It was only recently that I learned that I was a ‘Double Cohort’. You could be too, and not even know it. Actually, according to a recent survey conducted by Best Buy Mobile, only 5% of Canadians are familiar with this term, and of those five per cent, only 31% know what it actually means!
So, what’s a Double Cohort?
Recently a national wireless code was passed, capping phone contracts at two years {instead of three}. The term ‘double cohort’ is the expiration of two-year cell phone agreements in the same year as those with three-year cell phone agreements. This meant an influx in consumers looking to sign contracts and upgrade to new phones, as those with three-year contracts were at the two-year mark.
So, that was me just a few weeks weeks back, it was time to get a new phone and renew my contact. This could be you as well!
Embrace being a Double Cohort!
Now is the time to compare rates and plans from different carriers – and it’s as easy as going into a store, asking questions and assessing the choices in front of you.
With the influx of Canadians now looking for the best phones and plans, Best Buy reached out to find out what’s most important to them:
- More than 75 per cent of Canadians feel it is very important that their mobile retailer has their phone working when they walk out the door.
- Approximately two-thirds of Canadians think it is important that they receive help in setting up their phone to suit their needs.
- Over two-thirds of Canadians feel it’s important that their mobile retailer offers them impartial and informed advice.
To help you make the most of your August, prep for the fall season, AND maximize your roll as a fabulous Double Cohort, Best Buy Mobile wants to help you stay connected.
Stop by Best Buy Mobile for a free consultation to review your phone plan and find out whether you can benefit from the new wireless code that just took effect, and receive a free upgrade!
Best Buy Mobile offers non-partisan advice to help customers choose the best carrier and plan to suit their needs and ensure their phone is fully set up when they walk out the door.
As for myself, I left a wicked grandfather plan and totally regret it. After all was said and done, I stopped into our local Best Buy for some shopping and found myself in the smartphone section {what can I say, shiny tech draws me in!}. In just 5 minutes of casual conversation with a Best Buy employee, I realized how much I lost on my own experience and renewal. From now on I’ll make Best Buy Mobile my go-to, a lesson learned the hard way I guess! So perhaps my dropping of the ball and the information in this post will help you be a better double cohort than I was. Know your options and embrace this time to best suit you!
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own.
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We spend most of our time at the cottage “unconnected” to any tech. It’s great!
I’m getting more and more tech savvy – so thanks for the chance! 🙂
The most important thing is the price vs value.
The value of the data plan with what’s included.
Price is the most important thing
The thing I look for the most is coverage. We live out in the boonies and I want good cell service.
the plans and features
when looking for a plan the price is what i look for
When I look for a new plan it is important that I have talk and text features at a competitive price.
I look for the best plans and what phones they offer
The price of the phone and plan is very important. Also the features of the phone.
what you get for what you pay – looking for reliable, valid service for an optimum price. thanks
I look for long distance and texting
The most important thing for me is having a plan that has value — I like getting a good deal:)
I want good cell service so coverage is an important factor, for everyone I should have thought. The price and what’s included in that price is also very important.
I Iike a phone with a good camera.
My biggest concern is the data plan and the camera, since I don’t own a camera, I only use my phone
Usually, it’s price that matters to me when looking for a new phone or plan.
For Plan – coverage, Canada wide minutes and texts. no roaming. and good data
Phone – usually personal choice. but best bang for buck.
Water resistance is the most important thing to me as I like to take photos and I am out in the rain often
The camera and battery life
Data is the most important thing!
i like having unlimited texting
A long battery life is important.
The price is definitely the most important thing!
Price and features
I like a phone that’s easy to navigate and takes great photos!
I look for one that has a reasonable family plan
Never too old to learn
a user-friendly phone and an easy-to-understand plan
The price of the plan and the features of it are important.
a good camera, good data plan and a good price
Has to have a great camera and be light weight
The most important thing for me, when looking for a phone would come down to price
EASE OF USE AND HOW LONG IT LAST BEFORE NEEDING TO BE RECHARGED
Have to to use prepaid card
I compare price for value- it has to suit my needs but be on budget!
I look for a phone with lots of memory and good battery life
phone features that I would use, the camera, the price for camera and for the data plans.
Right now I am still using an old flip phone that only has calling and texting capabilities. So the next time I look for a phone the most important thing will be that it is a smart phone – I would love one! As for a plan, I would love the most affordable plan for what I use – a few phone calls a month, more texting, and some mobile wireless time for using mobile coupons etc when I am out shopping (that is what I really want the smart phone for, for on the go shopping and checking emails once in a while).
The most important thing when looking for a new phone plan is an affordable and yet flexible. I love the idea I have a lot of mins and data and don’t have to worry. In terms of phone, I have a Note 3 and CANNOT go back to anything smaller! 🙁
Price and value.
Most important to me is the price of the plan since we have a budget of what we can spend on a cell phone each month.
A reasonable price plan for my phone needs.
a good camera and long battery life
I definitely try to find the best value and price when it comes to choosing a new plan. For a new phone I like something that is durable but stylish with good features
I check out the long distance plan. We have family all over so we do a lot of long distance calling.
For a phone, I always consider the battery life and how big the storage is on the phone. For a plan, I always make sure I get a plan that works with my lifestyle.
The plan is very important to me. I need to have unlimited everything for a great price.
When looking for a plan, I look for one that includes what I need. Decent data, unlimited texting… I don’t use a lot of minutes but I do text a lot and I use social media so data is really important.
most important is the data plan as I go online a lot with my phone.
When looking for a new phone, the camera is most important and also, having lots of space for my pictures and apps.
The price and the plan
When I answered the question it had a different question for some reason so here is my answer again! I look for a plan that gives enough minutes since it’s my primary phone and allows me to talk across canada as well.
A great camera and good consumer reviews!
I look at price, first and foremost, but I also look at features and ability to access apps, etc that I tend to use most often
Long lasting battery and a great plan to keep me connected with friend and family who live out of town.
I look for a plan that gives me unlimited phone calls in US and Canada and unlimited texting.
I’m not keen on all the features (because I won’t use them). Price is the most important, and the service.
actually most important thing to me is reception
Price of plan
A good camera is very important to me, I use that way more than phone/text…
I want unlimited texting and a good monthly fee.
I want a great phone and lots of minutes and data on my plan!
I look for unlimited data, texting, and calling at a reasonable price when searching for a plan, the phone itself is a secondary concern something 3 or 4 years old is good enough for me.
I always look for a phone plan that offers me the data that I need along with roaming for when I travel.
I look for to good service and price.
The price and coverage of the plan
When looking for a plan, I often look for the family plan, that has good family rates.
price and a fast processor also has a big impact on overall performance, such as how smoothly a phone handles flipping through menus and running home screens
Price is the most important. I also look for a plan that does not lock me into a contract.
an affordable plan, with unlimited texting, free local calling
The coverage of call area.
I look for good photo features and useful apps
I look for a good camera and also a history of reliability.
Storage and picture quality as I’m always taking photos of my son!
Insurance!
For me it’s the battery life on the phone and the plan to include lots of data for a good price.
Price is the most important.
Definitely price
I like for my phone to look cute and my plan to be affordable and good for texters!
The value of the plan is most important.
Data, minutes and a Canada wide plan are what is important to me.
Screen size!
I first consider the cost.
Price is the most important
Most important to me is the perfect balance between battery life, ease of use, photo quality and price.
Flexibility is most important for a plan and features for a phone
The memory space on the phone is pretty important as well as the camera.
PRICE is what is most important to me. No long contracts and extra fees!
A great price and reliable service so I don’t get a lot of dropped calls.
For the phone, it’s the features like the basics of making/receiving a phone call. Not all phones are equal. I also listen to music on my phone. I use my phone for planning, shopping, reading, etc. so, I want a phone with enough processing power and memory capacity to get the jopb done. For wireless transfer, bluetooth, NFC and DLNA are built-in to Sony phones, so, I can throw music to my stereo, PlayStation and PC and vice-versa. For the plan, I’m also looking to see if anything out there is worthwhile as my contract expired so, I can go anywhere. But, you are correct in that the phone plan that I have now offers more service than what is available. My provider has been the cheapest among the competition and has provided me with good value. The only problem is that the phone I want is not part of their offering as it is exclusive to the bigger providers like Bell.
Price is the big thing for me. It has to fit my budget.
I’m just starting my transition towards smart phones so getting value for my money is most important
Most important is the long distance plan
Good camera and lots of storage
Cost of the phone and the plan.
battery life
I like to focus on the data! I can’t always depend on accessing wifi when I’m out and about.
want the phone to be user friendly
How it looks, of course!
Im looking for a good price on a phone and a decent monthly payment with lots of data
I look to see how easy the phone is to use, as well the stability of the phone.. the less glass the better lol. As I look for a great camera on the device
Most important to me is the price and that it has a good camera.
I look for a good camera and a large screen with good resolution!
I need choices and lots of them when upgrading my phone. I feel like the technology has always progressed so far before my current plan expires that I always want the newest and greatest available. My provider must be reliable, competitive and reasonably priced. I’ve never heard of the Double Cohort before today but now I know. Well, I’m off to visit my awesome local Best Buy and test their Double Cohort knowledge ? Thank you for an incredible prize pack!
I look for a well priced plan with loads of data. I like my data.
Price is the most important thing
I would look for an affordable plan with no commitment
Ease of use is my biggest requirement. If I can’t type on it or read the screen then no use to me.
Affordability, yes a price that is right for a $sweet deal!
Monthly cost.
Price and what you get for it
I am very frugal .
A great quality product!
I think the most important thing is the value of what you’re getting for what you pay. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand data and how much they’ll actually use and end up either over paying, but not using the data or not getting enough and paying even more. So important to have good salespeople that truly want to understand what you need.
a good camera and a reasonably priced monthly plan 🙂
I need reliable customer service if something goes wrong; that is what I look for.
price for sure
I look for essential features and prices
Enough data!
a good data plan with affordable prices
monthly costs are most important to me.
Canadian long distance is a feature that matters to me!
the amount and cost of data
Price and how much data is in a plan since I’m always close to going over.
i look for a lot of data at a reasonable price point
That the phone has a warrenty!
i get whatever is $0 on a contract
The “fine print” of the plan is what I most look for.
My number one priority: lots of data at a great price!
I use a lot of data so the price for data is the most important to me when looking for a new plan
I look for a good monthly price. I don’t use the phone very often, so being given lots of daytime hours and anytime minutes is not important. I just want a low monthly price for the amount of time I use it for.
Prices, values and features. Especially for those of us with big families.
definitely price and great features such as the camera is a big one for me with all the pics i take of my girls
I look for a cheap plan with unlimited texting and I look for a good camera on the phone.
In a plan I look to not break the bank. I already pay for a landline so I need a plan that’s fairly inexpensive, with as much data as I can get, unlimited texting, & good tower service.
I WANT A PLAN THAT OFFERS FREE LONG DISTANCE AND GREAT DATA PLAN
When looking for a new phone I look for the best cellphone signal range
Price and features!
The most important is the price of the plan
For me it’s the amount of data and price
i start by evaluating the price of phones and plans then i need a phone that is easy to navigate, fits easily in my hand and has a good camera. for plans, i like one that includes unlimited data at a reasonable rate.
coverage and price
For me finding the best value is important.
Price & coverage
the value of the plan and making sure it meets my needs
great camera and good value
for me a phone has to have easy typing, not too heavy or light in the hand and not too wide.
Camera quality and data plans
I want a phone that is inexpensive to begin with and doesn’t require a long-term contract.
When i’m looking for a phone I look for a flexible plan and a phone with a long battery life and decent camera. those are probably the three most important things for me.
I need a plan that has unlimited data but doesnt cost a fortune!
When I’m looking for a new phone, I look for long battery life and a great camera!
A phone that has great camera features and is easy to use without being too sensitive is what I look for in a phone. For a plan, I’m always looking for great value with a data plan!
I look for the best price for the plan that suits my needs
That it has nothing to do with apple & has a big screen!
The price is very important.
The price for the plan is reasonable.
I am looking for a great deal (money wise) as well as one that fits my families needs
I always want more for less. I Know how much these companies profit and how much they monopolize to bilk canadians. So I want a little back lol
Mine would be cost and what is included.
Price and features, we text and use a lot of data.
I look for a good plan (talk and text) for a decent price.
Price is the most important !
price
the price especially added fees and what are the features of the plan
price is one of the factors, but also what’s available in terms of data and text/pic messaging.
The price is most important to me.
Value is the most important thing that I look for in a phone plan
The phone must have a lot of memory and an awesome phone!
Durability I drop my phone alot !
Most important to me is coverage. I need my phone to work no matter where I am
Besides affordability – a decent battery life is what is really important to me.
Price for both the phone and the plan have to be reasonable
The most important thing is the pricing plan and a phone that’s not too complicated!
I look for price and how much data I will get
I want to be able to buy a prepaid top up card that doesn’t expire in 30 days (I’m not a big cellphone user, and hate to “waste” money on a phone I only use occasionally).
good plan and reasonable price
I learned the importance of data included makes ALL the difference
A durable phone , with a good camera , and a plan thats affordable !
I look at the price.
I probably first look at the price of a phone. And a reasonable plan.
The newest phone with large memory.
Pricing is most important
I need a phone plan that has great data usage at a low price
The plan has to be reasonable for my budget
Something basic and inexpensive for both.
Price for sure!
Data plan 🙂
affordability is what I look for, thank you for the chance to win !
The most important is price and storage.
How much bang I can get for my buck!
A smartphone with maximum storage so I can store music, books etc.
Unlimited long distance is important to me in my phone plan.
Great prizes to have
The most important thing for me is a good data plan and Canada-US options.
Is interesting how we all want different things from our plans.
Price and. Features. Value for the money reigns King.
I look for a quality camera with quick start-up capability when.
Double cohort is such a weird term
Price!!
Would be a nice prize
Nice prize
Value for money is what I look for in a plan. For example, why aren’t all plan minutes Canada-wide? I don’t want unlimited local calling if I have to pay dearly for long distance.
the plans and features
The most important things are Pack of data and prices
Price and new technologies
The most important things are the price and the amount of Data!
Price is very important to me.
I look at the price and the features included.
Thanks!
I ensure that the phone or the plan has features that I actually use
price is what i look for in a plan
The value of the plan in regards to my personal use.
The best bang for your buck on both plan and phone. Also, avoiding anything Apple.
Customer service showing me how to use the phone
Canada wide unlimited long distance at a great monthly rate is a must for me in a phone plan.
The amount of gigs per plan and price are the most important to me, when I am researching for a new cell phone plan.
We need a great data plan at a reasonable price.
I look for ease of use and a great unlimited North American Text/Call Plan.
I look for a plan that gives me what I want and doesn’t give me things I don’t want or need.
I have to have Canada wide coverage!
the price first and foremost then i look for data and features like voicemail and texting
The most important thing to me when looking for a plan is that it includes unlimited texting and ability to call anywhere in North America day or night.
Price Is the bottom line for sure
What I look for in a cell phone and plan is what it has to offer canada wide calling, unlimited texting and decent data package for the cost. A cell needs to have programs that a business would require. When looking for one for my children I want a plan that suits their needs in case of emergency and not cost too much.
The price
Most important is how much GB on the phone & price of monthly plan
Rates, coverage & Battery life
The Plan and the Cost – trying to get the best plan without paying a small fortune monthly.
It would have to the price and what features I can get with that price
I want a good camera and lots of storage!
Price comes first for me at the moment
The most important feature to me is to have a large screen, made by a reputable brand, that I can afford.
My plan has to have unlimited calls nation-wide, unlimited text messaging, and unlimited data for a reasonable rate that doesn’t change by the month!
thank u 4 the giveaway
Right now the most important thing to me is that the phone is able to get and send iMessages… my kids both have iPods with iMessage and when they are with my ex it is the ONLY way I can contact them. I’m not a big lover of iAnything but have become better at it because I need to keep the contact open.
M
I have never had a cell phone, so my main goal is to ensure that in an emergency I have a working phone and that my family can reach me.
It’s important for me to have a plan that’s practical and reflects my needs…and not a plan of bundles of things I’d never use.
Free texting and data plan
Unlimited, affordable plans are most important!
freedom to change the plan
Most important is that we need a great Share plan, one that covers a lot of ground, if you know what I mean 😉
An up to date Smartphone, rather than it being too old to take advantage of newer tech.
The price per month
simpicity
affordability is really important to us
Most important to me when looking for a phone and plan is mostly price although a long lasting battery is very important as well.
I always look for a phone with a great camera as i love taking pictures with my phone a lot! 🙂
Who Knew? Double Cohort….. I think I may qualify. Really would like a decent phone without a million cascading menus that you get lost in!
Service area then data then price.
Simplicity is the most important thing for me. I love easy to use instructions.
I’m getting more and more tech savvy – so thanks for the chance!
Price and quality of the service
Price is the most important thing to me when looking for a plan.
The most important thing to me is price. I really don’t care about the quality of the network. I care about price and not getting gouged if I use “too much” data.
lots of data
Reasonable price for phone and plan
cost of phone & it’s features, monthly payments, and length of contract
I look at the plan and the cost
The price and choices in terms of long distance are most important to me.
Definitely the best plan with the best price possible, and a package with a good data plan:)
In a phone, I look for long battery life.
Good battery life is most important to me.
The most important thing for me is price. Both for the phone and the plan.
I look for value and good coverage
When I’m looking for a new plan I want to find one with no hidden fees and I want to make sure it’s a plan where I only pay for what I want/will use. I don’t want to be paying for more data than I’ll use etc
What’s important is plan price and features that are offered such as data plans and texting
I will only buy waterproof phones. They’re a lifesaver!
The first thing i check after the price is always the information about the data plan included in my package. Im eternally connected 🙂
The dollar to data ratio.
My phone needs to have a great camera & enough room to store many photos & videos. Mom to 5 here, I am always taking photos & running out of space on my current iphone 5.
I am one of the very few people I know who does not have a cellphone! I love not being able to be contacted all the time!!
The cost of the plan is very important to me
Lots of data and unlimited calling – I have high usage issues 😉
I check for price and plans that give me features that are important to me
Price and easy of use are most important to me 🙂
Value. That is to say, the most features for the lowest price.
Price and brand are most important to me
The price!
Reliable range of service is important
Price and amount of data are the most important to me
Speed and battery life with good coverage
I make sure I know exactly what is included when I get a new phone plan. There is nothing worse than thinking something is included and it isn’t, and getting a huge unexpected bill!
cost
Value is the most important, but that is related to quality also.
For me, it’s about finding a plan that’s good price, and has enough of everything I need so I don’t go over my limits.
The most important thing is the price .
With so many demands on our cash flow, price is definitely a huge factor!
Price
I look for a low price and features such as voice mail.
I like the prices
I look for the price of the plan.
Price is the most important thing to us.
Value is the most important
The phone features/cost
I want the features that are important to me at the best price possible
Reliability, then affordability. In that order.
no contract plan is most important to me and lots of data
Price, size and features
No cancellation fees and carrying forward any remaining credits onto the new phone.
FREE is important to me when looking for a new phone plan.
price is the most important.
At 82 I find technology wonderful. Way back in 1992, I won a carphone which I never lost because it was built-in. It cost to have it installed and had a monthly fee. The companies hadn’t thought to gouge us for the phone. So I look for cheapest phones and then get my plan.
The most important thing in the word is my girl
The price is the most important thing. in a phone plan.
Cost.
Clear information on plans and features- this can sometimes be very confusing.
I need to have unlimited minutes on my phone plan.
The whole ability to bundle the family’s phones together for discounts.
Price is the most import factor
cool prize features and battery life would be important to me
easy to use
The most important thing for me is the cost of the monthly plan.
always the price
Price and coverage
Low monthly fees, unlimited texts and a good quality camera.
Transparency….knowing that I am getting what I was promised.
The length of the plan and the features it offers.
So far I just have a pay as you go cell, and yep it’s a flip phone LOL. So cost is a big factor for me when looking for one. Thanks for the post, looking into getting a more updated one!
Prick and coverage
Price and the value for the money for sure!
It’s important to me firstly that it’s Apple and secondly that it is the most up to date iphone. All the rest I can do myself with no problem at all!
Bottom line for me is price.
Functionality of the phone
Mostly the prices 🙂
What’s most important to me when looking for a new phone is the ability to communicate for free with extended family members and for the plan I look for lots of data.
Battery life is most important for me!
I was thinking about this the other day, my contract is coming up and I haven’t a clue as to which company to sign with, happy with current but …perhaps time to change. Thank you!
most important would be that the sales person by honest about what I get with my plan and not sell me a plan that does not cover what I need.
Holy batman, OMG, price first. I am broke. Wow, prize best buy gc is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. 🙂 Pick me, pick me! Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. Starving artist here desperately needs the gc to work and eat. A life changing exp.
how much data they give
I like to look for a phone that has the ability to work with our home automation system. I like using my phone to check the house
The price and rates are most important to me.
Price and plans !
a phone that is easy to use!
OMG I would use all of that!!!! I love music
Most important in a new cell phone plan is unlimited long distance
I want low cost and streamlined features.
cheapness of plan
cheapness
I do not want to pay for what I do not use. I have my phone for emergency use only.
I would like to have good coverage for out in the rural areas as we are at the lake and farm alot1 Thanks!
Value for my money is the most important thing.
The price and the plan and the coverage are all important to me!
Good coverage and lots of features on the phone, with a good camera
An affordable price for the plan and a nice screen for the phone
The most important thing is the price vs value!
The price is the most important thing.
For me it is all about the data allowance with regards to price. It is so hard to find a plan with a good amount of data and not pay a ton of money every month
Price and what you get for it is the key thing for me
flexibility of features
To have features that are wanted without having to pay for ones you don’t want