 days. Thinking of switching to Wind Mobile for the $39 special they have until Dec 24th.
Any thoughts?

Current Plan - Rogers:
300 Minutes, Evenings start at 5
Unlimited Evenings/Weekends / Rogers-To-Rogers
2500 Texts
6GB Data
iPhone Value Pack with Voicemail - Visual Voicemail and CallerID

Total after taxes = $58.xx

You should definitely switch! Unlimited talk, text and data, plus voicemail for $39! :P

[Stathakos]

I have wind with my iPhone 5S I love it except for the service... A lot of times I'll find myself with low bars and even in my own house people complain that they can't hear me clearly during a call

[r4mi5awi]

Bumping an old thread, my Rogers contract ends in 4 days. Thinking of switching to Wind Mobile for the $39 special they have until Dec 24th.
Any thoughts?

Current Plan - Rogers:
300 Minutes, Evenings start at 5
Unlimited Evenings/Weekends / Rogers-To-Rogers
2500 Texts
6GB Data
iPhone Value Pack with Voicemail - Visual Voicemail and CallerID

Total after taxes = $58.xx

See if you can retain that plan when it expires. That's pretty good from one of the big 3! If not, guess Wind is fine.

[rzapata]

I have wind with my iPhone 5S I love it except for the service... A lot of times I'll find myself with low bars and even in my own house people complain that they can't hear me clearly during a call

^^ This

I know somebody who's on Wind here in Calgary, no reception in the underground lot (while I have a whopping 75%), no service just a few kilometers out of the city. But yeah, all depends on how you use your phone.

[greyseason]

Bumping an old thread, my Rogers contract ends in 4 days. Thinking of switching to Wind Mobile for the $39 special they have until Dec 24th.
Any thoughts?

Current Plan - Rogers:
300 Minutes, Evenings start at 5
Unlimited Evenings/Weekends / Rogers-To-Rogers
2500 Texts
6GB Data
iPhone Value Pack with Voicemail - Visual Voicemail and CallerID

Total after taxes = $58.xx

That is an unreal plan. I'll take it over for you! I get the same but less data/minutes and my bill is never lower then $80

[Jenuine]

^^ This

I know somebody who's on Wind here in Calgary, no reception in the underground lot (while I have a whopping 75%), no service just a few kilometers out of the city. But yeah, all depends on how you use your phone.

I think Wind coverage is pretty good in Toronto and GTA. There are some pockets where reception is horrible but it's getting better. I even got coverage when I was in Buffalo!

[rzapata]

I think Wind coverage is pretty good in Toronto and GTA. There are some pockets where reception is horrible but it's getting better. I even got coverage when I was in Buffalo!

Toronto coverage is not that bad I guess. But over here in boony town, you wouldn't want to risk it.

Ah, I miss TO....

[trulankan]

my old thread lol...if Winds service ever gets any better I may switch. I ditched my plan with Rogers (paid the same as sp3GT with same features but only got 1GB data). I'm with Virgin Mobile at the moment and their service is great (Bell network). I get unlimited Canada-wide talk/text and 2GB data for $56. This was a promo they had last Christmas.

[trulankan]

sp3GT i would try Wind out for a few weeks and see how their coverage is and if you are able to use it then you can leave or give away your rogers plan

[jeffjones]

You should definitely switch! Unlimited talk, text and data, plus voicemail for $39! :P

Except after 5GB in a month they will slow you data to half speed the next month.

[sp3GT]

See if you can retain that plan when it expires. That's pretty good from one of the big 3! If not, guess Wind is fine.

I can go on Month to month, and upgrade to a select list of phone. But I plan to buy nexus 5 anyways.

[Jenuine]

Except after 5GB in a month they will slow you data to half speed the next month.

I don't know many people who reach 5GB of data usage unless their phone is their only source of internet. I streamed a bunch of shows one month on my phone and only used 4GB.

[sp3GT]

That is an unreal plan. I'll take it over for you! I get the same but less data/minutes and my bill is never lower then $80

I've had a few people at work tell me that too.
I guess what I need to figure out is if I port out to Wind, try for a week or 2 don't like it. Can I port back into Rgers and retain my old plan?

[Jenuine]

I've had a few people at work tell me that too.
I guess what I need to figure out is if I port out to Wind, try for a week or 2 don't like it. Can I port back into Rgers and retain my old plan?

You can start a Wind plan but you'll have a different number, try it out for a week or two and if you don't like it, you can return it and get your money back as long as your usage didn't exceed your plan.

[r4mi5awi]

I'm under the impression that once a previously offered plan is no longer available, you most likely have to select the plans they currently have when your contract expires. I would try my hardest however to expect a similar offer when negotiating with a customer service rep. If you can go month to month with your old plan. Stay with it! Tech is only gonna get better and data demands will only get higher.

[jeffjones]

I don't know many people who reach 5GB of data usage unless their phone is their only source of internet. I streamed a bunch of shows one month on my phone and only used 4GB.

Couple Netflix movies at work and your over lol.
I consistently hit about 4Gb every month.

[Jenuine]

Couple Netflix movies at work and your over lol.
I consistently hit about 4Gb every month.

That's what the internet at work is for! :P

[jeffjones]

That's what the internet at work is for! :P

Not when they monitor it lol

[SirWanker]

That's what the internet at work is for! :P

Unless it is related to your position or you're signing the paycheques......

[CloudPump]

I tend to work at work. I don't have time to watch movies.

That said; I've been with WIND for about a year (come January) and I am a very satisfied customer. I live in the beaches in toronto and have excellent reception, I work in Markham and have excellent reception there as well. My brother-in-law is just outside of St. Catharines and the WIND network covers this as well, I've found that the WIND map on thier website is not up to date, there are many areas in the "planned expansion" area that are fully covered now. I've had no problem with dropped calls or slow data.

That said, the network is not everywhere. There are times when I've been off it in the summer when up at the cottage, well outside of the WIND zones. The phone automatically turns off the data when you're outside the unlimited areas, however you can turn it back on if you want. You will still be able to receive texts at no charge but sending them will cost you 10c. You can still make or take calls, but again, it will cost you.

Before I was with WIND, I had an iPhone with Rogers. I had less service (read: plan features, not reception) from them for quite a bit more money. With WIND I've got unlimited everything, including north-america wide calling and global texting for less than half of what my Rogers bill came in at each month. Even when I've been off the network and used my phone extensively, I've never come anywhere close to what my Rogers bill would have been.

If you live in the WIND zone and spend the majority of your time there, I'd highly reccomend them.

-Geoff

[Jenuine]

Not when they monitor it lol

My company blocks streaming but I found a website that bypasses it. I only do it on my break though, I don't do it during work hours lol.

[sp3GT]

Another issue I'm considering is data, I currently have an iPhone 4 so I have not been able to take advantage of LTE. But I do find the phone slow when loading data related things like videos or even tunein radio.

I had my buddy with a Nexus 5 run a speed test and he got 3mbps Dn & 1 mbps Up - I got 5mbps Dn & 0.8mbps Up

I think nowadays, many of us spend a lot of time on data and texting more than talk, so I think that's a major consideration for me.


I'm under the impression that once a previously offered plan is no longer available, you most likely have to select the plans they currently have when your contract expires. I would try my hardest however to expect a similar offer when negotiating with a customer service rep. If you can go month to month with your old plan. Stay with it! Tech is only gonna get better and data demands will only get higher.

Rogers rep told me they have a grandfather rule, so they can't take it away from me unless I upgrade to phones that require the new plans. Generally, the expensive devices like iPhone 5S & Samsung Galaxy S4.

[Wylie]

you're current plan is amazing for being from rogers.. nowadays youd pay 85 before tax for just 2GB data