Forgot the cellphone plan

rachelvk

I was diagnosed in August and just got my first post-dx phone bill - with an extra $110 in voice charges. I guess when I got my dx, I had more important things on my mind than the fact that my doctors, hospitals and insurance company weren't going to be 'mobile to mobile' free minutes.

Just thought I'd post that for any newbies as something to add to their to-do list as they adjust to life with BC. I'm one of those people without a completely unlimited plan (hoping to upgrade to a smart phone soon - but I was holding back because the data plan would be another $50 a month...), but I'm sure there are others out there who might want to rethink their plan to accommodate the growing number of phone calls. 

AnnNYC

Same thing happened to me, Rachel -- only it was way more than $100 extra!  I called my plan and they were very nice about retroactively putting me on a plan with more minutes -- helped me out a lot.  So -- good advice Rachel! -- and I would add, to anyone who has already run up a bill, ask your cell-phone company if they can retroactively adjust your plan. 

rachelvk

Ann - I had good luck with my carrier, too. They switched me to a new plan (granted, $20 more a month, but better than surprises), backdated it so that it knocked out the 40 overage minutes I had already racked up, and credited me $30 toward the other bill. Made me feel so much better. It's all the little things you don't think about. After all, this is cancer, why should I be thinking about my cellphone plan???

rachelvk

Hadley - I hear ya. (Ooh! Did NOT mean that as a play on Verizon's 'Can you hear me now' slogan...) I got my last phone in 2005 - one of the earlier flip phones.

I've been tempted to get a smart phone but wasn't crazy about the extra cost of a data plan. But someone suggested while I'm in recovery, it would be better to text with friends rather than trying to sit at a desk or pull a laptop on my stomach. So I'm still considering it.

Chickadee

I finally opted for the iPhone and grabbed the unlimited data plan before it expired. It has been a godsend. I've been stuck on the couch a lot and the chair in front of my desk aggravates my back. I've used my home WIFI network so I'm not using cell minutes. I surf the net, surf Breastcancer.org, and play lots of Angry Birds and Solitaire. I'm glad I did it.

mrsnjband

That first month after dx was the one time we almost used up all our minutes.  We usually have a boat load of rollover minutes.  

bedo

I have a plan with a company for $40/month.  unlimited text, calls and camera.  My phone is simple, no internet etc.  I don't think we're allowed to say the names of companies here because it might be construed as soliciting business, but I really had to cut back.  It's a pre-paid plan.  They're a lot cheaper.  I pay the bill at the beginning of the cycle not after and then use all I want.