By Stephen Pate – Bell Mobility will add 2 GB of monthly data for people with disabilities at no extra cost. Update – TELUS and Virgin Mobile have similar offers.
For people with disabilities on fixed or low income, additional cell phone data is welcome. For years I used a 1GB Koodo plan because it was the least expensive. As long as I used Wi-Fi at home that worked.
However, for hospital stays I would get large bills for extra data. Both Bell and TELUS currently have basic 1 GB plans with bonus 4 GB per month. With the accessibility add-on, you have extend that to 7 GB.
This is one of the many free or low-cost services and devices that Bell Mobility offers its customers with disabilities. For a complete list check out Bell Accessibility Services Centre.
Bell gets regularly knocked in the media for poor service and rates. This is a great feature for people with disabilities that started in 2016 and doesn’t get much coverage. In fact, there was only one story about this service and that was a year ago – Digitally inaccessible: A closer look at smartphone accessibility in Canada
How to get an extra 2 GB if you have a disability
The program is quite simple to access. “Bell Mobility offers 2 GB of complimentary data per month for qualified customers with accessibility needs. Accessibility needs include: hearing, speech, vision, cognitive and physical (mobility and dexterity).”
Bell has a simple form your medical professional needs to fill out. They will accept any recent medical statement that specifies the disability, such as a note from an occupational therapist, CNIB membership or other qualified doctor etc.
“This add-on can be paired with any of our current Share plans with a minimum of 1 GB of data. The add-on provides additional data in light of the increased data needs associated with the use of video calling, GPS/wayfinding tools and other apps that assist with daily living. ”
You can find out if you qualify by calling 1 800 268-9243, email accessible@bell.ca, or TTY 1 800 268-9242. I tried calling and it was chaotic so I emailed. I got the go-ahead within a few days. They accepted the OT letter for my latest wheelchair.
Bell adds the Tecla assistive device for customers with physical upper body limitations to its portfolio of accessibility products. Bell photo
Telus Mobility Accessibility Rate Plans
Telus Mobility offer a $20 discount for people with disabilities.
The statement as to who qualifies is ambiguous “If you are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing and do not require standard TELUS voice service, or if you are Blind or Deaf-Blind and rely on mobile applications to determine your location, you may be eligible for a discounted mobile service plan.”
What does “do not require standard TELUS voice service” mean? I called the toll-free number and no one understood the program. One TELUS customer services rep passed me to another, and then another. When I called back, another rep offered the $20 discount no questions asked: then he disconnected me.
Unlike Bell, Telus Mobility did not offer an email service. There is a Telus Accessibility Application form you can fill out and mail or fax in.
The Telus system was totally inconvenient, which is why I called Bell. Bell Mobility matched the $20 Telus discount. Once the account was setup and activated, I asked for the free 2 GB using email at accessible@bell.ca.
Black Friday Secret $20 Monthly Discount from Telus and Bell Mobility
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile, a Bell subsidiary, has a similar 2GB offer. Click here
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