Can't Call Out Any More -- Help Needed for MEDICAL CALLS !!!

[sharonboutilier]

Hi. Please help ASAP

This phone is needed for Medical Calls.

Been using the service for a long time, nothing has changed.

Whenever a call is made (just local) a voice comes on and say, 

"Sorry can't complete the call - You do not have a long distance plan. Dial *611 to add a plan to your service."

I checked and calls can come in.

I don't have text, just talk, flip phone. And I noticed when Public Mobile, etc... tries to send a text message, now it Fails... It used to receive them but said can not read.  Now it's Failed.

PLEASE, this phone is needed ASAP.

Powered Down, Removed Battery and SIm, reinstalled, tried again. Nothing.

Once, the message came on and after it, it dialed, but only once.

I am paid up and on autopay, so it's not a money issue either.

Please ASAP.

[Anonymous]

 @sharonboutilier : Utter nonsense from that mod. You had a plan. It stopped working for calling. It's their bug. Then they did a huge plans structure change. Likely related. We're still hearing from people here with even older plans evidenced by them saying it's the 90 day plan. It sounds like you have a 30 day plan but regardless...still an older plan. Plans around here are grandfathered. I might suggest trying out the CCTS route over this. And hopefully you might hear from higher up company folks in the meantime. Although now it's the weekend.

 @Catherine_T , @Alan_K , @David_J 

[sharonboutilier]

Hi. No, just blue mods. Even though I did contact this Catherine people said to, but nothing.

And like I say, now, same mod is telling me it's a phone issue - so I guess they are absolving themselves of any responsibility.

[Anonymous]

 @sharonboutilier : Wow. That is just p1$$ poor service. The plan you're on should be grandfathered. I get the add-on idea as a short-term workaround until they absolutely should be getting you back to what you had. You should not be forced to move up to a more expensive plan. There are people here still on old 90 day plans. They're not being forced up. Nor should you.

I guess you haven't heard from anyone with a dark PM icon next to their name...just blue MOD icons.

[sharonboutilier]

Finally got a crazy reply.

After ALL the People complaining about the same troubles... PM now says it's a phone issue, not a service issue !

I literally had a moderator tell me if mom wants to talk, pay $5 more.  Literally.  And now it's, it's your phone.  The same phone that had no problems until EVERYONE ELSE complaining did.  Even though my own new Motorolo E with a bigger plan also gets the "No Talk" message on occasion.

Oh yeah, and a request for further verification information, when everything has been given.  Now they want her credit card information too -- NO.  This stops.

Get this -- I'm reminded, don't forget to dial "1" before your number.

How many times have I said these are LOCAL calls on a province wide plan.  And I'm being told to dial 1.

Public Mobile is not serious about helping. They got their plans all rolled out, now screw anyone with issues.

This is a very untrustworthy company.

[darlicious]

@Luddite 

Totally not the solution....in fact the OP was back today with this one continuing and a new one. In a nutshell this is the old provincial calling bug that required a long distancè add on to even call locally. I think the OP may want to choose the solution once pm figures it out.

[HALIMACS]

Between you and I @darlicious (and anyone else who wants to read this thread...), had anyone NOT recommended the cost-savings options which may have required some level of effort and monitoring and managing one's account, could that not have been viewed as equally offensive and being stereotypical of a group of people because of age (i.e. for NOT offering it)?

Seems like a darned if we do, darned if we don't kinda situation -  I don't feel your suggestions were in any way offensive or shaming of anyone.

Still, big of you to 'fall on your sword'.

[darlicious]

@sharonboutilier 

I apologise if my suggestion of the $15 plan and a couple of add ons was unwarranted ( I can't help it I like to save people money.)  I certainly understand you came for help fixing the current plan that you (and your mother)are perfectly happy with....

In regards to the moderators they should still be following up with you even if the problem has been fixed. If anything @Catherine_T should ensure that they do and add the $5/500min add on regardless to ensure if the "bug" pops up again sometime in the future your mother won't lose her outgoing calling. Being that its not an isolated bug the fix for it by pm will likely occur before she would ever run out of minutes from the add on and she won't notice there was ever an interuption to her service unless someone checks the usage in the account. It will also save you from having to make these kind if inquiries in the future for this issue.

Once again I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable or irritated or whatever please have a better rest of the day!

[sharonboutilier]

Like I said, thanks to those who were helpful.

Others, constantly saying to do add-ons, monitor their minutes, if she doesn't talk alot, etc... not helpful when it was explained numerous times some seniors are not into tech, at all, nor should they have to monitor or be monitored for them.  Suggestions otherwise are not only defeating, but insulting.  Think how they might feel if reading them, whether intended or not.

Can't say it any plainer.

Well, it works for as long as it does, and if it doesn't, move to a supplier that there is either a voice on a phone to help, or has dependable service (or both if one can dream.)  Even I get the "Not in your Plan" message but will work if I tried a couple times (and I have full service, bells and whistles.)

Anyway...  I've spent enough time in here. Mods can close, open, contact me or not.  It all seems to be a craps shoot anyway.

[HALIMACS]

@sharonboutilier 

It is regretful that you feel some have turned this into a "Senior's Shaming thread"

I can't speak for other users (nor would I ever propose to do so) however my read of these posts do not view their intent or purpose in any way as being shaming.

They are simply taking real-life situations and trying to propose solutions based on the current situation.   I agree, some of the proposals may not be to your liking or preference, but that doesn't mean offering them is an intent to be hurtful or insulting.

I really hope everything stays well with your Mom's service.

Have a good day!

[Anonymous]

Crapperjack. I've been nothing but sympathetic and agreeing with you the whole time. We all have our different perspectives and approaches to things. You do you. All good.

[sharonboutilier]

Halimacs,  good decision.

SHAME on the few folks in here that have tried to turn this into a Seniors Shaming thread !!!

You are sick.

Thanks to those who actually got it and tried to help.

Now have all the fun you'd like discussing how a senior lady should take what's available, figure out the tech, or be treated like a child and let everyone monitor her stuff for her.

The forum is yours if Public Mobile doesn't show a thread of decorum and end this.

I'm off.

[HALIMACS]

@sharonboutilier 

I want to thank you.  Why?  I'll explain.

Similar to the situation you find yourself in, I TOO was consulted by an older couple (my in-laws, of all people) to consider setting up and 'managing' a move to Public Mobile.

After much reflection, I 'talked' them out of it and they came to realize even though I could probably have gotten them through any hiccups, that they are the types of people who strongly prefer to call someone and explain their situation over the phone.

Now, do I think they can do that effectively - that's debatable, but that's their choice, and I'm totally fine not receiving referral rewards from them.

SO again, thank you @sharonboutilier , for reminding me why some things are best left alone.

I realize this does not help your situation should it rear it's ugly head again with your Mom's service, but at least she's got you, and you've got us to help you through it.

[sharonboutilier]

For the last time - there are no cheaper or same as plan from what 
I've got listed.  And this isn't a public debate regarding what my mother should or shouldn't want, or what I should be responsible for.

Glad it's been amusing for a few of you, and SHAME on Public Mobile for this freaked up method of trying to get customer service.

Good day

[Anonymous]

I still think it was that bug rearing it's head again as happens with technology.

There are many people that "manage" tech and accounts and such for their parents. Not everything is set and forget. You've/she's done very well to have apparently little to no issues all this time. But tech happens.

I looked at those build your own plans when I first got here over 2 years ago and found they weren't any kind of deal to have just the one or two features. Sometimes even less money for more.

As others have that have been affected by this bug, they found a current plan that's cheaper or the same money.

If you don't need a feature then just don't use it. Do you put your butts out in your car ashtray? Brush up on the owners manual every week?

Hopefully the company will sort all this out for all those affected. If it's working now then you can decide what to do (if anything) for the next renewal.

[sharonboutilier]

And, after asking for all my contact info yesterday -- they have completely disappeared!

Look, it's like this.  Mom has nothing to do with technology. That is her right. She's older, and deserves not to have the headache. She should not have to watch if she's call this much or that.  Public Mobile should not make it my concern to make her have it and then me keep tabs on it (she's doesn't need someone handling her business.)

This should not even be a topic.

A plan was offered and used for a long time.  It stopped working, likely by design, and there is nothing to use in it's place that does not require all this Add this, and Add that, watch when you need it.  I get prices go up, then just say that and put the price up (like Netflix constantly does) and we pay.  But this, this isn't right.  

If she stays, she has to get the same plan as me, because it's the lowest, and pay for all this unwanted extra stuff.

Now, they are silent, so I don't know.

It started working it seems this morning, so is it fixed, will it happen again -- will ANYONE at Public actually contact us?  Will they try to make her pay twice now to upgrade after just paying her recent bill?

Sketchy......

[Anonymous]

This has turned into a discussion of what others think the customer should want. The customer knows what they want. They want to have everything just exactly as it always has been with what works for them. Fix the problem. And give the 500 minutes to them. And again until fixed if need be.

Now, if Telus/PM are jerking their provincial customers around coercing them into taking a plan that they don't want, well...that's a problem.

Other provincial customers have decided to change it up. Even for economic reasons. But this customer is not in the same boat. They're perfectly able to see what's available and to decide for themselves what works for them. They haven't asked for advice on deciding what's best for them.

[LurganIeUk]

Yes I know.....I get it.  But I lost a wheel and went off track. 

[darlicious]

@LurganIeUk 

Huh?  The add ons would only be if they switched to the $15. They already have unlimited province wide caling which is all they really need. And it wouldnt be 2x$5=$10 every month!

[LurganIeUk]

Ok but if uses 2x500=$10 plus $22 = $32.....So $25 plan is better. Or should I just leave?

[darlicious]

@LurganIeUk 

The OP's mom is on the unlimited $22 province wide calling plan. ($19 w/rewards) No data or texting is used with the flip phone.

[LurganIeUk]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Or...um...fix the dang provincial calling. The $5 add-on is just a stop-gap temporary measure.

---

Yes I would recommend to have the 500 min add on x 2. When one is used up or near used up buy  another. If you don’t use, you don’t buy any more. That will be your optional savings vs the $25 plan. If you buy the 500 x 2 every month.....it will cost you $25 a month.....then go to the $25 plan always. Or switch back and forth with prudence. But to avoid anxiety.....it WILL be there for you (500x2). I wish I had never bought them because I am stacked nicely with the freebies. Oh well. 

But to me and my use it appears the $15 and $25 plans are the best. After that it looks like more $ is for more data only. 

[darlicious]

@Anonymous 

True it is for the issue....but so is having a low cost cell phone. Although switching to the $15 plan means it has "limited" outgoing calling I wouldn't think adding a couple of add ons a couple of times a year is a big hassle plus its prudent to check the account every once in awhile to make sure there is no errors. Doing this would likely result in more than a 25% savings on the cost of the cell phone plan or about $72 per year.

[LurganIeUk]

---

@darlicious wrote:

@LurganIeUk 

Very clever.

@HALIMACS 

Yeah that one had me scratching my head.....

---

@HALIMACS 

Me too...itchy head. 

[darlicious]

@LurganIeUk 

Very clever.

@HALIMACS 

Yeah that one had me scratching my head.....

[Anonymous]

Or...um...fix the dang provincial calling. The $5 add-on is just a stop-gap temporary measure.

[HALIMACS]

@darlicious 

Unless each call is 1 second in duration. 

Then it's 1000 seconds, which is then 16.666667 minutes.   Then not so much a great deal...

Joking, @sharonboutilier .   It's really quite a good option, even if PM does bill by the minute.

[LurganIeUk]

Plus 100 of course. 

[darlicious]

@sharonboutilier 

I wouldnt expect anyone to be counting minutes its just that the $15 plan has free incoming so unless your mother initiates the phone call and talks for more than 10 hours a month only then would your plan start to look better.....plus your mother could call cross Canada. You could just add two $5/500 min add ons which would be more than 17 hours of outgoing talk time. You would only need to check the account every few months to see the usage and add another add on. ( Or call 611 to hear usage.)

[HALIMACS]

---

@darlicious wrote:

@sharonboutilier 

Went dead...?

---

I suspect OP meant MOD's punched out for the evening.   🤣

[darlicious]

@sharonboutilier 

Went dead...?