Free email and phone programs

The reason I am creating this page sometimes people don't have the ability to use their phone due to weak cell phone connection but do have access to Wi-Fi whether it be through their cell phone provider or because their in a free Wi-Fi hotspot (like the c-train stations in downtown Calgary, Coffee shops, or fast food places [ie. a majority of McDonalds and A & W resteraunts]). Having access to free Wi-Fi also allows out of town travellers to communicate with friends and family back at home without having to pay any long distance phone call fees.

Please note if you are trying to call 9-1-1 due to an emergency, it's best you use your regular cell phone network if possible to contact them, since that is what they recognize the most.

If you think you are going to need these services while you are traveling it's best to download them on to your mobile device before you go on your trip, that way you're ready to use them when you need or want to do so.

Email:

Outlook:

http://outlook.live.com


Yahoo! Canada Mail: 

https://login.yahoo.com/?.src=ym&.intl=us&.lang=en-US&.done=https%3a//mail.yahoo.com

Gmail:

http://gmail.com

Free online phone, text, and video phone service:

Skype

https://login.skype.com/login?client_id=578134&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.skype.com%2F

Messenger:

 https://www.messenger.com/

Google Hangouts

https://hangouts.google.com

Yahoo Messenger 

https://messenger.yahoo.com/

(* please note if you are using these services while using your data plan on your cell phone. Data plan cell phone fees may apply. The only time it's totally free is when you are using free Wi-Fi hotspots).

Free Wi-Fi access:

 Like I stated earlier their is free Wi-Fi services at all c-train stations in downtown Calgary. Calgary Transit is expanding that concept to include all c-train stations eventually. Chinook, Calgary Zoo, Rundle, and Marlborough also have free Wi-Fi Access. They use Shaw Go Wi-Fi to do this. Here is a way you can access Shaw Go Wi-Fi without having a Shaw Account for free https://wifiguest.shaw.ca/guest

Free Telus WiFi hotspots and how to connect to them.
http://www.telus.com/en/ab/support/article/telus-wifi-public-hotspots