Saunalahti

According to Google Translate, "Saunalahti" translates to "sauna bay".
But I am referring to the phone company that is joined with Elisa (internet and television services).

A few days ago, I got my phone bill from Sonera and nearly passed out when it was again, about 45�.
I have decided that enough was enough - I'm moving on.  I no longer make any contracts with any company due to not knowing our future plans and am glad I didn't make one with Sonera.

Once upon a time, I was with DNA and my phone bill once hit 50� (without internet usage at all - just text messages!) and their options didn't seem all that hot - so I  moved to Sonera.
I originally went to Sonera for their "kamu" program - which meant I could pick up to 5 phone numbers (Sonera based) and only paid 1� per number registered, for un-limited calls and text messaging.  And then I could also have 1 phone number that wasn't Sonera-based for the same price.

My bill was down to about 30� - which wasn't too bad (I don't talk a lot on the phone - I really avoid it unless necessary) - but suddenly it creeped up to 40 or 45�!!
I am thinking it's the fact that I was using my internet more often - and remembered Saunalahti (sister company with Elisa) offered un-limited internet with their fees.
A friend who is also with Sonera said that the fee shouldn't go up but the internet would just work slower on my phone...hmm.

I had previously gone to Sonera to ask for a better deal and they just adjusted my text message package - which added MORE to my bill and that was it.
They aren't very helpful (I've never called into their call center or anything before) and I knew the fellow spoke English - so I don't know what's up.
Also, Sonera offers discounts on their website when you log into your account.  However, my phone is in my name and my bank account doesn't show my name on it but my husband's as he's the primary account holder.  So I wasn't able to create a profile on Sonera's site either.

Then I went into Elisa and got a young guy who spoke great English and the customer service was FANTASTIC.
I quickly explained what I needed:

• I send about 700 text messages per month and was with Sonera for their Kamu program.
• I don't talk a lot on the phone - so about 1.5 hours per month (this varies - it really depends how many family members have birthdays or how many holidays are in that month so I should probably call them.)
• I use the internet quite a bit - nothing fancy.  Just Facebook and Hotmail.

The Elisa fellow quickly pointed out a plan for me (non-contract):

• 1200 text messages for 9,90� a month
• Mobile "Mini" internet package (unlimited usage) 4,90� per month (speed is average 0.5Mbits/s)
• Monthly fee is 0.66� per month
• Talking is less than 6 cents per minute too

So total is approximately: 15.46� per month.

And for the first month, I get 50% off of my internet fee....and for 12 months (aka 1 year) I get 50% off of my text message package too!

So I'm looking at about 10� and some change per month...for a year.
As opposed to 42-44� per month!

After that, he checked out internet options for me because we'll be moving in a month or so.

THEN he asked me if I would like my number to be listed or not and I opted for not - which I assume doesn't cost anything because he didn't advise me of any fee.

I kept my number the same too.

Thanks Saunalahti!