Big three unveil low-cost, data only plans to criticism

Canada’s big three wireless carriers have responded to the CRTC’s request to submit proposals on low-cost data-only mobile phone plans, though critics say the plans on offer won’t do much to address affordability. “By and large, the carriers’ proposed rate plans are no better than, and in some case substantially more expensive than, what is already on offer from these same companies,” PhD candidate and researcher at Carleton University's school of journalism and communication Ben Klass said in an email to The Wire Report. When the CRTC requested the plans in a ruling last month, it said the plans would be a better way to fulfill the government’s goals of more affordable wireless options for consumers than mandating roaming access by WiFi-first mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), an option it turned down. “To suggest that the new proposals meet expectations for ‘lower-priced data-only plans' raises the obvious question: lower than what?” Klass asked. “For Bell and Rogers, they’re certainly not lower than their existing data-only plans.” Rogers Communications Inc. is proposing a $25 for 400 MB per month plan, while BCE Inc. and Telus Corp. plan to offer the plans only through their flanker brands. Bell’s Virgin Mobile would offer a $30 for 500MB, Telus’ Koodo would host a $30/500 MB plan, and its Public Mobile will offer multiple plans, including a $30/600 MB option. They would be offered as both pre- and post-paid plans, connecting to the providers’ LTE networks. Rogers’ plan would not allow for “extended domestic coverage,” meaning it won’t connect to service when outside of the Rogers network. But for comparison, Klass pointed to Rogers’ “mobile internet” plans for hotspots and tablets — which offer 100 MB for $10, and subsequently $20 for every 2 GB afterward — as a more generous option. Bell offers a 2 GB tablet plan for $30, and Telus has a mobile internet plan for the same price as what it proposed to the CRTC — 500 MB for $30 a month. When reached for an explanation, the big three providers pointed to a couple of details which they say makes the comparison a little more complicated and differentiates the proposed plans from the existing hotspot and tablet plans. Bell spokesman Marc Choma explained in an email that Bell offers different rates for different devices, and tablet plans do not have a pre-paid option. According to Telus’ submission, the proposed Koodo plans would be eligible to have a device subsidizing tab. Telus’ website outlines the current mobile internet plans are available only on two-year terms, while the new plans would be available on a month-to-month basis. Rogers said in an email that to be eligible for a tablet and hotspot data-only plan, customers must already have a postpaid plan. It updated its website during the day Wednesday to make that condition more prominent. Klass said he’s worried that the providers are aiming for “poor internet for poor people,” and argued the device-type limitations are only on paper, as previously he has connected phones to tablet-type plans. Public Interest Advocacy Centre’s (PIAC) executive director John Lawford told The Wire Report he had similar criticisms, including that the proposed plans are too expensive. “I'm not happy with the no guarantee that the price won't go up, so even if you do take a chance on a $30 plan, and if it's $40 in a year... it’s not responding to anybody’s needs,” he said in a phone interview. Lawford also took issue with what he said were low bandwidth caps. “I don't like the fact that the service is so limited in utility,” said Lawford. “Just because you're lower-income, that doesn't mean you don't use your phone in the usual way.” — With reporting by Bryson Masse at bmasse@thewirereport.ca and editing by Anja Karadeglija at akarad@thewirereport.ca

Big three unveil low-cost, data only plans to criticism

News | April 25, 2018

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Big three unveil low-cost, data only plans to criticism

News | April 25, 2018

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