Mobilicity Service: Things to Know Before Diving In

Mobilicity Logo

Mobilicity is Canada's newest mobile phone network provider. It has solid aggressive marketing strategies that draw consumers easily to the fishing lines. And truth be told, I am one of those who got snagged within an hour of sales talk. The exclusive unlimited plan offers of Mobilicity lure many consumers, especially because of a promised unlimited data plan. And because Mobilicity keeps a competitive price and a no-contract reputation, they are able to breach through the market with apparent ease. At the rate they're going now, consider their CA$40/month Mobilicity Exclusive Holiday Offer, that includes all available options, an early investment. However, there are a few important things you might not know about Mobilicity's service that you should first consider and prepare for.

1) Misinformation - One of their sales representatives either deliberately gave out false information or assumed an innocent but pretentious role to me. He said a "CDN Roaming" instead of a "Mobilicity" icon on your cellphone was due to Mobilicity network updates, and works the same as the "Mobilicity" network status. But it didn't. And I'll explain why on number 2. The lesson: beware of some sales representatives, who may pay no concern to you - only their commissions. I reckon, this is not exclusive to Mobilicity, however.

2) Cellphone Issues  -  Mobilicity’s network uses a frequency called AWS, with bands 1700/2100. If you only need a plan for an existing unlocked cellphone, make sure the phone is compatible with the said frequencies. If not, your phone will either work under "CDN Roaming," or receive no network response at all. Under "CDN Roaming", you will experience a farrago of technical issues: no incoming and outgoing calls, text messaging, and no internet connection. Basically, paying for nothing. The only immediate solution would be purchasing a bundle (phone and line) with Mobilicity. However, it is also worth mentioning that, as an alternative, you may also purchase Wind and T-mobile phones that carry compatible frequencies - as Mobilicity currently lacks an interesting cellphone line-up. This does not guarantee having the "Mobilicity" status all the time though. Once you lose their network signal, you either see an empty network bar, or the "CDN Roaming" status that has the same effects previously mentioned.


3) Customer Service (by phone) - You may contact Mobilicity at this hotline: 1-877-866-2458, or you may call from a Mobilicity phone by dialing *611. Prepare yourself, however, for a grueling 30-minute (or longer) wait period. Unless willing, then there shouldn't be any problem for you, as they are helpful once they heed your call.


At this moment, Mobilicity's service is in tatters, as complaints on technical issues barrage their hotline all-day, all-night. Since Mobilicity offers no-contract plans, abuse the opportunity of testing the waters first by spending as little as possible. Purchasing an expensive bundle (phone and line) is a dangerous investment, since the phone will be deemed rather useless if you suddenly decide transferring to another network that does not support the same frequencies. You'll just find yourself in a tighter bottleneck with Mobilicity. As a consumer, your decisions should always put you in a comfortable position; being able to transfer from one network to another with as little constraints necessary.


Note: these were all based on my experience with the network. Don't get the wrong idea of mistrusting the Mobilicity experience. It is the service that needs most of the fixing. My problems are now solved, and currently enjoying their service.