Tag: stream

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Mobile Syrup

Telus increases Stream+ bundle cost by $3 for ‘some’ customers

Telus will increase the cost of its Stream+ bundle by $3 starting in March.

In a statement to MobileSyrup, Telus confirmed the increase:

“Some Stream+ customers are being notified of a $3 increase to their bills beginning in March as a result of a price change to one of the streaming services included in the Stream+ bundle. This increase does not apply to customers receiving select promotional offers and only those notified will be impacted. The Stream+ bundle still offers the best combined rates for access to the leading premium streaming services.”

Telus also reiterated to MobileSyrup that it’s the “only provider in Canada” that bundles premium streaming services with mobility plans. The carrier said it “remain[s] committed to offering flexible payment terms to any customers who are experiencing financial hardship, and will continue to support them on a case-by-case basis.”

The price increase comes with unfortunate timing — it coincided with Netflix’s change to how it handles password sharing. Last week, MobileSyrup reported that Stream+ wouldn’t allow customers to add extra members as part of Netflix’s new password-sharing crackdown. Several readers took to the comments mentioning the Stream+ price increase, but it’s worth noting that the increase likely isn’t connected to Netflix.

Telus said that the Stream+ increase was because of a “price change to one of the streaming services” it includes in the Stream+ bundle. Though the carrier didn’t specify which, the obvious culprit is actually Apple TV+, which went from $5.99/mo to $8.99/mo in October 2022. That’s the only streaming service offered in the Stream+ bundle that has seen a price change since Telus launched the bundle in April 2022 — Netflix Premium still costs $20.99/mo (excluding the new account sharing costs), and Discovery+ costs $4.99/mo.

Moreover, the new Apple TV+ price is reflected on the Telus Stream+ website, though the $3 price increase is not yet.

You can learn more about Stream+ here.

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Mobile Syrup

Telus says Stream+ customers can’t add extra Netflix members

There’s still some confusion around Netflix’s account-sharing changes in Canada, but generally, Canadian subscribers need to pony up $8 more each month to share Netflix with people outside their households. Except, Canadians who get Netflix through Telus’ Stream+ bundle won’t have that option.

A Telus spokesperson confirmed to MobileSyrup that “At this time, there is no option to add ‘extra members’ to Netflix through your Stream+ account.”

Of course, that leaves some uncertainty. For one, it’s not clear if that means Stream+ customers will be able to continue sharing Netflix with people outside their homes (my guess is this won’t be the case). Moreover, it’s not clear if or when Telus will allow people to add extra members through Stream+, or what impact that will have on billing. Plus, if someone with a Netflix account who added additional members switches to Stream+, it’s not clear what will happen to the additional members.

When pressed for additional information, Telus did not elaborate.

Currently, Stream+ costs $25 per month (or $20 for two years when added alongside an activation or renewal of any Telus 5G+ or CAN-US plan). The Stream+ bundle includes Netflix Premium, Apple TV+, Discovery+ and Telus TV+. Netflix Premium costs $20.99/mo in Canada. Premium also now enables the addition of two extra members at $7.99/mo each — check out how to add members here.

However, the Telus Stream+ website explains in a FAQ section that people with existing Netflix accounts can bring them over to the Stream+ bundle to keep their watch history, preferences and account settings. Importantly, it notes that “billing will also transfer over to Telus.”

Ultimately, several unknowns remain around Netflix and Stream+. My two cents on the issue; Telus will likely adjust Stream+ in the coming weeks to work with extra members. If Telus doesn’t, it sounds like there could maybe be a loophole enabling Stream+ users to keep sharing their accounts, but I really wouldn’t bank on it (and you shouldn’t, either). This story will get updates if Telus provides any more information about Stream+.

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Mobile Syrup

Telus, Koodo launch Stream+ bundle with Netflix, Apple TV+, and Discovery+

Telus and its flanker brand Koodo launched a new ‘Stream+’ subscription that allows customers to add a $25/mo bundle with Netflix, Apple TV+, and Discovery+ to their plan.

Telus’ Stream+ service differs slightly from Koodo’s version, as it also includes Telus TV+ and the Vancouver-based national carrier offers a $5/mo discount to customers who get Stream+ when activating or renewing one of its 5G+ or Canada/U.S. Unlimited plans.

Regardless, the main benefit of the bundle is the three included streaming services. Telus breaks down the pricing, noting customers get “Netflix Premium,” which costs $20.99/mo without the bundle, Apple TV+, which costs $5.99/mo without the bundle, and Discovery+, which costs $4.99/mo without the bundle. While the bundle costs $25/mo, all the services on their own would cost $31.97/mo.

Telus Stream+ price breakdown.

Since Netflix offers several subscription tiers, it’s worth noting that Netflix’s website notes what’s included in the $20.99/mo ‘Premium’ tier:

  • Watch on up to four screens at the same time
  • Have downloads on up to four phones or tablets
  • Up to Ultra HD (UHD) quality

Moreover, Telus says that customers who sign up for Stream+ can keep their existing accounts for these services, so if you already have Netflix (for example), you can port your account to Stream+ instead of making a new one. That means you’ll keep your watch history and take advantage of savings.

However, if you’re buying an Apple device, the Stream+ bundle may not be the best deal, at least at first. Apple offers a three-month free trial of Apple TV+ to customers who buy a new Apple device, so you may want to make use of that before getting Stream+.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Stream+ is likely an effort to compete with Rogers and Bell, both of which bundle streaming services with their mobile plans. Rogers offers six months free Disney+ on select wireless plans, while Bell offers 24 months free of its own Crave streaming service (although it’s only the ‘Mobile‘ tier).

You can learn more about Stream+ with Telus here (or here with Koodo).

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus’ new streaming service bundles Netflix Premium, Apple TV+ and Discovery+

Telus has introduced the only streaming bundle in Canada.

Stream+ offers Netflix Premium, Apple TV+ and Discovery+ for $25, all on one bill.

A bundled option is something Telus customers have wanted for some time.

A survey commissioned by the company found 87 percent of respondents use at least one streaming service, and 90 percent of respondents would bundle the platforms if they could. 83 percent also believe it would be convenient to have all the services billed together.

Jim Senko, president of mobility solutions, confirmed to MobileSyrup the bundle only has one price tier.

Stream+ offers up to 20 percent in savings per month ($84 a year), compared to paying for each service separately.

The monthly cost for Netflix Premium alone is $20.99. Apple TV+ costs $5.99, and Discovery+ runs a price tag of $4.99 a month.

Customers with subscriptions to these platforms can transfer their billing to Telus. Doing so won’t change their preferences, history or user profile.

“Once their Stream+ account is activated, customers are redirected to the different platforms’ landing pages where they can enter their existing user ID to continue watching,” Senko said.

Customers who don’t subscribe to one or more streaming services can create accounts after signing up for Stream+.

The service is available to new and current Telus customers. Combined with one of Telus’ plans, it will allow customers to access the service at all times in 5G. Users can watch from multiple devices at one time.

“This is important for busy households where everyone has a different favourite show, and means everyone can stream what they want and at the same time,” Senko said.