Why you should unlock your cell phone

When you purchase your phone through a provider like Rogers or Telus, your cell phone is “locked” to that provider. This means unless you get your phone “unlocked”, you will be forced to use this device only with that cell phone network provider.

Unlocking your phone is perfectly legal in Canada, and many stores offer this cell phone unlocking service.  The main benefit you get with unlocking your cellphone is the ability to use it with any service provider you please.

Having an unlocked cell phone is really useful when traveling to another country. When you have an unlocked cell phone, you are able to use it with a sim card in whatever country you visiting. This will save you hundreds of dollars are prevent you from accumulating roaming service fees when traveling abroad.

 An unlocked cell phone can also benefit you finically in your own country. When you unlock your phone, you have the freedom to use any phone carrier you choose. That means if you are no longer happy with the service you are getting at Rogers, you can easily switch to Wind or another carrier and keep the same phone.

Prices for unlocking a cell phone vary based on your model of cell phone and the network it is locked to. If you need a quote on the price and how long it will take just contact Cell Clinic Vancouver.

Why you should unlock your cell phone

Saving Money With a BYOP Cell Phone Plan

cell phone savingsThe lure of a brand new discounted cell phone with a 2-year contact can be tempting, but is it worth it?

We wanted to do the math and report the details back to you!

We decided to look at buying your own iPhone 5S VS getting your iPhone subsidized by Bell in a 2 year contact.

Situation 1: Purchasing a iPhone 5S on a 2 year contact with Bell.

  • iPhone 5S 16GB = $300
  • 2GB Data Plan $85 per month X 24 Months = $2040
  • Activation Fee $15
  • Unlocking Fee $50

Total Cost Plus Tax = $2334

Situation 2: Purchasing an unlocked iPhone 5S from Apple and going on a month-to-month contact.

–  Cost of iPhone 5S 16GB from Apple = $719

  • Plan 1 $59 Fido Plan with 2GB data x 24 months $53 per month after 10% BYOD discount: $1274
  • Plan 2 $49 Fido Plan with 1GB data x 24 months $44 per month after 10% BYOD discount: $1058
  • Plan 3 $39 Fido Smart Plan with 400MB data x 24 months $35 Per month after 10% BYOD discount: $842

    Plan 1 total cost: $1993

    Potential savings vs 2 year contract = $341

    Plan 2 total cost: $1774

    Potential savings vs 2 year contract = $560

    Plan 3 total cost: $1561

    Potential savings vs 2 year contract = $773

    As you can see in any situation, it is almost always more cost effective to purchase your own device and not get it subsidized through a provider such as Rogers or Bell.

Always make sure to run the math before getting tempted into that 2-year contact. Not only will you be loosing money in the long run, you may potentially be tied into something for 2 years that you no longer want to be apart of.

Saving Money With a BYOP Cell Phone Plan