If you’re looking for a wireless deal in Canada, the best time to get one is the busy back to school season, as retailers and wireless companies pony up larger than normal discounts to lure in shoppers.
The Financial Post reports wireless carriers and analysts confirm deals are to be had at this time of the year, with Bell and Rogers giving statements on what customers can expect.
Bell told the Post, “The one biggest difference in the market this year versus last year is we’ve made it more affordable for people to get the phones they want,” according to vice-president of marketing, Claire Gillies. The carrier says larger subsidies mean customers pay less now up front, but “a little bit more over time,” thusly “stimulating” the market as more people are able to jump into the market.
Gillies continues to say customers want more data, then added the competitiveness of the wireless industry “continues to be very, very vibrant,” along with its promotional intensity and pricing as well, referring to how daily price changes around back to school reflects competition in the industry.
Rogers told the Post there are “terrific offers” on popular smartphones, noting over a dozen deals.
New Rogers/Fido and Bell/Virgin Mobile customers will be paying $7/100MB (or $70/1GB) data overage rates, introduced this summer.
As for Freedom Mobile, Shaw’s wireless carrier said its pricing model strives for low-cost value plans, saying “This is a competitive industry at a very competitive time in the annual cycle with all players trying to get an edge. The plans and offers Freedom Mobile puts in the marketplace demonstrate we are going to compete vigorously.” The company currently has another flash weekend sale, offering $40/6GB and $50/8GB plans for new customers.
Back to school season is a good time to buy current iPhone models, as models drop in price ahead of upcoming announcements. For example, one can get a 32GB iPhone 7 from Koodo for $630 right now, which is $270 cheaper than Apple.ca.
When Apple makes their ‘iPhone 8’ announcement, prices on older stock tends to decrease, especially if the newest iPhone is in short supply. Carriers take advantage of this opportunity to lure customers into higher rate monthly plans, by throwing out larger subsidies towards ‘older’ iPhone models. With ‘iPhone 8’ expected to start at $999 USD, Apple’s current iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus lineup should look enticing, especially if new iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus pricing remains high.
Cellphone plans overall aren’t expected to get any cheaper by the month, but rather data buckets will likely increase, according to Desjardins analyst Maher Yaghi, “due to the decreasing cost of delivering data wirelessly.” We’re seeing that now with some of the larger data amounts being offered by carriers, compared to a year ago.
Are you going to buying a new phone during back to school season? Or are you going to wait until after Apple announces their next iPhone?
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I’m looking for an iPhone 7 32Gb. But I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to get it now or if I should wait the release of the iPhone 7S/7S+/8 in a couple of weeks. Does the iPhone 7 price shouldn’t drop more ? Can we expect better prices in 1 month for the iPhone 7 than now ?
If we refer to the previous years, anybody can tell me what I should do ?
Thanks,
This March, an iPhone 6s 32GB outright from Koodo was possible for $504.
https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/news/koodo-iphone-6s-sale-best-buy/
I would wait until after new iPhones are announced to buy an iPhone 7. If Apple decides to just have iPhone 8, 7s/7s Plus, SE, existing 7 stock will be ready for ‘clearance’.
At least wait until Boxing Day, as you’ll probably find a good deal on the iPhone 7 32GB plus bonus gift cards at Best Buy etc.
That’s what I’ll do, then. Thank you for your advice. 🙂
They might be discounting the phone but I am not seeing any reduction in the plans themselves. Called a few places and what I have with Rogers is better then what other places are offering. Which sucks because I am paying too much for my current plan.
They’re not discounting the phone. You’re paying for full price one way or another unless it’s a model clearance.
I don’t consider discounts on phones to be proof of “very, very vibrant” competitiveness. What’s the point in saving a few dollars on the handset, when you have to pay astronomical monthly fees to use it?
True competition is competing on monthly price plans, and having each carrier offer something different.
You’re one of the few who have critical thinking skills. Many consumers are easily manipulated into thinking that paying an extra $10 or $20 month for new hardware in a contract or “tab” plus extravagant monthly fees is perfectly acceptable. It’s like car dealerships now advertising car payments on a daily or weekly basis. Eventually they’ll try to lure gullible people on an hourly rate. SMH.
Ask anything that sells anything anywhere when the right time to buy their product is…
They’d always say now.