How I Got My Free Blackberry Bold & Cut My Phone Bill…

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Today, my new Blackberry Bold arrived by mail – and best of all it was free. And as an added bonus, I also reduced my monthly phone bill and received more services. Crazy you think? Or maybe, you think I am getting special privileges.

No to both.

With the help of a colleague who did the research for his phone, I signed up like everyone else. I signed up online in the middle of last week, and was told there would be a week delay because of the free bonus. Not too bad to save the $300 for the phone. But the company under-promised and over-performed and sent my phone UPS 2nd day overnight for free 2 days of my ordering the phone.

And not only did I get the new Blackberry Bold for Free (with a 2 year contract and unlimited messaging and texting – which I wanted anyway), but I also cut by phone bill by 33%. Previously I had a large minute plan as I use the phone quite a bit. While my old carrier had moved to a $99 unlimited plan, I was never notified as they continued to milk me for the higher price. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. While I knew about the discounted rate - I was waiting to switch to the new Blackberry and a new carrier – (as it is important to be connected to email, when running an online business.) and this new phone’s release was delayed several months.

Call your phone company – or check its online site.
If you haven’t checked your phone plan in the last 3 months, it may not be the best deal. Just make sure you are NOT extending your contract by taking a cheaper deal. The carriers try to do this automatically.

Compare Carriers.
There are some many new phones and companies are always competing for your services. Make sure you calculate your monthly bill – not just the savings.

Look for resellers.
Rarely are the carriers themselves the cheapest. I got my Blackberry Bold for free from Lets Talk, a giant authorized reseller which is also the reseller in many giant chains like Sam’s Club, etc. Make sure the seller is authorized directly in case you have any problems, but rarely are there issues. In the case above, The rebate comes after you have had the phone for a few months and paid the bill – a pretty fair deal as far as I am concerned, and $300 cheaper than buying in from ATT directly. Don't forget the battery!