Bell vs Rogers - phones, Internet & TV

[Tiger926]

We have been very loyal to Bell for 10 years no - we have always had very good service too. We get different loyatly discounts, plus bundle discounts, so we do pretty well.

We've been getting a free PVR, which we like, but that has come to an end. They don't make this particular model (10.00/month rental), as they only have more expensive HD model (20.00/month). I have to call tomorrow to talk to Loyalty/Retention Dept. to see what they offer me.

DH wants to seriously look at other options: TiVo, Rogers and local cable. I am not sure I can get Rogers in my city, but I was hoping to get opinions from those of you on Bell vs Rogers - the good, bad and ugly, please! I have been on their website, but it is confusing, as it looks like they don't have nearly the amount of TV stations that we get with Bell, their home phone section of website does not work for pricing, and they don't seem to have bundles. We already have our 2 cell phones with Rogers, and they are problematic with billing at times, so not sure if we are going to experience this with home phone, TV or Internet?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated, Tiger

 

[Debbie]

We have been Bell customers forever-Mom and DSis work(ed) for Bell, and I have a sense of loyalty. I have had Rogers for internet and cable-forever- and for for cell phones for a few years (4? 5?). When I priced cell phones-pay as you go AND plans- last time, Bell couldn't touch them. We had been Solo prior to that. I love my Rogers cells! I always have service, while DS (who has returned home, and is on Bell) is really frustrated with their service. note: we are in the 'boonies'

I just switched to Rogers home phone this past month. It was worth it for me. The bundling (yes, there is a 5% discount on each of internet and cable and cell phones.), along with the cheaper phone rates was worth it. And the fact that I can call any Rogers/Fido phone for free doesn't hurt. I was a little leery of the changeover, but it took 20 minutes and it was done. I love the voicemail emails and the onscreen call screen. How it will go, only time will tell, but right now, a definite

 

[Remmy]

Ask a lot of questions, is my advice.

We have Rogers for everything and have for quite some time. It works for my family.

The Good:
5% discount for each service (you need to 2 services to qualify for the 5% then go up from there, thus we have the home phone, cell phones, internet and tv so we receive the max 15% off) whereas Bell which my parents have only have $5.00 off each service, and I think ours works out to a better deal

Free PVR for lifetime back when they had it if you trade in your satellite equipment to them-love them but they don't have the plain ones anymore thus when they quit so does our offer I think

iPhones with the My5 which works for our family and free texting to those 5 and photo texting (my mom just went with Bell for her iPhone and photo texting not free)

Home Phone-free 500 long distance minutes per month, we don't call that often long distance but we do use it now since we have it. I like to call Disney when I have questions and now don't mind being put on hold.

Fairly good customer service.


The Bad:
Customer Service: always write who, when and details of your conversation. I always find when I say for example: I spoke with Mr. X on this date and this time and he said/I said, they don't try to go back on what might have been offered.
As well, they kept changing our accounts on us to add iPhones or when we added services, thus our bill did not look paid as we paid the old account and they didn't join them up. We finally straightened that around.
When they upgraded our tv plan, they couldn't put it in the computer our lifetime PVRs so now next September I have to call and remind them so we won't be charged (I wrote down everything from that conversation!)
Other than that no big issues, again if you have documentation I find they are always friendly and helpful.

Since my parents are with Bell for everything and I am with Rogers, I can say, we did what was good for our families. Deals change so fast, as I told someone at work about the cell phone deals and now they are not available at the good price I paid. I find, no matter which company you choose, the deals will change all the time and you just have to feel good about the deal you have with them.

I wish you the best of luck. We personally like Rogers (again, it all depends on your needs and the area you live in).

Remmy

 

[Remmy]

I forgot to add that I feel our internet service is much faster than my parents. I believe we have comparable plans and she only lives 3 blocks away. I love how speedy it is and we only have to wait when the site we are trying to reach is having issues, not due to our service, which isn't very often.

I don't know how much speed matters to you but to me and my family it means a lot. I sometimes have to use the internet at work (Bell) and they don't spring for the best service so it seems like you are waiting for forever or it looses the connection due to the slowness. I don't mind paying extra to not waste my time.

It could be our area too as we live in a city but it is not a major one by any means.

I wish you receive the deal that is best for your family.

Remmy

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks so much! Lots of hard research going on now. We have to make calls, consult promos, etc. We love saving money!

Great info, Tiger