Canadian Option

[aaaivala]

I had to call Verizon CS today about a roaming charge I received while roaming in Canada. The roaming charge appeared in 2 places. Once under the Home Area calls as a call delivery charge and then another charge under the Roaming section of the statement. She explained that that was normal (getting billed in 2 spots). She also said that she can add the Canadian option on my plan where I would not get charged roaming for roaming in Canada, but only for the long distance call. She said that this was a no cost option. Does anyone know about this enough to be able to verify what she told me. In other words, is there a no cost "Canada Option" that will save me from getting charged for roaming in Canada? I have not been able to find any documentation on it. I will call CS again later and see if I can get it verified by another person too.

Thanks.

[ryanjudy]

Please do... right now I subscribe to Singlerate w/ Verizon, and I add the $10 option that allows me to use my singlerate plan in Canada. This is probably what the rep was talking about, but there may be something else.

[HelloMotoV70]

Go with Nextel, you will use Telus there and all calls will be counted the same way as if you were on Nextel's system, this network covers much of Canada that borders the US. But as far as Verizon, it would be too good to be true if it was a "no cost" option, everyone would have it if that were the case, even if they never go to Canada.

[aaaivala]

Just called CS back again, and was told by this guy that there is no such option and all the lady did last night was to enable international dialling on my lines. Like ryanjudy mentioned, I'll have to switch to the Single rate plan with a $10 add on Canada option, if I want Canadian calling included in my plan. I'll stick with my current plans for now. T'was a good thing I didn't go on the word of the lady last night. I think that's the same sentiment that's echoed in several posts - always check with several people in CS.

[jayc]

Yup.. never heard of what the first woman was saying. Singlerate *IS* the only option for some reason. I find it odd that this is the case considering VZW has a stake in telus if I'm not mistaking.

Seems like it would definitely benefit VZW if they would expand focus on the international market (even if it's our neighbors.)

[roamer1]

Verizon Communications (not VZW, which is 55% owned by Verizon Communications and 45% by Vodafone) owns approx. 20% of Telus. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

To be frank, I'm really surprised that VZW hasn't included some sort of Canada option -- at the very least something allowing free roaming on Telus systems (which cover the most populated provinces -- British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec) only -- to AC!

One word of caution about NSR and the Canada option: in at least some areas, if you have NSR with one of the very old free weekend minutes promos (2000/3000/3500 wknd mins free), you may lose the free weekend mins if you add or remove the Canada option, as apparently some billing systems treat the "Canada option" as a different plan ("NSR+Canada") and not an option. Been there, done that (back before I left VZW only to return, so a nonissue for me now)... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

-SC

[roamer1]

Re Nextel -- With Nextel, 20c/min LD is charged on all incoming calls, and on outgoing calls to the US and points in Canada outside the area you're in (e.g., a call from Toronto to Calgary would incur LD, but a call from Toronto to Hamilton wouldn't), while in Canada.

Worst choice by far for Canadian roaming is Cingular -- last I heard Cingular TDMA customers were stuck ANALOG roaming (on Mobility carriers, all of which are CDMA) in Canada!

-SC

[jayc]

At least with AC you can call TO canada and not get charged extra... that is pleasant. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[aaaivala]

jayc- What do you mean by "call TO Canada and not get charged..." I get charged $0.20/minute for calls I make TO Canada from my home area. I have AC, and am from the Pittsburgh, PA area.

[jmccrane]

Originally posted by: roamer1
Re Nextel -- With Nextel, 20c/min LD is charged on all incoming calls, and on outgoing calls to the US and points in Canada outside the area you're in (e.g., a call from Toronto to Calgary would incur LD, but a call from Toronto to Hamilton wouldn't), while in Canada.

Worst choice by far for Canadian roaming is Cingular -- last I heard Cingular TDMA customers were stuck ANALOG roaming (on Mobility carriers, all of which are CDMA) in Canada!

-SC

Cingular roams digital on Rogers AT&T in Montreal. At least it did a year ago.

[jayc]

I've called Winnipeg on several occsasions and have yet to be charged for it. I'm in Tennessee though. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I really haven't heard officially if it's supposed to be included as it may be a mistake of some sort. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]