Did you sell your cellular soul?
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

Wind offers three voice and text plans ($15, $35 and $45) and four data plans, ranging from $10 for unlimited messaging and access to the likes of Facebook and MySpace to $35 for unlimited web access.

In addition to doing away with contracts and selling phones at cost, they don't charge fees for system access, 911 calls or incoming text and long-distance calls.

While the selection of wireless devices in limited and coverage on its own wireless spectrum basically covers the Toronto area (a national roaming agreement with Rogers will facilitate coverage in the rest of the country but involves added costs), this new approach has consumers thinking more than ever about switching carriers, regardless of ECFs.

An alternative to cancellation fees
There are ways to avoid paying ECF. In recent years, several companies have sprung up that essentially act as intermediaries between people who want out of their contacts and those who are willing to take them over. Toronto-based Cell Clients is one such company. For $14.90, they will facilitate the cell swap.

People are willing to take over contracts because they avoid fees for activation and the SIM card. In addition, they usually get an extra phone and sometimes cash incentives from those looking to get rid of their contract. You need your cell-phone carrier's permission, however most are open to the idea because it brings a new customer into their fold.

"Standard credit evaluation will be completed on the new customer and the customer will be responsible for the new account, including any ECF of DECF should they cancel or downgrade prior to their commitment end date," says Sardinha, adding that the transferable account must be active for at least 30 days and in good standing.

Rogers and Fido do it for free, but Bell charges a $20 transfer fee and Telus charges $25. According to Cell Clients, most people looking to get out of a contract have an average 20 months remaining, which adds up to a $400 ECF. With that in mind, $14.90 is a bargain.

Finding the right plan
When shopping for a new plan, you have to have a strong handle on what you are after. Each provider offers numerous plans that include a variety of features at different price points. Wireless service rates are not regulated, so comparison shopping is a must. Cell Phones Etc. is a great resource as it lists all the plans from all service providers. A filtering tool allows you to sort information by different carriers, brands, plan type or cost.

While Canadians have long had to endure high cell-phone bills compared to people in other parts of the world, opening the market to more competition is expected to push down prices and, one hopes, improve customer service as incumbents work to hold on to market share. Is now the time to switch? Do the math, assess your usage patterns and shop for a simplified plan that fits your specific needs.

For the moment, Quain is a free agent and is frustrated by the lack of transparency when shopping for a new plan. "They've got you coming and going. So I'm off cell until someone delivers an unlimited everything phone -- local calls, texting and Internet."

With several new cellular providers, including Dave Wireless, Public Mobile and Vidéotron, expected to roll out across Canada this year, he just may get what he wants when it comes to wireless service. Imagine that.

Michelle Warren is a writer living in Toronto.