Latest news with #VirtualNetwork
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Free phone? The hidden cost of tempting offers
(WSPA) – Whether it's the cost of a new cell phone or the monthly service, Americans spend $180 billion a year on their mobile devices. Many don't realize there are simple ways to slash the cost of your cell phone plan, and sometimes smarter ways to get a new phone than taking advantage of the 'free phone' offer from major carriers. Bob Atkisson reached out to 7NEWS, struggling to get answers on why his free phone offer that he got with a trade-in over the holidays appears to have raised his bill over the last few months. 'I specifically said to the person on the phone, I said, now just to make sure this will not cost me anything monthly, my bill will not go up. And she said no, as a matter of fact, it's going to go down,' Atkisson said. The Greenwood man had seen a commercial offering an 'Apple 16 pro with Apple intelligence on us.' But he told 7NEWS, after he saw his monthly bills, the offer he thought he was getting didn't add up. 'It actually shows that I've paid more money,' he said, confused. We'll get back to Atkisson, but 60 miles north, Leon Wiles saw the same commercial and ran into the very same bill shock. 'It was twice as much as what they explained to me…I was shocked, I was totally blown away,' Wiles said. He was even more shocked to see the bill he received after he sent back the two new phones, a charge for more than $1800. In a statement, a Verizon Spokesperson told 7NEWS, 'We advise customers to carefully verify that any promotions they intend to use are indeed compatible with their selected service plan. It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of both the plan and the promotion to ensure eligibility and avoid potential issues.' Edgar Dworsky, Founder of warns that free phone offers can lock you into higher payment plans for years.'Sometimes you wind up being put into a premium plan. I'm just shocked these days when I see $60/$70/$80 a month for one line? Are they kidding at the big carriers?'Dworsky's advice, seek out plans for closer to $25 a month. They're actually offered by major carriers like Verizon and AT&T through their pre-paid service, and they generally have ample instance, AT&T has an unlimited talk, text and data pre-paid plan for $25 a month, if you pay for a year upfront ($300). In addition to pre-paid plans, you could also use a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, which resells service under much cheaper brands, though they may have more usage restrictions. Another way to potentially save money is to look into selling your old phone outright instead of trading it in. Many online sites typically offer more than your carrier, and you'll get cash, which means you are not locked into a lengthy plan. Sites like Swappa, Decluttr and Gazelle specialize in electronic resale, and are generally trusted in the industry because they verify the used phones they sell are what they say they are. Or if you want cash in hand, sell your old phone at brick-and-mortar stores like Fix Phone. The manager of Fix Phone in Greenville, Adam Komilov, warned that when it comes to buying used phones that do not come directly from the manufacturer, do your research on third-party sellers. 'We have a lot of customers that spend like $1000 to buy an iPhone 16, brand new phone, but when they turn it on and check it out, it's an Android phone inside and they find out that they've been scammed,' he said. Komilov also warned, sometimes people buy phones from third-party sites and social media, and end up with a stolen phone that the original user has locked, which means the phone won't work. Back at Atkisson's home, 7NEWS helped connect him with a Verizon rep that settled his billing issue, so he's now back to paying about $240 for four lines, and is comfortable with a credit they gave him for his used phones. Still, he's locked into 36 months of payments, so let's do the math on what he could be saving if he had switched plans to a prepaid one. He would have had to buy the phones directly from Apple for $1600, offset by selling his old iPhone 13 Max Pro and iPhone 11 for an estimated $600. But even with the net $1000 expense, if he had switched his plan to a prepaid unlimited for $25 per phone line, he has 4 lines, he would save $140 each month. In 36 months, he'd have $4,400 extra dollars plus two paid-off phones. Wiles warned that his bill arrived just after Verizon's 30-day return policy ended. And he got nowhere, until he contacted 7NEWS, we reached out to Verizon and his $1800 bill was dropped. 'It was just spiraling. So, when I contacted you, I immediately got a positive response and affirmative response and I hadn't gotten that before. So whatever your magic was, it made a tremendous difference,' Wiles said to our 7NEWS Here to Help crew. The moral of the story, be sure you get in writing exactly what your charges will be including taxes and fees for any 'free phone,' and if you're paying more than 25 to 35 dollars a line, know there are other plan options, some even unlimited, that could drastically lower your bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Snaile Partners with Virtual.com to Join the Virtual Network
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Snaile, Canada's leading smart parcel locker provider, and a premier transportation technology, and pudo (pick up and drop off) network, are excited to announce a strategic partnership. With Snaile joining Virtual Network, North America's largest and fastest-growing Carrier-Agnostic Infrastructure for Last-Mile Logistics. The initiative will deploy over 800 locker locations across Canada within the next 2 months, enabling carriers and local businesses to access shared, scalable infrastructure for deliveries, returns, and pickups. Snaile partners with to join the Virtual Network. Aiming to Deploy 800 Snaile Lockers on the Virtual Network in Q2 and over 1,200 new locations in 2025. Share This Virtual Network of open-access locker and pudo (pick up and drop off) locations is designed to solve one of the last-mile industry's biggest challenges — accessibility and efficiency at scale. By combining Snaile's existing locker network with pudo (pick up and drop off) network and logistics tools, the collaboration offers couriers, retailers, and local businesses a fast, secure and low-cost way to expand delivery and return capabilities with zero infrastructure investment. 'Snaile has been a pioneer in this space from the beginning. Our partnership with Virtual marks an exciting leap forward—unlocking new possibilities for what this technology can achieve. As we continue expanding into new technologies and verticals, this collaboration is a natural evolution. We're energized by what lies ahead and confident that this partnership will help shape the future,' said Jonathan Szucs, CEO of Snaile. Key Highlights of Virtual Network: Canada's leading smart parcel locker company Virtual Network is a general, full carrier agnostic network Snaile is paving the way into new verticals, positioning itself to be first to market with breakthrough solutions. Virtual Network couriers and partners gain instant access to new and existing Snaile locker locations This initiative also opens the door for retailers and logistics partners to join Virtual network, quickly expanding their reach without the operational overhead of standalone locker systems. 'We're excited to partner with Snaile, it will amplify the value our two great brands bring to the Canadian market,' said CEO Jonathan Spence. 'Snaile will benefit from the shared infrastructure, software solutions and footprint that Virtual Network provides.' The deployment of existing Snaile locker locations is scheduled for Q2 2025, with national expansion planned throughout 2025. Locations are being selected based upon data analysis by Virtual and Snaile to carefully select sites with the fastest ROI. About Snaile Snaile is Canada's leading provider of smart parcel locker systems for retail, residential, commercial, and institutional properties in 100+ communities nationwide. Proudly Canadian, Snaile lockers are fully built, installed, and supported in Canada — certified to Canadian electrical and privacy standards, ISO 27001 certified, and rated to -40°C. About Virtual Network is a next-generation agnostic logistics platform, connecting local couriers, national retailers, and e-commerce operations with scalable delivery solutions. Its platform offers smart routing, decision-free optimization, and integrated tech for the future of logistics.
National Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Snaile Partners with Virtual.com to Join the Virtual Network
Article content Aiming to Deploy 800 Snaile Lockers on the Virtual Network in Q2 and over 1,200 locations before the end of 2025, Virtual Network Offers Scalable, Carrier-Agnostic Infrastructure for Last-Mile Logistics Article content Article content TORONTO — Snaile, Canada's leading smart parcel locker provider, and a premier transportation technology, and pudo (pick up and drop off) network, are excited to announce a strategic partnership. With Snaile joining Virtual Network, North America's largest and fastest-growing Carrier-Agnostic Infrastructure for Last-Mile Logistics. The initiative will deploy over 800 locker locations across Canada within the next 2 months, enabling carriers and local businesses to access shared, scalable infrastructure for deliveries, returns, and pickups. Article content This Virtual Network of open-access locker and pudo (pick up and drop off) locations is designed to solve one of the last-mile industry's biggest challenges — accessibility and efficiency at scale. By combining Snaile's existing locker network with pudo (pick up and drop off) network and logistics tools, the collaboration offers couriers, retailers, and local businesses a fast, secure and low-cost way to expand delivery and return capabilities with zero infrastructure investment. Article content 'Snaile has been a pioneer in this space from the beginning. Our partnership with Virtual marks an exciting leap forward—unlocking new possibilities for what this technology can achieve. As we continue expanding into new technologies and verticals, this collaboration is a natural evolution. We're energized by what lies ahead and confident that this partnership will help shape the future,' said Jonathan Szucs, CEO of Snaile. Article content Key Highlights of Virtual Network: Article content This initiative also opens the door for retailers and logistics partners to join Virtual network, quickly expanding their reach without the operational overhead of standalone locker systems. 'We're excited to partner with Snaile, it will amplify the value our two great brands bring to the Canadian market,' said CEO Jonathan Spence. 'Snaile will benefit from the shared infrastructure, software solutions and footprint that Virtual Network provides.' Article content The deployment of existing Snaile locker locations is scheduled for Q2 2025, with national expansion planned throughout 2025. Locations are being selected based upon data analysis by Virtual and Snaile to carefully select sites with the fastest ROI. Article content Proudly Canadian, Snaile lockers are fully built, installed, and supported in Canada — certified to Canadian electrical and privacy standards, ISO 27001 certified, and rated to -40°C. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Virtual Media Contact: Jonathan Spence CEO, Virtual sales@ 1-888-655-6258 Article content Article content Article content
Ottawa Citizen
25-04-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Expedibox Partners With Virtual.com to Join the Virtual Network
Article content Aiming to Deploy 700 Expedibox Lockers on the Virtual Network in Q2 and 1,000 more locations planned before the end of 2026, Virtual Network Offers Scalable, Carrier-Agnostic Infrastructure for Last-Mile Logistics Article content Article content MONTREAL — Expedibox, a leading Canadian smart locker provider, and a premier transportation technology and pudo (pick up and drop off) network, are excited to announce a strategic partnership with Expedibox joining Virtual Network, North America's largest and fastest-growing Carrier-Agnostic Infrastructure for Last-Mile Logistics. The initiative will deploy over 1,700 locker locations across Canada within the next 12 months, enabling carriers and local businesses to access shared, scalable infrastructure for deliveries, returns, and pickups. Article content This Virtual Network of open-access locker and pudo (pick up and drop off) locations is designed to solve one of the last-mile industry's biggest challenges — accessibility and efficiency at scale. By combining Expedibox's existing locker network with pudo (pick up and drop off) network and logistics tools, the collaboration offers couriers, retailers, and local businesses a fast, secure and low-cost way to expand delivery and return capabilities with zero infrastructure investment. Article content 'This partnership with represents a major step forward in our mission to simplify and secure last-mile logistics across Canada. By joining the Virtual Network, we are not just expanding our footprint — we are building the infrastructure of the future for a more open, collaborative and efficient parcel ecosystem,' said Francis Campbell, CEO of Expedibox. Article content This initiative also opens the door for retailers and logistics partners to join Virtual network, quickly expanding their reach without the operational overhead of stand alone locker systems. Article content 'With Expedibox joining Virtual Network, partners will benefit from their existing locker footprint and 2025 expansion plan,' said CEO Jonathan Spence. 'Expedibox will benefit from Virtual Network software solutions, network footprint, carrier partners and additional revenue streams.' Article content The deployment of in production Expedibox locker locations is scheduled for Q2 2025, with national expansion planned throughout 2025. Locations are being selected based upon data analysis by Virtual and Expedibox to carefully select sites with the fastest ROI. Article content Expedibox is a leading Canadian provider of smart parcel lockers. With over 600 active locations and 150,000 users, Expedibox simplifies last-mile logistics for residential, commercial, and public spaces. Its turnkey hardware and software solutions are trusted by major developers, property managers, and delivery networks across Canada. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Virtual Media Contact: Jonathan Spence CEO, Virtual sales@ 1-888-655-6258 Article content Article content
National Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- National Post
Expedibox Partners With Virtual.com to Join the Virtual Network
Article content Aiming to Deploy 700 Expedibox Lockers on the Virtual Network in Q2 and 1,000 more locations planned before the end of 2026, Virtual Network Offers Scalable, Carrier-Agnostic Infrastructure for Last-Mile Logistics Article content Article content MONTREAL — Expedibox, a leading Canadian smart locker provider, and a premier transportation technology and pudo (pick up and drop off) network, are excited to announce a strategic partnership with Expedibox joining Virtual Network, North America's largest and fastest-growing Carrier-Agnostic Infrastructure for Last-Mile Logistics. The initiative will deploy over 1,700 locker locations across Canada within the next 12 months, enabling carriers and local businesses to access shared, scalable infrastructure for deliveries, returns, and pickups. Article content Expedibox joins Virtual Network, North America's largest and fastest-growing Carrier-Agnostic locker and pudo network for Last-Mile Logistics. Article content This Virtual Network of open-access locker and pudo (pick up and drop off) locations is designed to solve one of the last-mile industry's biggest challenges — accessibility and efficiency at scale. By combining Expedibox's existing locker network with pudo (pick up and drop off) network and logistics tools, the collaboration offers couriers, retailers, and local businesses a fast, secure and low-cost way to expand delivery and return capabilities with zero infrastructure investment. Article content 'This partnership with represents a major step forward in our mission to simplify and secure last-mile logistics across Canada. By joining the Virtual Network, we are not just expanding our footprint — we are building the infrastructure of the future for a more open, collaborative and efficient parcel ecosystem,' said Francis Campbell, CEO of Expedibox. Article content 1,700 lockers planned across Canada to scale out through 2026 Virtual Network is a general, fully carrier agnostic network Expedibox offers customizable locker configurations designed to support residential, commercial, and public access environments. Expedibox ensures carrier and client satisfaction with market-leading uptime, high quality parcel lockers and high end bilingual tech support Virtual Network couriers and partners gain instant access to new and existing Expedibox locker locations Article content This initiative also opens the door for retailers and logistics partners to join Virtual network, quickly expanding their reach without the operational overhead of stand alone locker systems. Article content 'With Expedibox joining Virtual Network, partners will benefit from their existing locker footprint and 2025 expansion plan,' said CEO Jonathan Spence. 'Expedibox will benefit from Virtual Network software solutions, network footprint, carrier partners and additional revenue streams.' Article content The deployment of in production Expedibox locker locations is scheduled for Q2 2025, with national expansion planned throughout 2025. Locations are being selected based upon data analysis by Virtual and Expedibox to carefully select sites with the fastest ROI. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Virtual Media Contact: Jonathan Spence CEO, Virtual sales@ 1-888-655-6258 Article content Article content
