I'm brand new to Public Moble

[dooglevan]

I have a basic unlimited local $20 ($22.80 per mo. with tax) account.  I have a need to add an $8 200 minute Canada/US long distance plan for just this one month.  How do I do it?  This 70 year old is finding this confusing.  

[srlawren]

@will13am he [the author of the link you posted] appreciates you saying so.  You're too kind.

@dooglevan everyone's situation and comfort level is different.  I know you've already got a few replies form people here talking about people they know in their 70's+ that can do this and that and the other thing.  I can use my parents as an example in either direction however.  My mother is 78 and is pretty comfortable with her smartphone that I gave her and set up for her and pay for her service and help her when she's stuck with things.  My father is 80 and is pretty much the opposite.  My step-mom (who's in her early 60's I believe) helps him load books onto a tablet to read with, but that's the extent of his technological comfort is flipping pages.  He really doesn't know how to or care to know how to do anything else. 

So I guess my point is:  if you actually want to learn how to use technology, age doesn't have to be a limiting factor, but we all learn a bit slower as we age (I already feel this in my mid-40's but try to fight it every day).  If you want to, just take your time with it, and don't be afraid to experiment a little at a time.  If you have any friends or family that are comfortable maybe they can help you explore things a little a time.  If you take a little time to learn, these things can be useful tools to help you connect with friends and family, get news, do research before purchasing things, etc.  But it's all optional, really.  If it really is too stressful, then yeah it's a good decision to put it all aside and do what you think is best for you. 

[will13am]

@dooglevan, take a look at the definitive guide on add-on purchasing.  If you like it, don't forget to give the author a bravo.  He deserves the credit way more than me. 

https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/Plans-Add-Ons/HOWTO-Purchasing-Add-ons/m-p/198974

[Carld123]

You seem to have the messaging aspect under control..the rest isnt much harder..next time you stop at your local Wal-Mart ask them at the phone section to show you hands on how to navigate thru things..youll be surprised how easy it is..my mom is also in her 70s..gave her an iphone now shes googling and texting up a storm..lol

[Anonymous]

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@dooglevan wrote:

Skype??  I'm one step above knowing how to turn on my computer.  I don't understand them, I don't want to understand them with 3 heart attacks under my belt.  I can't risk the possible damage it'll do to me trying to learn it.  Thanks for your reply though.  This month is paid for, and I think I'm gong back to a landline, and toss the cell phone out.  Also get rid of the internet.  $79 or $89 a month for basic Shaw internet is outrageious.  That disqualifies a lot of retired seniors on fixed incomes immediately.  And if you are physically challenged...going to the local library to use a free internet connection isn't really an option.  I do appreciate your offer though.  Take care, and many thanks.

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My mother is in her 80's and has a computer and a basic flip phone.

My MIL also has a basic flip phone. No computer for her though.

Never too old.

[dooglevan]

Skype??  I'm one step above knowing how to turn on my computer.  I don't understand them, I don't want to understand them with 3 heart attacks under my belt.  I can't risk the possible damage it'll do to me trying to learn it.  Thanks for your reply though.  This month is paid for, and I think I'm gong back to a landline, and toss the cell phone out.  Also get rid of the internet.  $79 or $89 a month for basic Shaw internet is outrageious.  That disqualifies a lot of retired seniors on fixed incomes immediately.  And if you are physically challenged...going to the local library to use a free internet connection isn't really an option.  I do appreciate your offer though.  Take care, and many thanks.

[Anonymous]

 @Zz:

That's a very generous offer but as with all people coming in here...don't post personal information. Site policy and all that.

For your offer I would direct him to the envelope in the upper right corner after you send him a private message.

[Zz]

im a visual learner myself, 70 years old or not, why dont you contact me via skype or messenger since its free and we can look to have you linked up free of charge to the plan you want to buy as i have some free time here and you will rarely find visual help in these threads, many people leaving the user to navigate the hard to navigate without training or experience menus can be difficult to do. my email is acollins.pei@gmail.com. if youre interested in doing it this way we can arrange a time to get you set up.

[smp99]

Hi @dooglevan

Try this

Add money to your account using the 3rd tab (Payment) 

If you know how to add funds to your account via a credit card add $10. If not, go to Walmart and purchase a $10 voucher ( I think that is the smallest amount you can get) and load that voucher onto your account. After it has loaded, you should see $10 in Available Funds at the top of your account overview (just after you login).

Then scroll down and click Purchase Add-ons. The first add-on under talk is the 200min long distance add-on for $8.00. Add 1 to you card and click Buy Add-on. Confirm and you should be good to go.

Good luck

[dooglevan]

I'm possitive it's a good service, for people who are digitally enlightened.  It's my first cell phone and computer at 70 years of age.  What a mistake.  Everything is as clear as mud.  I don't think my health or myself needs the stress of another major learning curve at this age.  For sure 3 heart attackes is enough.  Thanks for your encouragement though.  Have a great day.

doogxxxxxx

[Carld123]

Also you could call 611 from your mobile phone..and follow the voice instructions...this may be much easier for you..hope you get it figured out.

[Carld123]

Check back here there are some good people here who could explain alot better than myself..it seems a little confusing but someone here will show you a step by step process....its a good service once you figure it out..

[dooglevan]

Thanks for trying to explain things.  I'm beyond being a complete computer illiterate.  I'm having trouble navigating anything to do with this site.  And I mean anything at all.  Lucky to find this answer, but unfortunately I still don't understand, and can't do anythng with it.  If this new system for me is as difficult as I'm find this, perhaps I'm better to go back to a landline, and cancel out my account with PUblic Mobile.  This is not user friendly at all.  When I need help I need to talk to someone in person, not trying to decypher well meaning message repliers.  Many thanks for what you've tried to accomplish.  I'm likely never going to find my way back to this site page again, so I'll leave everyone alone.    

[Carld123]

If you can navigate yourself to your account page you will see balance and all your other details.put enough in your account to cover the add on..then scroll down to where is says my add ons..clic buy add on then select the one you want from the list it provides....