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Fido Prepaid Calling Plans
Overview
Launched in 1996 as Microcell Solutions Inc., Fido is now a subsidiary of Rogers Wireless Inc. They have over 1.3 million subscribers in Canada.
Pros: You can get a very cheap airtime rate if you mostly call on nights and weekends. Free incoming minutes can also keep your bill low.
Cons: Their plans can get confusing, which makes it difficult to figure out which is the best plan for you.
Plans: Fido offers four different top-up cards. Minutes on the 10 dollar card cost 30 cents each. MInutes on the 20, 30, and 50 dollar cards cost 20 cents each, and evenings and weekends, starting at 7 p.m., cost 5 cents per minute. Fido also offers the option to pay 1 dollar per day for unlimited incoming local calls, with outgoing calls costing 30 cents per minute. There is also the option to pay 1 dollar per day for unlimited evenings and weekends starting at 6 p.m., with weekday calls costing 30 cents per minute.
Read more about Fido plans
Customer Service: Fido customer service is available through a toll free number from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, local time. Customer service can also be reached through e-mail.
Credit Check: None
Contract: None
Payment Options: Payment can be made with a prepaid airtime voucher, which can be purchased at many locations nationwide. Credit card payments are also accepted.
Text and Picture Messaging: Text messaging is 15 cents per outgoing message to other Canadian customers. Text messages to the U.S. cost 25 cents. Customers can also buy a daily text messaging package, 30 cents for 10 messages or 50 cents for unlimited messaging. Incoming text messages are free. Picture and video messages are 35 cents per outgoing message. Incoming picture and video messages are also free.
Data Plans: Mobile web is available from Fido for 5 cents per KB a la carte.
Downloadables: Fido has a number of ringtones, graphics, games, and music available for varying prices.
International Calling: International calling is available to a number of countries. Call customer service or visit their website for rates to specific countries.
Roaming Charges: Roaming with Fido prepaid is charged at $2.50 per minute and 40 cents per text message.
Calling Features: Voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and call forwarding are included at no additional charge.
Activation Fee: There is no fee to activate your Fido prepaid phone.
Long Distance: Long distance calls can be made to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada for 30 cents per minute plus normal airtime.
411 Calls: Directory assistance with Fido is available at an additional charge. Call customer service for rates.
Earliest Minute Expiration: The 10, 20, and 30 dollar airtime cards expire in 30 days. The 50 dollar card expires after 60 days.
911 Calls: Calls to 911 are free, but there is a 50 cents monthly 911 service fee charged each month.
Phones: Fido offers some of the newest handsets available on the market. Most of these are flip phones, but there are a few candybars and one smart phone available. Unfortunately, with the prepaid deals, the phones are rather expensive, ranging from $55 to $450.
Some Available Cell Models: Motorola W233 Renew
Motorola KRZR K1
Nokia 2760
Samsung SGH-F266
Sony Ericsson T303A
Coverage Map: View the Fido coverage map
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| Ian | 9/8/2011 |
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| Switched to Fido from a Rogers plan and saved a bunch! Still uses the Rogers Network, which for me, is the best coverage. I had problems with Telus and Bell but Fido (and Rogers) have been very reliable. | |||||||||||
| FACTS & Opinions about a TERRIBLE Experience | 5/28/2011 |
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| I have only been with Fido for 2 months and I have had to call for assistance for three different reasons. Each time I had a problem, I had to call the service centre AT LEAST 3 times before my problem was resolved. Aside from this, I had a few other problems. - Example 1 is a sample of my experience when calling Fido with problem. - Example 2 my experience with online account managementExample 1: Voice messaging is suppose to be free with a prepaid service, but I could not access it. The first time I called the service centre: I couldn't get transferred to a representative and my problem was not listed for touch-tone service. The second time that I called: I was able to speak to a representative who gave me the wrong information. He said I had to call a Toronto number to access my voice mail. The number directed me to Fido but I still couldn't access my voice mail. The third time I called: A lady reset my messaging service although I lost all of my messages, I was able to access my voice mail. The whole process took just over half an hour. I feel I should say something good so I won't be so biased. When I called the third time, I did not have to deal with automatic messaging system for the service centre. I was automatically directed to a representative. That was a nice perk because I was extremely frustrated at that point. Also the third call was very short and it lasted less than 5 minutes. Problem 2: Online Account Management My personal experiences have been horrific. The following number is based on an actual count, not estimations. 8 out of 10 times that I try to access my account I either get an error message (telling me the information for my account is currently unavailable and to try again later) or I get redirected to the home page like I didn't try to access my account at all. Oddly, it is easier for me to access my online account a few days before it's time for me to renew the service. Is there anything good? When I do actually access my account, the content is laid out nicely and it's pretty easy to browse through and change things. Other Issues: - When I go to the mall where I bought the phone from, I have no service bars when I am around the corner from the Fido store. I also don't have service in many other areas. - Often when I misplace the phone around the house, I call it to hear it ring and I don't get my voice message. It just says one of those messages like "the customer is currently unavailable right now." - Text messages were often delivered very late during my first month of service (sometimes up to 5 hours).Overall, my recommendation would be to go with another company. I had Koodo before and it was good. Also, my friends recommend Rogers to me. Although Fido is owned by Rogers, they seem to have a better experience with Rogers. |
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| Tom | 6/29/2010 |
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| For the most part, I have been happy with Fido. I think Bell is better and like Bell's roaming numbers. I have to agree that the lack of competition puts the consumer at a disadvantage.For local use, I am satisfied with Fido.I am simply amazed by the amount of complaints that are not Fido's fault. People with cell phones who cannot afford them baffle me. Wait till you get home to make a call, we had to do that in the 1980s before cell phones came around. If you like the convenience, then be prepared to PAY! Having to listen to stupid calls when I am in public is annoying, and the calls hardly seem important. So quit your whining.(No I do not work for Fido) | |||||||||||
| thanks | 3/7/2010 |
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| best phone ever never had any problems yet and ive had it for 5 years | |||||||||||
| george | 12/17/2009 |
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| I brought my own GSM phone and use fido prepaid. It is the only one in town that provided the service. no complaints. but data plan is ridiculous, 5 cents per KB, come on, that just discourages me to do web browsing.. | |||||||||||
| Clif | 8/31/2008 |
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| recent switch from telus because of need for simm chip phone not always the best service but at least you could get ahold of them if you needed to. Tried to access them via their webpage but could not access my account earlier conversation from their rep admitted they were having problems with their web site. Unable to contact and add a feature by phone endless cycle of "press 1 if you want" etc. Eventually gave up and went to their outlet vendor to get him to do it. Unable to access a live voice. The phone works but the service sucks and I am locked into a 3 year contract. I would definately not recommend this company | |||||||||||
