Carrier AT&T - Free Roaming in Canada?

[modernaccord]

just adding my 2 cents here.

Living in WA and travelling internationally a lot, switching to T-mo was a no brainer. Their LTE is blazing fast, and their customer service is second to none. Just be mindful of the fact that Tmobiles signal (even with the new band 12 LTE) isn't going to penetrate metal buildings very well. I don't find this to be a deal breaker, but it definitely is annoying at times. Tmobile is working hard to match their network to big blue and red, so the coverage gets better and better every day.

However, if having coverage in every square inch of the map is important to you, Tmobile isn't your carrier; at least not yet.

 

[Rayfire]

just adding my 2 cents here.

Living in WA and travelling internationally a lot, switching to T-mo was a no brainer. Their LTE is blazing fast, and their customer service is second to none. Just be mindful of the fact that Tmobiles signal (even with the new band 12 LTE) isn't going to penetrate metal buildings very well. I don't find this to be a deal breaker, but it definitely is annoying at times. Tmobile is working hard to match their network to big blue and red, so the coverage gets better and better every day.

However, if having coverage in every square inch of the map is important to you, Tmobile isn't your carrier; at least not yet.

Exactly what I was thinking! Hello from a fellow WA resident.

I asked the retention team about this feature as well, but the rep I spoke too was clueless about it. I didn't want to call again since my goal now is like what modernaccord mentioned. Been waiting for them to give us some nice features but no avail, so T-mobile is really looking good right now.

 

[lordofthereef]

Why is it that whenever AT&T/Verizon announce something, it's constant criticism, yet when T-Mobile secretly increases pricing (unlimited plan increase from BingeON), everyone starts to act like it's the second coming of Christ?

People need to stop being so jaded...

People are jaded because we went from unlimited to unlimited (5gb) to unlimited (22gb) after the fcc decided to say something. All the while the limits were imposed and unlimited plans no longer offered (and those who jumped ship around the 5gb cap were not allowed back on) in the name of keeping the towers from being bogged down. Now, not a year after raising the cap the unlimited plan is magically back, but for tv subscribers. But I thought you were experiencing network strain and so had to impose limits and data caps and....

Keep in mind the price hike also isn't merely $5 per line. A $450 over two years subsidy has been ended, so for those buying a new phone every two years (seriously who didn't do this under that plan?) we must tack on another $18.75. That's effectively $23.75 price hike per month on this plan. Some might not care and there's nothing wrong with that. But $24 a line adds up yearly, and especially when we are talking multiple lines.

I defended att at one point and that was stupid. I refuse to defend anyone anymore. I simply go where I pay less and get the coverage that I need. Saving $80 and change a month isn't nothing, and I've yet to go where coverage was a problem (I'm well aware that those areas exist but it's become obvious I don't frequent them), though I do drop down to 4g now and then, which I'll live with for an $80 savings. If ATT or Verizon (or Sorint if their network ever improves here) offers a better plan price I'm happy to go where he grass is greener. Again, I'm talking nearly $1000 a year here. Had you asked me to switch two and a half years ago you probably couldn't have paid me to do so (and I think you, in particular, remember that thread lol)

 

[AZhappyjack]

I was on the phone with the AT&T cancellation department today and mentioned that I was interested in porting to T-Mobile, who offers free roaming in Canada. The rep told me that AT&T last week rolled out "Canada Roaming Bonus", similar to the Mexico Roaming Bonus that they began offering late last year. The rep said that it's a feature that's not publicly advertised. You have to be on a Mobile Share Value Plan or the new unlimited plan, but for no extra charge, you get unlimited talk and texts in Canada as well as 1GB of data.

I'm still on a grandfathered FamilyTalk plan, so she was trying to get me to move to a MobileShare Value plan and get the Canada Roaming Bonus, but it still wasn't worth it for me, since all 4 lines of my lines are still under contract.

Just got off the phone with AT&T.. they added the AT&T Canada Roaming Bonus and the AT&T Mexico Roaming Bonus to all 5 lines on my Family Share Plan. I don't travel to those countries often, but it's a good thing to have when you need it. Also, the rep informed me that all Family Share plans with over 15GB of data also include unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada from the US.

The Canada and Mexico Roaming Bonus plans include unlimited text and calling within the respective countries and to the US, and 1GB of mobile data per device per billing period.

 

[imlynxy]

Just got off the phone with AT&T.. they added the AT&T Canada Roaming Bonus and the AT&T Mexico Roaming Bonus to all 5 lines on my Family Share Plan. I don't travel to those countries often, but it's a good thing to have when you need it. Also, the rep informed me that all Family Share plans with over 15GB of data also include unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada from the US.

The Canada and Mexico Roaming Bonus plans include unlimited text and calling within the respective countries and to the US, and 1GB of mobile data per device per billing period.

Congratulations with a new plan.
Att wanted I change my plan, I changed the company. T-mobile is not as good as Att. I have more "no service" inside. I cannot remember I saw "no service" with Att. But I save some money. I have roaming for free.
My opinion, you want to save- go with T-mo, you want better service, go with Att. Att is bleeding with customers , as per John Legere today they lost 1.5M postpaid last year. I hope Att understands the situation snd give some better plans.
what I hate about Att is always restrictions. Free Canads, but 1 gb, extra you have to pay. I don't use more, but it makes me paranoid

 

[Richdmoore]

Just got off the phone with AT&T.. they added the AT&T Canada Roaming Bonus and the AT&T Mexico Roaming Bonus to all 5 lines on my Family Share Plan. I don't travel to those countries often, but it's a good thing to have when you need it. Also, the rep informed me that all Family Share plans with over 15GB of data also include unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada from the US.

The Canada and Mexico Roaming Bonus plans include unlimited text and calling within the respective countries and to the US, and 1GB of mobile data per device per billing period.

Did you have to threaten to quit AT&T, or were you able to just call and add it with a normal rep? I am a new subscriber to AT&T, so I doubt the retention dept would offer me any deals. Is there any computer code or other info to give the representative so they can quickly find the account feature to add?

 

[AZhappyjack]

Did you have to threaten to quit AT&T, or were you able to just call and add it with a normal rep? I am a new subscriber to AT&T, so I doubt the retention dept would offer me any deals. Is there any computer code or other info to give the representative so they can quickly find the account feature to add?

You have to get to the retention department - the regular reps don't have access to add the Canada Roaming Bonus ... but I did not have to threaten to leave AT&T. I just called the support number (800-331-0500) and asked for the retention department. When you get a person in the retention department, tell them you want to add the AT&T Canada Roaming Bonus to your plan. As stated elsewhere in this thread, you must be on a Mobile Share plan to qualify.

If you don't have the AT&T Mexico Roaming Bonus on your plan, the regular rep or the retention rep can add that one.

The whole experience was efficient and pleasant.

 

[Richdmoore]

You have to get to the retention department - the regular reps don't have access to add the Canada Roaming Bonus ... but I did not have to threaten to leave AT&T. I just called the support number (800-331-0500) and asked for the retention department. When you get a person in the retention department, tell them you want to add the AT&T Canada Roaming Bonus to your plan. As stated elsewhere in this thread, you must be on a Mobile Share plan to qualify.

If you don't have the AT&T Mexico Roaming Bonus on your plan, the regular rep or the retention rep can add that one.

The whole experience was efficient and pleasant.

View attachment 616963

Thank you. I will have to call today or tomorrow and see if they will add it to my account.

 

[EDH667]

Just added the Canada Roaming Bonus to both of my lines. Even the retention department is not real familiar yet with the Canada Roaming Bonus. I had to go through two different retention representatives before it was added to my lines. Hopefully soon it will feature like the Mexico Roaming Bonus that you can add from your account page.

 

[Richdmoore]

Just added the Canada Roaming Bonus to both of my lines. Even the retention department is not real familiar yet with the Canada Roaming Bonus. I had to go through two different retention representatives before it was added to my lines. Hopefully soon it will feature like the Mexico Roaming Bonus that you can add from your account page.

I just added it as well. The customer rep (retention dept) wasn't familiar with it, but he was able to look it up. He asked how I heard about the offer, I told him a white lie that I was told about it when I called last week about a billing issue, but it wasn't active yet to the agent I talked to asked me to call back now that it is available.

One final thing, I had to log out of the at&t iPad app, then log back in to show the change. (The same is true for the web site.)

 

[AZhappyjack]

I just added it as well. The customer rep (retention dept) wasn't familiar with it, but he was able to look it up. He asked how I heard about the offer, I told him a white lie that I was told about it when I called last week about a billing issue, but it wasn't active yet to the agent I talked to asked me to call back now that it is available.

One final thing, I had to log out of the at&t iPad app, then log back in to show the change. (The same is true for the web site.)

When my rep asked where I heard about it, I just said I saw it online.

 

[dcrumbaugh]

When my rep asked where I heard about it, I just said I saw it online.

The longest part was just dealing with the initial CSR who tried to sell me Passport. Unlike Sarah Palin, I really can see Canada out my window (in Buffalo, NY). Eventually she got me to Retentions where the guy was super helpful. Said he'd just read about it himself. He said he had to tell me he noticed I wasn't on the latest iOS version, paused, and said "jailbroken?" I laughed. He said he could neither confirm or deny for himself either, but he was required to suggest I upgrade. We chuckled.

Stuff like this - and I'm still on the 20gb plan for dirt cheap they were doing in Retentions a year or so ago - are why I've zero desire whatsoever to leave.

 

[AZhappyjack]

The longest part was just dealing with the initial CSR who tried to sell me Passport. Unlike Sarah Palin, I really can see Canada out my window (in Buffalo, NY). Eventually she got me to Retentions where the guy was super helpful. Said he'd just read about it himself. He said he had to tell me he noticed I wasn't on the latest iOS version, paused, and said "jailbroken?" I laughed. He said he could neither confirm or deny for himself either, but he was required to suggest I upgrade. We chuckled.

Stuff like this - and I'm still on the 20gb plan for dirt cheap they were doing in Retentions a year or so ago - are why I've zero desire whatsoever to leave.

Exactly. My rep remarked that whoever set my plan up did a good job - I currently have 30gb of data for $10 less than the cost of 15gb... and it's not anything that even the retention group can offer. I ain't going nowhere. I've been with AT&T since 2001 (AT&T > Cingular > at&t)... they have always treated me right.

 

[avanpelt]

Thanks for the info, everyone. I'll call AT&T tomorrow and try to add the Canada Roaming Bonus to my lines as well.

 

[imlynxy]

Doesn't work out the same way for everyone.
I'm losing thousands in subsidies on 4 lines every 2 years and my plan would price would have increased by $20 a month if I stayed with the same plan.

and..... Att is a sponsor of Red Bull Formula 1 team. I'm more Ferrari guy. Seriously: Who watches F1 here? .... I know they didn't give me Canadian roaming on my old plan because they do not want I send twitts from Montreal F1 this year. Now I know why. )))))
It is nice to be a sponsor - you have free best tickets. .... No, I'm wrong again, they call it marketing.

 

[avanpelt]

The lady I spoke to in Retentions this morning was awesome! She added the Canada Roaming Bonus to both of my lines and also bumped us from 2 GB of data up to 6 GB of data for only $8.00 more per month (including FAN discount).

 

[AlliFlowers]

So here's where I stand now. I called and asked for retention. CSR said she was talking to them on my behalf, put me on hold a few times....no such plan. So I asked to speak to them myself. First RA said no problem, I'll add that to your lines right now. So she clicks busily on her keyboard, puts me on hold...finally she says she's only been able to add it to one of my lines...which was weird cause that is the Android tablet and not a phone. She's now confused cause it should work with smartphones. So she goes off again. After 30 minutes of on and off hold she says that her supervisor is going to try to do some overrides on her end cause this has to work. Is it ok if the supervisor calls me back? Well of course it is!

Such nice people, working so hard. Hopefully they'll get the plan added. I won't worry since I'm not leaving for Canada until July.

 

[Richdmoore]

So here's where I stand now. I called and asked for retention. CSR said she was talking to them on my behalf, put me on hold a few times....no such plan. So I asked to speak to them myself. First RA said no problem, I'll add that to your lines right now. So she clicks busily on her keyboard, puts me on hold...finally she says she's only been able to add it to one of my lines...which was weird cause that is the Android tablet and not a phone. She's now confused cause it should work with smartphones. So she goes off again. After 30 minutes of on and off hold she says that her supervisor is going to try to do some overrides on her end cause this has to work. Is it ok if the supervisor calls me back? Well of course it is!

Such nice people, working so hard. Hopefully they'll get the plan added. I won't worry since I'm not leaving for Canada until July.

The retention agent I was talking to implied he needed to look up two different codes to add the plan. The first one was for my two cell phones, then he looked up the data only code for tablets.

 

[AZhappyjack]

So here's where I stand now. I called and asked for retention. CSR said she was talking to them on my behalf, put me on hold a few times....no such plan. So I asked to speak to them myself. First RA said no problem, I'll add that to your lines right now. So she clicks busily on her keyboard, puts me on hold...finally she says she's only been able to add it to one of my lines...which was weird cause that is the Android tablet and not a phone. She's now confused cause it should work with smartphones. So she goes off again. After 30 minutes of on and off hold she says that her supervisor is going to try to do some overrides on her end cause this has to work. Is it ok if the supervisor calls me back? Well of course it is!

Such nice people, working so hard. Hopefully they'll get the plan added. I won't worry since I'm not leaving for Canada until July.

Very strange. The gentleman who helped me said it was a brand new offering, but was able to add it to all 4 lines plus my iPad. Hopefully they will get the issue resolved quickly.

 

[Romelo23]

Because of this post I just called and was connected directly to retentions. I'm on the new unlimited plan with Direct TV (just switched) and they added both Mexico and Canada to all 4 of my lines without hesitation or question. It did take about 2-3 minutes as the CSR had to find the codes and add them to all 4 lines.

 

[AlliFlowers]

I never did hear back from anyone yesterday, but I just called back and it took about 10 minutes to get Canada added to all my lines. Woohoo!

 

[Rayfire]

No love for the grandfathered UDP again, sigh.

 

[asharahmed]

Ahem, if you guys think they're robbing you blind, check out Canada's plans:

1GB of Canada wide data, calling and texting for $80 a month. Data overage is $50/GB.

This is for all the carriers in Canada anyway. America's worst plans are probably the best plans we've seen.

 

[lordofthereef]

Ahem, if you guys think they're robbing you blind, check out Canada's plans:

1GB of Canada wide data, calling and texting for $80 a month. Data overage is $50/GB.

This is for all the carriers in Canada anyway. America's worst plans are probably the best plans we've seen.

Is this even without a device subsidy?

 

[asharahmed]

Is this even without a device subsidy?

Yes. With device subsidy you pay part of it up front and pay $10 extra. So $90 on a subsidy per month for two years.