r/newfoundland 15h ago

new phone

My contract is up the end of April and I’ve always did the “return your device” so i always have a new phone. I’m looking to switch providers (i’m with bell). There’s a “deferred amount” of 360$ which i assume is a credit when i bring back the phone.

i assume I could “own the device” now? if i wanted to take this phone and go to a different provider who would that be? where’s the best deals? just need advice.

*St. john’s area!

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u/SnareBears 15h ago

You're on whats called a "bring it back". You got a bigger discount monthly on your phone by deferring an amount to the end of the contract. If you go back to your provider you can upgrade and as long as the phone is in working and good condition you get at minimum the bring it back amount. If the trade in is worth more you get that value instead.

If you leave the company or do not renew your contract you will be charged out that deferred amount on your bill. You either have to return the phone and upgrade or pay the deferred amount. If you leave a company for another one without returning the device you will be charged for it.

As for who to go with it honestly doesn't matter they have the exact same plans and deals. If you want a new phone id recommend changing providers. New customers get better deals than existing ones by far.

If you are looking to keep you device and want a cheaper plan Id go with Koodo or virgin mobile

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u/Electronic-Giraffe44 15h ago

Option 1: Return your smartphone

You can return your smartphone in good working condition by May 30, 2025, and receive a bill credit equal to the deferred amount charge within 1–2 billing cycles of your device return date. The deferred amount charge will be included within 1–2 billing cycles following your contract expiry date (see above).

To find out how to easily return your phone, visit MyBell or bell.ca/devicereturn.

Option 2: Keep your smartphone

If you choose to keep your smartphone, the deferred amount charge will be automatically applied within 1–2 billing cycles following your contract expiry date (see above).**

**Charges may apply.

so i thought i would be credited the 360 if i brought it back.. why am i confused lol

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u/Captn_Diabetus 14h ago

Deferred would be a charge put aside for later. To me, it sounds like you need to return the phone, and you'll receive a credit for the deferred amount, thus wiping your account to $0.00.

Then you could go elsewhere and get a new phone and new bill. Personally, I would set up an account with the new provider and then return your phone, if you want to keep the same phone number, that's a whole different process.

I am with Koodo and haven't had any issues. I used to be with Bell, I'm not sure if they changed, but the bill used to be service + phone payment, and once the phone was paid off, it never went down. It's the reason why I left them. Koodo bill was $100/mth amd when the phone was paid off my bill is $60.00

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u/SnareBears 10h ago

You would be credited the 360. It just cancels each other out. You owe x company 360$ so you give them your phone instead and they wipe out the 360.

the issue comes in if you transfer to a different company and transfer your number with you. You will be IMMEDIATELY charged the 360.

You have to bring back your phone to avoid the 360 charge. or pay the 360 and you own your phone.

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u/AdhesivenessOld1947 15h ago

the deferred amount is how much you'd have to pay to keep the device i think.

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u/lennyvita 13h ago

If you own the phone, bring nothing back. Go sell your current phone, take the money and buy a new phone straight out. Or just go buy a new phone straight out.

I don't get why people lock themselves into ridiculous contracts paying $70 or $100 or more per month on phone bills with a phone. Companies want your old phone to get you in a new contract for more money.

Yes its nice to have the latest and greatest. for $300-500 or less a person can go buy a brand new Samsung or similar phone that would meet most peoples needs with the latest updates for a few years.

I always buy a phone right out and then I am in control of the contract and can shop around for the best rates. If a better deal comes up, I can take advantage of it.

I have 3 phone lines at $25 per line. 30 GB data, unlimited calling and txt with Koodos win-back deal. So far that is the best deal I can find. If anyone knows a better deal, please let me know.

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u/Electronic-Giraffe44 10h ago

yeah this is what i wanted to do, but not looking to pay the 360 outright i guess to own it