It seems everyone complains about the cost of their wireless plan, despite the fact that compared to the early days of cellular calls the costs are reasonable. Plus the service providers keep in throwing in all sorts of free extras, and making it affordable to do just about everything on your phone. But of course we like to complain. So if you’re feeling that your mobile service is too expensive consider a trip to our neighbor to the North.
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) has announced that a new comprehensive report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that mobile phone users in Canada are getting a good deal with their wireless plans. These prices were found to be among the most competitive among the 30 member countries of the OECD.
“This report, as well as other recent studies, offers even further evidence that true competition in the wireless industry is providing Canadian customers with excellent value compared to customers in other countries,” said CWTA President & CEO Peter Barnes. “The new OECD data should also put to rest the distorted information about the true state of wireless pricing in Canada put forth by companies seeking entry into the wireless marketplace through taxpayer-subsidies and other uncompetitive measures.”
The report shows that wireless prices in Canada compare very favorably with those of the EU nations included in the study, and are “better” than those of the United States or Mexico.
I am sorry, but that is far from the truth. Being a Canadian resident we pay at least on average 30% more for wireless services over US. We have the most outrageous mobile data rates in the world.
See for yourself.
http://www.thomaspurves.com/2007/04/09/canada-worse-than-3rd-world-countries-when-it-comes-to-mobile-data-access/
Basic mobile phone service might be competitive – but add data to the picture and this is a bitter pill. The Canadian wireless industry is one of the most consumer-hostile, slow-on-the-uptake and overpriced sectors around.
Hahahaha…This article is funny, especially if you realize who put together the report. The basic plans are “ok”, but if you want ANY options (especially data) look out.
Here’s an example: one Rogers plan is $30/month for 200 anytime and unlimited nights (9pm) and weekends, which doesn’t sound too bad…But, here’s what else you have to pay: $6.95 for system access fee; $.50 911 access; $12 if you want one Value pack which includes “Enhanced Voicemail” (enhanced because they save your messages for up to 10 days), and Call/Name Display. This totals up to ~$49/month + tax.
Don’t need the Value Pack, but only want voicemail? Sure, cough up $6-8/month. Only want Call/Name Display? Cough up $6-9/month.
Oh yeah, did we tell you that this plan includes ZERO long distance, no text messaging ($3+), and ZERO data ($5, up to $100 for a crappy 100 MB)?
Excellent value, my ass…
-P
This is the biggest farce that I’ve ever heard. As others have mentioned, basic voice is not too outrageous, however data costs are simply ridiculous! $100 per month for 200MB of data is the going rate…compare that to the unlimited data plans in the US that are as low as $29.99 per month…that doesn’t sound competative to me!
Interesting how my comment from July 13th was deleted, without any notice. Maybe it was because I gave a specific example — with costs — of how this study is a sham? Bottom line: wireless in Canada is absurdly expensive if you’re looking for more than 200 anytime minutes, data, or extra features such as voicemail.