But what if you get an 'add on' package for just one month. When it ends, surely you aren't downgrading?
An "add on" is not part of the contract. I'm assuming that you're talking about a cellphone contract, as Bell doesn't offer service contracts for residential landline phone users.
Anyway, when you signed up for the service, you may or may not have entered into a contract with the service provider. The contract usually specifies what goods and services you will be receiving, at what price, and for what duration. It may also specify whether there is a penalty for early cancellation, what that penalty will be, and what limitations on liability the carrier reserves in the event that they should be unable to fulfill their end of the agreement. Usually they reserve the right to limit liability to a simple refund.
First thing you need to do is find out if you are actually under contract. You may not be. You should also look into whether the contract is valid in your jurisdiction. Some provinces have laws that restrict what a customer may be contractually obligated to.
If you are under contract, you need to know what you agreed to. Anything above and beyond what you agreed to is excluded from the contract. If the "add on" was not a part of the agreement you made with the carrier, you may cancel it without penalty. Your only obligation is to what you agreed to under contract.
If you were in a contract, and your carrier allowed you to break that contract in order to upgrade your services, you may find yourself under obligation of a new contract. In this circumstance your hands might be tied. You'll have to look into it.
If you find yourself in a position where you are under contract, but are unable to meet your contractual obligations due to financial hardship, I would attempt talking to your carrier. There's no guarantees, but don't underestimate human compassion. Especially during this season.
