Bell Pkg texting not covered in US!!

[maggieb9975]

Ouch....I called Bell to get the plan that gives you the 100 minutes long distance coverage for my trip in October. In talking to them I wanted to confirm that our text bundle still covered texting at WDW.

Last time we were there my 3 DD's must have texted at least 1000 times....each!

Bell said as of August 1/08 when all the changes came re texting that our packages still covered unlimited texting in Canada only!!!!

So please be forewarned...I am glad I found out ahead of time...but sure ticked about it!!

[hockey mom]

I sure hope not because that is the only reason I got unlimited texts- for my Vegas trips.

[disneyfreak89]

That's a terrible shock! I wonder if its only on the package deals.

I called a couple of months ago and asked about adding texting for the month we'll be in Florida (October) and the girl on the phone said 'no problem', that it was something like $5 and I got up to 1000 texts and I could cancel when I got home.....gee....I better give them another call and BEFORE Sept. 29th otherwise they'll charge me a $3 fee for 'talking to a human being'. :sad2:

[F4disneyfan]

I just spoke with a Bell Mobility rep and was told that the TEXTING bundles are now not included. You can text from Canada to the US but not back and not within the US it is 60 cents a message for each text. So to text back and forth to each other while in the US is 60 cents per text same with texting from the US back to Canada. Now you can recieve texts from Canada in the US but you can't respond to the text without the 60 cents being charged.

[F4disneyfan]

That's a terrible shock! I wonder if its only on the package deals.

I called a couple of months ago and asked about adding texting for the month we'll be in Florida (October) and the girl on the phone said 'no problem', that it was something like $5 and I got up to 1000 texts and I could cancel when I got home.....gee....I better give them another call and BEFORE Sept. 29th otherwise they'll charge me a $3 fee for 'talking to a human being'. :sad2:

Atleast with Bell you get to talk to a human I am still on hold with Rogers and it has been 35 minutes now. Rogers has such stellar customer service LOL...:lmao:

I was going to post my findings from Bell and Rogers in one post but I got tired of waiting so I just posted what I got from BBell while I still wait for Rogers to get somone live to speak with. So I posted my Bell findings just in case there was a time limit in which your post could sit before you actually posted it.

[F4disneyfan]

So I finally got off the phone with Rogers. They are primarily the same as Bell other than the fact they have 2 plans one is 50 dollars and gives you 50 outgoing texts from the US and the other plan is 25 bucks for 5 outgoing texts from the US. After that they are 60 a text for text in the US this also includes texts between Rogers customers using their phones in the US.

[DearDaisyinDurham]

So I finally got off the phone with Rogers. They are primarily the same as Bell other than the fact they have 2 plans one is 50 dollars and gives you 50 outgoing texts from the US and the other plan is 25 bucks for 5 outgoing texts from the US. After that they are 60 a text for text in the US this also includes texts between Rogers customers using their phones in the US.

We were on hold last night - first time, "only" 10-15 minutes. Got an unhelpful rep, hung up. Oooops!! Second time was on hold for 67 minutes!! Eeek. Then found out we called "past our billing cycle date" so to add anything for the US would have to be charged 2 cycles, yada yada. Hubby was ready to switch to Bell. Finally got a very kind (3rd time is a charm) rep who helped us pick.

Tip - check your billing cycle and call a few weeks before your trip!

[disneyfreak89]

O.k. someone correct me if I'm wrong, but Solo Mobility is Bell right? That's what I have.

According to their website it says we can "Exchange text messages with your friends and family, anywhere in Canada and the U.S. Most incoming messages are free when you activate on a monthly plan with a text messaging bundle, and there are no long distance fees....A regular text message costs 15¢ to send and 15¢ to receive. If you have a monthly plan with a text messaging bundle, your outgoing messages will be subtracted and your incoming messages are free. If you have a prepaid text messaging bundle, your outgoing and incoming messages will be subtracted."

ETA: Oops....just stumbled across this just now "When you send a message while roaming in the US, you’ll be charged $0.60 for each message sent*. Sent messages are pay-per-use and are not included in the Text Messaging bundles. Received text messages are charged the same as if you were in Canada. *Premium text message charges are extra"

So, these two paragraphs seem to contradict themselves don't they? First they're telling me I can text message anywhere in Canada and the U.S. for 15 cents but if I'm 'roaming' its 60 cents?

[sean-1966]

BEFORE Sept. 29th otherwise they'll charge me a $3 fee for 'talking to a human being'. :sad2:


Whats this?? I gotta pay to talk to a rep???

[disneyfreak89]

Whats this?? I gotta pay to talk to a rep???

Yep, well, I just got a letter in the mail from Solo Mobile (Bell) and they want us to start using their 'self serve' options to top up our account, pay our bill, manage our features and more either with your cell phone or online. The letter said "if you prefer to speak with a Client Care representative, a $3 charge will apply....effective Sept, 29th." And their reasoning? "These self serve options let us continue to offer affordable rates."

Not sure what the other cell phone carriers will be doing, but they all usually follow suit. BTW, I emailed my carrier regarding texting in the U.S. so I'm curious to see what they say. I'm bracing myself for the worst of course. :upsidedow

[hockey mom]

How is it that if you signed up for a 3 year contract that included unlimited texting to and from the states that they can change it?

Could I not cancel my contract then?

[F4disneyfan]

How is it that if you signed up for a 3 year contract that included unlimited texting to and from the states that they can change it?

Could I not cancel my contract then?

My guess is they have a provision in there that stipulates the contract can change yada yada.

[Hockeychic]

This is confusing, I just called Bell in a panic because when I am in the US that is how I keep in contact with the kids....well not kids by my kids;) and the woman I spoke to I got her name...just in case. And I asked and she said no if you have the bundle on your phone.....unlimited texting...which I have. Then it is still included......only thing you need is roaming minutes and that is only if you are using the voice phone but texting is still ok.

So looks like we all got a bit of different info, but I heard what I wanted to hear and have a employee name so if any problems with my bill when I get back Bell will have a huge fight on there hands.

[maggieb9975]

This is confusing, I just called Bell in a panic because when I am in the US that is how I keep in contact with the kids....well not kids by my kids;) and the woman I spoke to I got her name...just in case. And I asked and she said no if you have the bundle on your phone.....unlimited texting...which I have. Then it is still included......only thing you need is roaming minutes and that is only if you are using the voice phone but texting is still ok.

So looks like we all got a bit of different info, but I heard what I wanted to hear and have a employee name so if any problems with my bill when I get back Bell will have a huge fight on there hands.

Hey there, I would call back....when I first called I was in shock and asked to speak to a supervisor and she confirmed that as of Aug 1...texting is NOT covered by our package.....I don,t think having a name will help you when you get that big bill...

I am so glad that I at least found out before I left.....

[maggieb9975]

How is it that if you signed up for a 3 year contract that included unlimited texting to and from the states that they can change it?

Could I not cancel my contract then?

I asked and they said no.......I know that there will be some action with this and someone will sue them...can,t wait to see it...texting was how we kept in touch with each other at the parks...it was fun..my kids would text me and say come on Mom ..no lineup at "" and by the time I had started to type that I was coming they would be texting me again saying are you coming???:rotfl: I am not a fast tester like my kids. Plus we texted home too!

I am so annoyed about this...now I will have to look at a buying a US phone of some kind.

[Hockeychic]

Hey there, I would call back....when I first called I was in shock and asked to speak to a supervisor and she confirmed that as of Aug 1...texting is NOT covered by our package.....I don,t think having a name will help you when you get that big bill...

I am so glad that I at least found out before I left.....

Actually no I am not going to rock the boat, calls are taped and she also she she would note my file, and I could hear her typing away as we spoke so I hope she did. I know I just early renewed my contact, last Friday actually and they told me I have many options no longer avail as I have a "grandfathered" plan. No access fees, no 911 fees etc. and a price I couldn't come close with, with any other company. So I don't know if that has something to do with it.

I might see if I can get a friend to call and ask the same questions but I don't want to call again with my # and keep my fingers crossed.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

On my Bell phone I have a plan that allows me 500 text messages per month and it's also good in the United States. I even sent a few messages last month while I was in Clearwater Beach and WDW. Finally on my latest bill I was not charged anything extra for those text messages.

[F4disneyfan]

On my Bell phone I have a plan that allows me 500 text messages per month and it's also good in the United States. I even sent a few messages last month while I was in Clearwater Beach and WDW. Finally on my latest bill I was not charged anything extra for those text messages.


This has changed we also have unlimited incoming and outgoing text on our plan but it is no longer for the US we can text to the US but not from.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This has changed we also have unlimited incoming and outgoing text on our plan but it is no longer for the US we can text to the US but not from.Well I don't know what to tell you because my texting plan worked for me while I was in the United States.

[F4disneyfan]

This is confusing, I just called Bell in a panic because when I am in the US that is how I keep in contact with the kids....well not kids by my kids;) and the woman I spoke to I got her name...just in case. And I asked and she said no if you have the bundle on your phone.....unlimited texting...which I have. Then it is still included......only thing you need is roaming minutes and that is only if you are using the voice phone but texting is still ok.

So looks like we all got a bit of different info, but I heard what I wanted to hear and have a employee name so if any problems with my bill when I get back Bell will have a huge fight on there hands.

We have had our contract set up for over 8 years and it is a BELL corporate plan with free evenings and weekends starting at 6 and free web browsing and texts unlimited and they are no longer free in the US. So do not be suprised if they are charging you for them bundle or no bundle if they are charging for them on the Bell corporate plan you can be sure you are going to get nailed with them on your plan.

Just like we had all free texts and now I get text updates about the HABS and they were always free they are now considered a premium text and no longer free I only pay 15 cents each for them not 60 like normal but they are not covered any longer.

[F4disneyfan]

Well I don't know what to tell you because my texting plan worked for me while I was in the United States.

Don't count on it happening going foreword.

[jenkh]

Well I don't know what to tell you because my texting plan worked for me while I was in the United States.

This new plan only went into effect in late August. I just called Bell myself as I have a trip in 2 weeks and was told my unlimited bundle no longer includes texts in the US. I can send from Canada to them for free, but when I'm in the states my bundle means nothing.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This new plan only went into effect in late August. I just called Bell myself as I have a trip in 2 weeks and was told my unlimited bundle no longer includes texts in the US. I can send from Canada to them for free, but when I'm in the states my bundle means nothing.Did they say what date this went into effect?

[maggieb9975]

I was told August 1 but it would vary within the month depending on your billing date.....

[maggieb9975]

Well I don't know what to tell you because my texting plan worked for me while I was in the United States.

What date where you in the States?

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

What date where you in the States?August 9th - September 1st. I also added the 500 text messages per month plan the same day I got the American calling plan and was not told the texting plan would not work when sending messages while in the United States.

[maggieb9975]

August 9th - September 1st. I also added the 500 text messages per month plan the same day I got the American calling plan and was not told the texting plan would not work when sending messages while in the United States.

Perhaps it had to do with when your billing cycle started....not sure....

The reason I started this thread was to let everyone know what Bell told me and to forewarn those that go to the states thinking they have their texting bundle......I didn't want it to get into a he said, she said debate......the IMPORTANT reason for this thread is to make people aware.....

Knowing Bell, I am sure that we all may get different responses and that is understood.....

However, I hope that if nothing else this thread makes everyone cautious of texting...

FWIW....The overwhelming majority of info from posters is that texting is NOT covered in a bundle while in the states.....

[F4disneyfan]

Perhaps it had to do with when your billing cycle started....not sure....

The reason I started this thread was to let everyone know what Bell told me and to forewarn those that go to the states thinking they have their texting bundle......I didn't want it to get into a he said, she said debate......the IMPORTANT reason for this thread is to make people aware.....

Knowing Bell, I am sure that we all may get different responses and that is understood.....

However, I hope that if nothing else this thread makes everyone cautious of texting...

FWIW....The overwhelming majority of info from posters is that texting is NOT covered in a bundle while in the states.....

You are correct and it isn't just with Bell it is Rogers also unless you pay the 50 dollars for 50 outgoing text messages for the month or 25 bucks for the 5 outgoing messages for the month. After those are used up it is bisuness as usual.

[potzie2]

Why would anyone get the Rogers 50 text messages for $50 when that works out to $1.00 each or you could just pay $0.60 each and not be bound to a commitment? Something seems amiss in this information.

Cheers,

Brian

[F4disneyfan]

Why would anyone get the Rogers 50 text messages for $50 when that works out to $1.00 each or you could just pay $0.60 each and not be bound to a commitment? Something seems amiss in this information.

Cheers,

Brian


Hey I don't make the packages I just posted what the Rogers CSR relayed to me when I called and asked.

[mousehse]

Bell said as of August 1/08 when all the changes came re texting that our packages still covered unlimited texting in Canada only!!!!
So please be forewarned...I am glad I found out ahead of time...but sure ticked about it!!

Just want to post and say THANK YOU!!! :thumbsup2
We are leaving in about two weeks for a DCL cruise and it's because of your post that I called Bell this morning to find out about our text package...we have unlimited texting and have used this feature from the U.S. many, many times in the past (especially my 17 year old son). Bell confirmed your original post...U.S. is now considered international...$0.60 per outgoing text without a package; $0.25 per outgoing text with my package; no charge for incoming. I told the customer service rep that the only reason I called to check was because of reading the information on this website and that Bell customers should have been more clearly notified of the change...he actually agreed.

Again...thank you! I may have had to declare bankruptcy upon my return home:scared: I feel bad for those that head out for a nice vacation and use the texting feature like any time in the past and then get caught paying a huge bill. :sad2:

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I got my most recent statement on Monday and yes my texting plan was not good while we were in the United States and each time it was $0.60 per message. While I kind of wished someone at Bell would have said the plan does not work while in the United States I should have realized before it would not and this is why. I also have an unlimited internet access on my phone that is only good while in Canada, but not in the United States. So I should have realized if that was no good while I am down there then the same should apply to the texting plan. At least I will know all that when we go back to WDW this December.

[F4disneyfan]

I got my most recent statement on Monday and yes my texting plan was not good while we were in the United States and each time it was $0.60 per message. While I kind of wished someone at Bell would have said the plan does not work while in the United States I should have realized before it would not and this is why. I also have an unlimited internet access on my phone that is only good while in Canada, but not in the United States. So I should have realized if that was no good while I am down there then the same should apply to the texting plan. At least I will know all that when we go back to WDW this December.


This is just one more reason we opted to buy a TracFone for our trips you can activate it and use it for calls and text then let it go dormant and re activate it later on.

[disneyfreak89]

Bell confirmed your original post...U.S. is now considered international...$0.60 per outgoing text without a package; $0.25 per outgoing text with my package; no charge for incoming.

Mind me asking what kind of 'package' you have? I just called Bell yesterday myself and when I asked if the 60 cents could be lowered somehow, she said "nope".....could be because I'm on a prepaid plan (pay as you go) but still, she could have 'tried' to sell me a package. :sad2:

[mousehse]

Mind me asking what kind of 'package' you have? I just called Bell yesterday myself and when I asked if the 60 cents could be lowered somehow, she said "nope".....could be because I'm on a prepaid plan (pay as you go) but still, she could have 'tried' to sell me a package. :sad2:

We have a family 150 plan (150 minutes per month shared between both phones, free local evenings/weekends) for calls with an additional "Fun 20" package add-on (Unlimited text and internet). The "Fun 20" add-on is $20 per month.

[disneyfreak89]

Thanks.

[maggieb9975]

Just want to post and say THANK YOU!!! :thumbsup2
We are leaving in about two weeks for a DCL cruise and it's because of your post that I called Bell this morning to find out about our text package...we have unlimited texting and have used this feature from the U.S. many, many times in the past (especially my 17 year old son). Bell confirmed your original post...U.S. is now considered international...$0.60 per outgoing text without a package; $0.25 per outgoing text with my package; no charge for incoming. I told the customer service rep that the only reason I called to check was because of reading the information on this website and that Bell customers should have been more clearly notified of the change...he actually agreed.

Again...thank you! I may have had to declare bankruptcy upon my return home:scared: I feel bad for those that head out for a nice vacation and use the texting feature like any time in the past and then get caught paying a huge bill. :sad2:

You are most welcome! Bell still doesn't seem to know what they are doing tho'....

I called today to get the $20 - 100 minutes package for calling home etc and asked again about texting...I have package too and she said outgoing texts would be .60 cents! So if I get them for .25 cents I will be happy.

Oh well, at least they are free to receive. For me that works 'cause my 3 teenage girls are not coming on this trip so they will be at home texting me if need to and then I can call them with all my answers...my husband is going to go crazy for 3 weeks:lmao:

[braydensmom]

Bell should really fix this, especially for the huge amount of people who now have data plans! Rogers easily beats Bell in this department. I have no idea now on what I am going to do, as I have a blackberry and will have to turn off the radio on it, so that I don't get data sent to me, but inturn i will not be able to recieve any texts...
I dont understand what the problem here is!

[maggieb9975]

Bell should really fix this, especially for the huge amount of people who now have data plans! Rogers easily beats Bell in this department. I have no idea now on what I am going to do, as I have a blackberry and will have to turn off the radio on it, so that I don't get data sent to me, but inturn i will not be able to recieve any texts...
I dont understand what the problem here is!

Hi there, have you called Bell 'cause I believe they do have a browser plan while in Florida...worth a try...

[braydensmom]

Hi there, have you called Bell 'cause I believe they do have a browser plan while in Florida...worth a try...

I just got off the phone with them, and with my corporate plan, i can have each MB for $8 on top of what i already pay. Text messages will be $0.60 I just dont understand why Bell can't just buy time or data from a company in the US so that its cheaper for us all. :confused3

[hockey mom]

My phone bill from my trip to Disney was $854:mad:

1054 text messages at .60 cents a pop. No way was I paying it and called bell.

He wiped off all my texting charges and told me that they have had a ton of complaints. No one, not even them were given notice of a change and that is why he cleared my bill. Now that I have been notified though I will have to pay for any future texting.

[Mickey1Fan]

The 60 cents a text is being charged by the U.S. carriers. It has nothing to do with Canadian Telephone Companies. Anyone who is having Bell reverse their charges will more than likely receive a bill directly from the company where the text messages originated. This has happened to me.

This is a really unexpected but we can't control what the U.S. is doing with the telephone network. Do not blame your Canadian carrier, they are unfortunately passing along the charges they receive.

Maggie, you should know that you will not receive text messages while at sea unless you have something like a worldwide blackberry. Seven miles or so off shore there are no cellular sites so you cannot send or receive texts. My phone only worked when were were in St. Thomas. on the seven night eastern cruise.

[maggieb9975]

Maggie, you should know that you will not receive text messages while at sea unless you have something like a worldwide blackberry. Seven miles or so off shore there are no cellular sites so you cannot send or receive texts. My phone only worked when were were in St. Thomas. on the seven night eastern cruise.

Thank!s Yep I pretty well knew that..Bell had warned me that service is iffy in CARRIBEAN...GLAD TO HEAR IT WORKS IN sT. tHOMAS AS THAT IS THE ONE ISLAND I MAY NEED TO USE MY PHONE...WE ARE TAKING A DAYSAIL AND MAY NEED TO CONTACT OPERATOr..


sorry about caps...I hate my laptop!!!