Mobilicity

Rating Mobilicity is difficult. Do I consider their status as a «budget» provider, or do I compare them equally with the big boys? Somewhere in-​between? How about both?
As a budget provider, I think they’re pretty good. 3 stars, maybe even 3.5. If you only need some basic functionality and low-​bandwidth internet, no worries. Be aware, however, that they heavily throttle their ‘net provision, so you won’t really be able to do things like stream video or internet radio. I even frequently had trouble accessing the Android app store, to give you an idea of how slow it could be.
*** In other words, don’t bother springing for a shiny, pricey smart phone, because you won’t get to take advantage of its beefy processor. (Currently they have a pay-​up-​front unlimited 12-​month plan that comes with a «free» Blackberry Curve, and I’m left wondering: «what’s the point if I can’t stream video?») ***
In comparison with everyone on the market, they’re 2 stars, maybe even marginally less. «You get what you pay for» is definitely the adage here, because you’re not going to get much. Good audio on calls, very basic internet access, spotty technical support, and coverage that, while great in central TO, breaks down the further out you go (even when in a coverage zone).
So really, hey, if you’ve got a tween who really wants a pretty little phone to look at facebook pictures but you don’t want to break the bank, Mobilicity is probably a fine choice. But if you really need some decent coverage and good data, go elsewhere. Rogers and Bell will still murder your wallet, WIND and Public suffer from some of the same problems as Mobilicity, and Fido, well… at least they don’t throttle their internet.
I want providers like Mobilicity, WIND, etc to be successes so we no longer suffer the absurd tyranny of Rogers, but at the same time I’m just not willing to be an early adopter if my money is only supporting a sort of mediocre status quo rather than an actual force for change.
Now to decide who to give my money to… god I hate cellular service in this country…

Hello new entrant to the Canadian mobile market. You are a bandwagon jumper… but had the most attractive offering a couple weeks back and I couldn’t resist.
I joined Mobilicity to take advantage of the unlimited North American talk and text, unlimited data, and unlimited global text, all for $ 40 per month.
Well, you kinda get what you pay for… but considering I think they’re alright.
I got the Motorola Spice. I have had handset issues. When I ring technical support I end up supporting them and talking them through how to work the phone (I do work in technology and have experience with mobile o/​s in fairness, but still). They are just generally useless and sometimes incredibly unprofessional. Service at the dealer was fantastic though i will say and the self-​serve web portal is awesomeness… just google your way through any troubleshooting.
In terms of coverage, I knew it would be an issue. However, the coverage map said where I currently live is covered. Indeed it is not. I live in a deadzone. So I have a mobile I can’t use at home. I do have a groundline, but really. I have put up with it because service everywhere else has been grand. Data coverage is a bit spotty which is a real battery drainer, but that would also be related to my crappy handset.
Overall I am glad I made the switch, porting my existing number was simple stupid. And really, for the price I would say they have met or slightly exceeded my expectations.