Rogers contract - what's the deal?

[spudhead]

So, in February of 2010, I renewed my Rogers contract on a 3-yr plan. At the time, I picked out some Samsung phone that has since broken down. No problem, I prefer my Sony Ericcson W810i anyway, from my original contract.

But here's the problem: I pretty much need a smartphone for work now (freelance journalist). I was offered a free early upgrade to some Windows-based Nokia smartphone, but I need Android or iOS for work.

My question is: When will I be offered my next free upgrade - 30 months, or 36? And will Rogers make it worth my while to stay, or should I hop the fence to Bell?

[Ascott]

First and foremost, there's no guarantee of a free upgrade ever. You probably will qualify for a free upgrade to some form of Android device around the 36 month mark, but there's no guarantees on that.

I would look around on Craigslist for a decent used device rather than wait on Rogers giving you a free upgrade. There's usually some pretty decent 1-2 year old phones up for $200 or less.

[spudhead]

Yeah, but I'm not enough of a techhead to know what to look for there. If I'm going to do that, I might as well upgrade to the windows smartphone anyway- the reason I don't want it is because there's one specific app that doesn't come for it, otherwise, I'm sure I'd be able to make do with it.

[dec12]

Ditch them. With 6 months left, your cancellation fee will be less than the incentive for a new activation at the other 2 big companies.

[spudhead]

Er, you mean they'll give me an incentive to switch? Does that mean Rogers will also put me to retention, if I threaten to cancel?

My home phone and internet are bundled with this as well, so it would be a hassle to switch, but I have been paying my bills on time for long enough, I want to see them do something for me ...

[spudhead]

They did offer me a Nokia 710 last month, as a promotion, but I want to run the Pirelli Super Bike app. Not available for Windows.

[gman]

They did offer me a Nokia 710 last month, as a promotion, but I want to run the Pirelli Super Bike app. Not available for Windows.

There is no free phone from Rogers. Even if they give you a 1 cent phone (i.e. Nokia 710), you still need to pay $35 upgrade fee.
I chose Motorola Razr XT910 (Android 2.3) phone for my wife. It is $29.99 + $35 = $65 + tax.

[dec12]

Er, you mean they'll give me an incentive to switch? Does that mean Rogers will also put me to retention, if I threaten to cancel?

My home phone and internet are bundled with this as well, so it would be a hassle to switch, but I have been paying my bills on time for long enough, I want to see them do something for me ...

No. The big 3 and their minions often give additional incentive to sign up for new 3 year contract, but not renewal. NCIX waived the $159 and $199 upfront cost of gs3 and note for new Bell activation but not renewal.

[spudhead]

So what you're saying is, I may have incentive to move to Bell, but none to stay with rogers?

[KevC]

Take a good hard look ar at Koodo's/Virgin's offerings before renewing a 3yr term with Rogers. They are typically much better.

There's also Mobilicity and Wind's Back to School promos too.. very aggressive.