Tag: telus

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Here are the changes to Canadian mobile rate plans this week [December 2 – December 8]

With over 13 wireless carriers in Canada, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest promotions and cell phone rate plan changes. 

MobileSyrup will compile the latest weekly rate plan deals every week. You can also check out our guide on plans across Canada to find the right plan for you.  You can compare from 47,842 options and 13 carriers in Canada to find the best option.

It’s worth noting that rate plans are always subject to change and that we’ll do our best to keep this list updated as accurately as possible.

Canadian carrier rate plan changes this week

New deals:

  • Unlimited Share 100 plan is $15/mo. cheaper, Unlimited 40 and 60 are $10/mo cheaper in MB, QC & SK compared to main regions.
  • Save $25/month for every team member you add to your account.
  • Get 25GB for only $65/month on Canada’s best network.
  • Get unlimited data with no overage fees, parental controls and one bill for your family all for just $45/month.
  • Save $100 when you buy online.
  • Pair Bell mobility with your Bell service and get 20GB of data for just $50/month.
  • Get three lines with unlimited data and no overages for an average of $55/month.
  • Get $200 off Fossil Smartwatches
  • Get three months of Apple Fitness+ free
  • Save 20% on a Samsung Galaxy Watch4 with Bell SmartPay.
  • Switch your business to Canada’s best 5G network6 and get a credit of $200 per line.

Ongoing deals:

  • Save $50 on your order when you shop online.
  • Save 30% on a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with purchase of select phones.
  • Get a $50 bill credit when you buy any phone online or bring your own phone
  • Popular accessories on sale
  • Connect your other devices and enjoy unlimited data from $10/mo.
  • Promo on Unlimited Share plans. Save $15 for every family member on your account when you have two or more lines.
  • $50 Promo plan with 10 GB of non-shareable data, and $55 Promo plan with 20 GB of non-shareable data. (QC) For new activations only.
  • Get bonus 100MB data/mo with unlimited Canada-wide minutes for $25/mo with automatic monthly top-up options.
  • Trade-in your old device and save
  • Get six months of Crave Total on us with new smartphones on Bell SmartPay
  • Get our unlimited talk and text plan for just $30/mo.
  • Save $15/mo. for every family member you add to your account.
  • Various monthly phone credits on select smartphones with SmartPay or SmartPay + Device Return Option
  • Get up to 500 MB bonus data/mo. when you sign up for Automatic Monthly or Automatic Monthly/Low Balance Top-Up option on eligible plans.
  • Save $40 on the intelliARMOR UV Shield+ portable sanitize

Browse Bell cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get the chance to instantly win 1 of 50 Air Canada eGift Cards of $500! Only on the Fido app.
  • Various smartphones on cyber deals
  • Apple iPad 7 for $0 down.
  • Accessories you want for $0 down
  • Save $100 online
  • Get iPhone 12 mini 128GB + AirPods (2nd generation) online for $0 down and just pay $29.99/mo. over 24 months.
  • Get a $150 bill credit when you activate or upgrade your phone online with iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Ongoing deals:

  • Get a Samsung Galaxy device and get up to 4 months of YouTube Premium
  • Trade-in select devices and get a minimum credit of $100
  • One Month Free Service when you invite your friends and they join Fido.
  • Get Extra $5 Credit Per Month on ZTE Grand X View 4

Browse Fido cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get $200 in welcome credit with an All-Inclusive plan or $100 with a 4 GB, 10 GB or 20 GB Plan.
  • $200 credit with any Helix TV subscription
  • $100 credit with any Helix internet subscription

Ongoing deals:

  • The best Wi-Fi technology with Helix internet is available from $50/mo
  • Get an extra 100GB per year, always at full speed
  • Helix unlimited 400 internet at $70/mo
  • For a limited time, Vrai is offered for 12 months when you add it to your mobile plan
  • Get a discount & save up to $15 per plan every month if you team up by four.
  • Get 10 GB bonus data per year in Canada with a Basic 4GB, 10GB Canada plan & $10 GB Canada-Us plan
  • Save $46/mo. on the TV light and 100 internet plan
  • Shop latest iPhones and get electrifying discounts
  • Save $24/mo. on the unlimited 100 internet
  • Get 100 GB bonus per year in Canada with All-Inclusive 20GB, 25GB plan as well as 15 GB Canada – US without border plan
  • Get $100 off the accessories you really want.
  • Subscribe to the QUB musique Family plan at the exclusive rate of $9.99/month for 24 months
  • Take advantage of monthly discount with multiline $5 to $15 per line each month (depends of number of lines)
  • Up to $500 trade-in credit on any smartphone purchase
  • Club illico mobile included on All-Inclusive Mobile plans

Browse Videotron cell phone plan

New deals:

  • Get three months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade with pre-owned certified iPhone – XR, XS and XS Max

Ongoing deals:

  • Prepaid SIM cards are now $10 for a limited time
  • Get six months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade when you get an iPhone 11, SE, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro Max
  • $25 referral credit for both when referring a friend after they join on a postpaid plan.
  • Bonus 500 MB data per month with Automatic Top-Up on the $30, $40, $45 and $55 both Canada-wide and Province-wide calling plans (all regions)
  • Shop online and save the $50 connection fee 

Browse Koodo cell phone plans 

New deals:

  • Add a family member to your Rogers Infinite plan starting at $55/mo. after a $15/mo discount
  • Get iPhone 13 Pro 128 GB for $0 down on approved credit
  • Activate or upgrade on a $75/mo or higher Rogers Infinite plan and get our most premium perks (QC)
  • Save $200 per line for your small business
  • Get $200 Google Play credits with Samsung Z series
  • Get iPhone 12 mini + AirPods (2nd generation) bundle for only $22.07/mo for 24 months with financing and select plans with Upfront Edge
  • Trade-in your iPhone 11 and get the iPhone 13 for just $5/mo. for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge
  • shop online and save up to $200
  • Get two lines for $72.50/mo per line and enjoy 40 GB of data
  • Purchase an eligible device with Pro-On-the-Go and get the Google Nest Hub (1st gen) for a special price of $60
  • Get the Pixel 6 Series for $0 down on approved credit
  • Promo on Infinite Plan 25 GB (was 15 GB) + 6 months of Apple Music for $65/mo. MB/SK/QC)

Ongoing deals:

  • Promo on $85 Infinite Plan 60GB + 6 months of Apple Music and + 6 months of Disney+ Purchase a tablet or Apple Watch on financing and get it free for 24 months (MB/SK/QC)
  • $15/mo. off on all Infinite plans except for $85/mo. plan, which is $10/mo. off in MB, QC & SK compared to other regions
  • Promo on Infinite Plan 60GB + 6 months of Apple Music and + 6 months of Disney+ & Purchase a tablet or Apple Watch on financing and get it free for 24 months for $95/mo. (main regions)
  • Get iPhone 12 mini 64GB for only $7/mo for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge when you return your device within two years
  • Activate or upgrade to a $90/mo or higher Rogers Infinite plan and add a free tablet plan for 24 months – with tablets like the ZTE Grand X View 4 or the Huawei T5
  • Get up to 3 months of Google One on us when you sign up through Rogers.
  • Promo on $90 Infinite Plan 40GB + 6 months of Apple Music and + 6 months of Disney+ Purchase a tablet or Apple Watch on financing and get it free for 24 months (main regions)
  • Sign up for Apple Music and get your first six months free on a Rogers Infinite plan
  • Get a limited time offer on a Rogers Infinite plan
  • Save up to $650 on iPhone 12 when you trade in your iPhone XR, iPhone XS or iPhone 8
  • Promo on Talk text Unlimited Canada Wide minutes for $30 (was $35)
  • Get two lines for $60/mo per line for 30 GB of data max speed (QC)
  • Sign up for Disney+ through Rogers and get six months on select Rogers Infinite plans
  • Various monthly phone credits on select smartphones with Financing or with Upfront Edge
  • $50 referral credit for both after they activate

Browse Rogers cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Promo on Peace of Mind Can-US is 60GB for $90/mo (MB/SK/QC)
  • Promo on Peace of Mind Can-US is 60GB for $100/mo (main regions)
  • Save up to $450 on iPhone 13 with Bring-It-Back
  • Promo on Peace of Mind with 40GB for $85/mo; the Can-US version is $90/mo. (main regions)
  • For a limited time, enjoy a $200 Google Play Promotional Balance when you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
  • From December 1 to 12, visit TELUS Instagram page every day for a chance to help us give back to communities in need and win awesome prizes
  • Save up to $280 on Galaxy S20 FE 5G with Bring-It-Back
  • Double your data for an extra $5 per month
  • Get up to 6 months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade when you buy any iPhone
  • Save 50% on a Google Nest Mini.

Ongoing deals:

  • Save big on the flashiest phones with Bring‑It‑Back
  • Save $100 when you shop Mobility online with a $50 bill credit and a $50 connection fee waiver
  • Join the TELUS Exclusive Partner Program and get 20GB for $50
  • Get a bonus 500MB of data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on $30, $40, $45 & $55 prepaid talk, text & data plans
  • Promo on Peace of Mind with 40GB for $75/mo; the Can-US version is $80 (MB/SK/QC)
  • Get a Samsung Tab A7 Lite for $0 per month on a two year plan
  • Save $130 on Powerbeats Pro for a limited time
  • Save $10 per month with the ultimate online protection
  • Bonus Lenovo Chromebook with motorola one 5G ace
  • Get Amazon Echo Show for $0
  • Get an Apple Watch with TELUS Health Companion from $49 per month
  • Get 10GB of data for as low as $50 with a family of four.
  • Get bonus 100MB data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on $25 prepaid talk & text plan
  • $10 to $15/mo. off on Peace of Mind, Peace of Mind Connect and Simple Share plans in MB, QC & SK compared to main regions
  • $50 referral credit for both after they activate on a postpaid plan (all regions)

Browse Telus cell phone plan

Ongoing deas:

  • Get a $30 bill credit on any Certified Pre-Owned Phone
  • Get 50% off your SIM card when you purchase online today.
  • Switch to public mobile & get one month of free service on any plan and 2GB of monthly bonus data for free when you activate on plans $35/mo+ by Dec 1st
  • 2.5 GB Data at 3G speed 2.5 GB +BONUS 500MB with AutoPay
  • $1 Loyalty Pays every 30 days after the first years. $2 after the second year, and so on.
  • $20 Helping Other every 30 days by earning points in the Community
  • 500MB bonus with Autopay on all Talk, Text & Data plans except $15 plan which comes with 250MB bonus (all regions)
  • $2 off every month with AutoPay Reward
  • $1 off every 30 days for every friend you referred as long as they stay active and a one time $10 credit for your friend

Browse Public Mobile cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • 250MB bonus with Autopay on Talk & Text Plan (Get one month’s fee in credit with new activations on all plans for a limited time)
  • Get 2GB bonus data per month for six months.
  • 500MB bonus with Autopay on all Talk, Text & Data plans

Browse Chatr cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Shop online and save $50
  • Get the HeadRush IPX6 wireless, 40W, water-resistant speaker with a customizable light show
  • Crave is available as an add-on for TV for only $20/mo. hook up today and get two months free
  • Get TV starting from $25/mo.
  • Get iPhone 13 mini with value-packed plans plus Member Benefits
  • Two months FREE of YouTube Premium with the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, and S20 Fe 5G

Ongoing deals:

  • Hook up with unlimited internet and mobility and get a $100 visa prepaid card.
  • Limited time offer – 12GB for $50/month & 20GB for $55/month
  • 250 MB Bonus Data on the $25 Prepaid plan
  • Get a Google Chromecast when you hook up with TV on a 6-month term
  • Get a TCL 20 Pro with member benefits
  • 500MB Bonus Data on the $30, $40, $45, $55 and $75 Prepaid plans
  • 500MB Bonus Data on the $28 Prepaid plan with PPU OR 100MB Bonus Data on the $15 prepaid plan with PPU with AutoPay option
  • Get up to $700 off a hot new device when you trade in your old one.
  • Four months FREE of YouTube Premium with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G and S21 ultra 5G

Browse Virgin Mobile cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Samsung Galaxy A12 is available for $45/mo. and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G for $62/mo.
  • Moto One 5G Ace and iPhone SE are available for $45/mo.
  • $5/mo. digital discount on Bring your own phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Add a line with 3 GB data for $20/mo.
  • Bring your own phone plan: Get a 3GB bonus with a $35 plan, 8GB bonus with the $40 plan
  • 20 GB Fast LTE for $50/mo with digital discount
  • Purchase select Samsung Galaxy devices until December 9th and save on Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, or Galaxy Buds 2.
  • Bring your own phone plan: Get a 10 GB bonus with a $70 plan, a 20 GB bonus with an $80 plan and 20 GB bonus on Canada/US $80 plan.
  • BYOD Big Gig Unlimited plans: get 10 GB bonus data on the $60 and $75/mo plan
  • Get freedom home internet for $60/mo.
  • Get up to 20GB of Bonus Data when you sign up on select plans.
  • Get Talk, Text and 1.5GB of Fast LTE Data for $19/mo.
  • Unlimited talk & text starting at $99/year annual payment
  • BYOD Big Gig Unlimited plans: get 20 GB bonus data on the $85/$115 Canada/US plans
  • Refer a friend and get a $25 service credit for each referral. Save up to $250 a year
  • Get one month of Visual Voicemail for Free

New deals:

  • Sign up for maxTV stream & Internet to get big savings. Plus, get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for the first 12 months
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on a 2-year contract and get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for 12 months
  • Sign up for Crave with STARZ and get your first month free!

Ongoing deals:

  • Switch to a 2-year Internet contract plan and save $10/mo. off the regular price
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on the infiNET 300 plan and get this special deal + get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for the first 12 months
  • Upgrade to the next fastest plan at no additional cost for one month
  • Sign up for maxTV Stream and get your first media box for only $49! Add a second box for $99
  • For every five maxTV Stream theme packs you add, you get $8 in savings
  • Sign up for Super Channel and get your first month free!
  • Sign up for maxTV and get 50% off the Filipino 5-pack for three months.
  • Get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi for only $5/mo. for first three months
  • Get great deals on wireless devices and accessories.
  • Skip the activation and service fees on eligible online device purchases
  • Save big on wireless, internet, and TV.
  • Get unlimited calling with our Anytime North America Long Distance plan—all for one low monthly price
  • Get our 10 most popular calling features, including Call Display & Name Display, for just $10/mo. Add on Voice Mail for only $2/mo. more
  • Sign up for SaskTel homePHONE and get three months of Home Phone Service, Feature Package, and Anytime North America long distance for free
  • Sign up for Crave and get your first month free!
  • Get three months of Apple Fitness+ free when you buy an Apple Watch.
  • Sign up for noSTRINGS Prepaid Auto Top-ups and get a $20 bonus
  • Bring your Google Pixel and save $600
  • Sign up for a noSTRINGS Prepaid Talk, Text & Data or Unlimited plan and save $10/mo. for eight months.

New deals:

  • Save $10/month on Rollover and Big Data plans when you BYOD.
  • $100 accessory credit.

Ongoing deals:

  • Get your first three months FREE on any Smart Home & Security plan
  • Save $59.95 when you DIY and save the installation fee
  • Add Mobile to your Bundle and save $15/month forever
  • Get Crave on us for two months when you add TV to your bundle
  • Save $5/month when you add a line to your mobile service with Family Share

Browse Eastlink cell phone plans 

New deals:

  • Activate your first plan with the referral code of a friend from Nov 19 – Dec 3, and you’ll each receive a $100 referral bonus.
  • You will each receive a $100 referral bonus on their two-month anniversary with Fizz

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 30 GB with any phone purchase.
  • Any unused mobile data will be rolled over to the next month.
  • Visual voicemail now offered at Fizz.
  • Various phone discounts on select smartphones with Full Retail Price

Browse Fizz cell phone plans 

Ongoing deals:

  • Fibre+ Gig & Total TV
  • Fibre+ 300 & Total TV
  • Fibre+ Gig & Mobile Unlimited
  • Fibre+ 25 & Limited TV
  • Fibre+ 300 & Mobile By The Gig
  • Fibre+ 300, Total TV & Mobile By The Gig
  • Rollover Data any time for just $10/GB and carry over unused data for up to 90 days
  • Get Unlimited Mobile with 25GB Fast LTE for only $25/mo when paired with a Fibre+ Gig 1.5 Internet plan
  • Fibre+ Gig, Total TV & Mobile Unlimited
  • Fibre+ 25, Limited TV & Mobile by the Gig
  • Fibre+ 25 & Mobile by the Gig

Browse Shaw cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Get an additional 5% of the value of every Top-Up in points when you sign up for Auto-Allowance or Allowance with your PC Financial Mastercard or PC Money
  • Get 5% of the value of every Top-Up in PC Optimum points
  • 20,000 PC Optimum points after two months of service
  • Get 1GB of bonus data every month when you sign up for an Automatic Top-Up option, eligible on plans that have data.

Browse cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Bonus 1 GB data for three months new activations only.
  • $25 account bonus + free sim with $100 top-up
  • MaxWest Nitro 5P with $74.99 and $50 top-up voucher + FREE SIM
  • Data plans start at $35 for 2GB

Browse cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Enter for a chance to win one of twenty $1,000 prepaid credit cards.

Ongoing deals:

  • 250MB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $15, 1GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $25, 3GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $35, 5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $40, 10.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $50, 15.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $60 ( main regions)
  • Refer-A-Friend to Lucky Mobile and you can each get a $50 credit
  • Bring your own phone or buy one starting at $75
  • Get a cheap phone plan from $15/mo.
  • For a limited time, get 50% off your SIM card when you buy it online
  • Get one month of service free plus 2 GB/mo. of bonus data for 6 months on select plans
  • 500MB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $24, 3.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $33, 11.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $43 plans for QC

Browse cell phone plans

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus releases its first Indigenous reconciliation action plan

Telecom giant, Telus, has become the first of its kind to commit to an Indigenous reconciliation action plan in Canada.

The plan was developed with input from Indigenous voices and numerous frameworks outlining reconciliation. It focuses on how the company can utilize its resources to help Indigenous communities. Indigenous leaders, Elders, and subject matter experts were some of the voices that contributed to the plan.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the 231 calls outlined in Peoples and the Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, were used as the basis for this plan.

The 39-page document focuses on four aspects. The first is connectivity; working with Indigenous governments and organizations to expand broadband. The company commits to enabling 20 communities with broadband access between 2022 and 2023.

Enabling social outcomes is the second pillar, and focuses on developing programs that focus on more than connectivity, and aim for long-term prosperity. This includes launching the Indigenous Community Fund in 2022 to so support communities in the areas Telus serves. The company also commits to financially supporting and volunteering for events led by Indigenous communities.

The third part is cultural responsiveness and relationships. This involves the company listening and learning about how it can “meet unique needs” and offer culturally responsive services. This will be done, in part, through developing a space to provide tailored experiences to Indigenous Telus staff and customers. The organization will also work to create guidelines to implement Indigenous perspectives in the corporate atmosphere in 2022. The company plans on offering acknowledgments of Indigenous territories in spaces held by Telus in 2023.

Economic reconciliation is the fourth aspect. It focuses on offering Indigenous communities economic participation and growth by working with Telus. Initiatives include creating a process that allows the company to support Indigenous businesses and increase spending with such businesses by 10 percent. The document lists 2022 and 2023, respectively, as the due dates for each goal.

The organization also commits to assembling an Indigenous advisory council in 2022 to monitor the status of the actions and provide continuous advice on how they can be implemented. The plan will be updated every year.

“Discrimination against Indigenous peoples has happened for [over] 150 years. We are willing to share our knowledge to support reconciliation,” Rose Crowshoe, Elder, Piikani First Nation, Treaty 7, said in a press release. “Telus is listening to the things we are sharing and I am glad that they are trying their best to do the right thing – especially through ongoing dialogue with Elders and knowledge keepers to learn the truth of our people.”

Source: Telus

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Only public hearing into Rogers-Shaw deal concludes with little change to original proposal

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) hearing into the Rogers Shaw merger has concluded.

The week started and finished with executives from Rogers and Shaw telling the CRTC why the transaction, valued at $26 billion, should be approved. Rogers presented that the merger would allow the growing divide between the country’s urban and rural areas to lessen by creating a competitive market, funding for Indigenous-specific content, and bringing forward more affordable options for consumers.

Rogers currently offers services in Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces and Shaw operates in the West, including B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The three days following focused on presentations from interveners, many of them media organizations asking the CRTC to completely deny the merger or have Rogers make improvements to protect the rights of consumers, independent broadcasters, and the larger broadcasting system.

Blue Ant Media, MobileSyrup’s parent company, raised issues through a written intervention but did not take part in the hearing.

Independent programmers

The merger will impact financial support to numerous independent broadcasters. Included in this is Corus, which receives millions every year from Shaw. In 2020, the broadcaster received roughly $13 million for Global News.

On Friday, Pam Dinsmore, vice president of regulatory cable at Rogers, acknowledged the transaction will “have an indirect impact on independent programmers.”

Rogers negotiated renewal agreements with numerous programmers but didn’t have success with those who make up the Independent Broadcast Group (IBG). APTN, Hollywood Suite, and OMG Media Group are some of the organizations part of the group. Chris Fuoco, part of the IBG, said Tuesday Rogers ended the negotiations in the evening hours of November 22nd.

Rogers also proposed to carry 40 independent services over a three-year period, but discussions throughout the week heard interveners requesting that number be brought to 50. Rogers said Friday that was not possible. “A requirement to add independent services to Shaw Direct [SD] may actually force us to drop other services, reduce signal quality or convert certain HD services to SD. That would be an unacceptable outcome,” Dinsmore said. Rogers is willing to offer 45 “as a compromise.”

Rogers also said Monday it will take funding and direct it to CityTV, a network it owns, over Global News. “We do not agree that this money should be diverted to competing local television stations. This funding will ensure that CityNews provides a stronger and more competitive editorial voice in the West that rivals CTV and Global,” Susan Wheeler, a vice president at Rogers, said.

The move to IPTV

Wheeler further reiterated on Friday consumer needs are an important part of this transaction.

Numerous interveners throughout the week questioned if this was in fact true. On the third day of the hearing, representatives from the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) said Rogers plans to move cable-only and satellite TV subscribers from Shaw to its IPTV service, which will end up costing customers more.

Wheeler said this was a “misunderstanding” from the PIAC. “Our IPTV migration plan is based on providing incentives to consumers to encourage them to move to the Ignite platform and to do so seamlessly when the time is right for them.” She did not specify what incentives she was referring to.

PIAC, who presented alongside the National Pensioners Federation, said Rogers should offer Shaw customers using TV packages a price freeze, lasting three years, when they have to move to IPTV. Representatives from Rogers did not address this specific ask.

Bell and Telus

The two media giants asked the CRTC to deny the application for the merger, stating it isn’t in the best interest of Canadians.

Ted Woodhead, Rogers senior vice president, regulatory, said the concerns they presented at the hearing were “manufactured” and their real concern was Rogers being a “better competitor” in the markets they serve.

“Bell and Telus’ opposition to our application is obviously grounded in self-interest — not the public interest,” he said.

Bell also bid to take over Shaw when the opportunity originally arose.

In 2012, Bell approached the CRTC to acquire Astral, but its first application was denied. Representatives from Bell said Thursday this was because the commission couldn’t see the benefits of it, and the same thing can be said for Rogers plans to acquire Shaw. Bell’s application was reviewed and eventually approved.

Woodhead argued this claim was “patently false.”

“Bell and Astral both operated television services in the most popular genres and held exclusive rights to many of the most-watched programs and programming services in Canada. It was that exclusivity that compelled the Commission to issue its denial.”

The five-day hearing was the only opportunity for the public to gain insight into the inner workings of the deal. This hearing specifically dealt with the aspect of broadcast. Telephone, wireless, and internet services are also large parts of the deal but will be dealt with separately through hearings with the Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. Those hearings will not be open to the public.

The CRTC asked Rogers to send in written submissions with further details to some of their questions by the end of December. A decision before the new year is unlikely.

Image source: CRTC (screenshot)

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Taxpayer funds may be used to remove Huawei equipment if company is banned in Canada

The National Post is reporting Bell and Telus have asked the federal government to fund the possible removal of Huawei equipment from their networks.

It’s speculated that Canada will ban the Chinese telecom giant from the country’s 5G networks. Although an announcement has yet to be made, Canada is expected to follow the lead of allies in the Five Eyes intelligence network. The U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand have restricted or completely ousted the equipment in question, raising concerns Huawei’s links to Beijing create a security risk.

The Liberal party has been discussing a ban in Canada for the past three years over similar security concerns and an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Both Bell and Telus have installed the equipment in question over networks from previous generations. It could cost Telus approximately $1 billion to replace the equipment, but a final number is unclear. Figures on Bell also aren’t available.

MobileSyrup has asked Telus, Bell, and the office of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development for comment.

Source: National Post

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus highlights more Black Friday offers like $5/mo off unlimited plans

Vancouver-based national carrier Telus highlighted some of the latest Black Friday offers available both in-store and online.

These offers build on some already solid deals from the carrier, which you can check out in our deal round-up here.

First up, Telus joined Bell in adding a $5/mo discount to its unlimited plans. The discount lasts 24 months (totalling $120 over two years) and can apply to new phone or bring-your-own-device activations performed online. Customers should see the credit appear on their first bill and then on each subsequent bill until the end of the 24 month period.

Telus also highlighted an in-store offer that adds free Canada-U.S. talk, text and roaming onto all of the carrier’s unlimited plans. According to information provided by the carrier, customers can save $20/mo with the offer ($480 over two years). Anyone who travels to the U.S. often will likely benefit from the Canada-U.S. package.

Beyond that, Telus highlighted its Bring-It-Back program, which lets customers get a phone for a reduced monthly cost if they agree to return it or pay the difference at the end of the two-year term. Specifically, Telus pointed out its Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, available for as low as $6/mo financing with Telus Easy Payment and Bring-It-Back.

Similarly, there’s the iPhone 13, which Telus says customers can get for $0/mo financing with Easy Payment, Bring-It-Back and trading in a device.

Finally, the carrier highlighted its ‘Buy One, Give One’ offer that will see Telus donate a refurbished phone and free mobile plan to a Canadian in need for each new phone activation done over Black Friday weekend (up to a maximum of 6,000 phones). You can learn more about that here.

MobileSyrup’s prior Telus Black Friday coverage can be found here, or you can check out Telus’ website for deals. If you’re not happy with what Telus has on offer, check out our full carrier Black Friday round-up here.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus will give a free phone to a Canadian in need for each Black Friday activation

Vancouver-based national telecom company Telus says it will give a free refurbished phone and mobility plan to a Canadian in need for each customer that buys and activates a phone with the carrier between November 25th and 29th.

In other words, those looking to capitalize on some of Telus’ Black Friday offers could also help some people out.

Telus will leverage its ‘Mobility for Good’ program, which provides free phones and plans to youth leaving foster care and Indigenous women surviving violence, to give out the free phones.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Telus will only do this for postpaid activations with a new phone, not for bring-your-own-device activations. Further, some fine print on the Telus website notes that the carrier will only donate up to a maximum of 6,000 phones.

Those interested can learn more about Telus’ ‘Buy One, Give One’ offer here. You can also check out the carriers’ Mobility for Good program here and learn more about how Telus gives back here.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Here are the changes to Canadian mobile rate plans this week [November 25 – December 1]

With over 13 wireless carriers in Canada, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest promotions and cell phone rate plan changes. 

MobileSyrup will compile the latest weekly rate plan deals every week. You can also check out our guide on plans across Canada to find the right plan for you.  You can compare from 47,842 options and 13 carriers in Canada to find the best option.

It’s worth noting that rate plans are always subject to change and that we’ll do our best to keep this list updated as accurately as possible.

Canadian carrier rate plan changes this week

New deals:

  • Save $50 on your mobility order when you shop online.
  • Unlimited Share 20 and 100 plans are $15/mo. cheaper, Unlimited 40 and 60 are $10/mo cheaper in MB, QC & SK compared to main regions.
  • Get unlimited data with no overage fees, parental controls and one bill for your family for $55/mo.
  • Save 30% on a Samsung Galaxy Watch4 with the purchase of select phones.
  • Get a $50 bill credit when you buy any phone online or bring your own phone
  • Get 20GB data for $55/mo. for each team member you add.
  • Stay connected, entertained and protected with bell
  • Popular accessories on sale
  • Switch your business to Canada’s best 5G network6 and get a credit of $325 per line
  • Connect your other devices and enjoy unlimited data from $10/mo.
  • Save up to 70% over 24 months on select devices
  • Get a $125 accessory credit with every phone you purchase
  • Save $5/mo. for 24 months on any unlimited plan when you shop online and an additional $50 when you buy online

Ongoing deals:

  • Promo on Unlimited Share plans. Save $15 for every family member on your account when you have two or more lines.
  • $50 Promo plan with 10 GB of non-shareable data, and $55 Promo plan with 20 GB of non-shareable data. (QC) For new activations only.
  • Sign up today for internet and get a $100 Visa prepaid card with select Internet packages
  • Sign up today for Internet and TV and get a $200 Visa prepaid card with select bundles.
  • Get bonus 100MB data/mo with unlimited Canada-wide minutes for $25/mo with automatic monthly top-up options.
  • Trade in your old device and save
  • Save 20% on a Samsung Galaxy Watch4 with Bell SmartPay
  • Get six months of Crave Total on us with new smartphones on Bell SmartPay
  • Get our unlimited talk and text plan for just $30/mo.
  • Save $15/mo. for every family member you add to your account.
  • Various monthly phone credits on select smartphones with SmartPay or SmartPay + Device Return Option
  • Get up to 500 MB bonus data/mo. when you sign up for Automatic Monthly or Automatic Monthly/Low Balance Top-Up option on eligible plans.
  • Save $40 on the intelliARMOR UV Shield+ portable sanitize

Browse Bell cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get the chance to instantly win 1 of 300 PKG e-vouchers worth $250, perfect for your shopping.
  • Get the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G for $0 down and pay only $15/mo for 24 months with Fido Payment Program

Ongoing deals:

  • Save up to $360 on iPhone 12 mini when you trade in your iPhone XR or iPhone XS
  • Get second-generation AirPods for $0 down and pay $2.50/mo for 24 months with Fido Payment Program
  • Save up to $240 on iPhone 12 mini when you trade in your iPhone 8 or iPhone X
  • Each month, all year long, 10 Fido customers will win 1 YEAR of FREE Fido service. Enter daily on the Fido app.
  • Get a Samsung Galaxy device and get up to 4 months of YouTube Premium
  • Trade-in select devices and get a minimum credit of $100
  • One Month Free Service when you invite your friends and they join Fido.
  • Get Extra $5 Credit Per Month on ZTE Grand X View 4

Browse Fido cell phone plans

New deals:

  • The best Wi-Fi technology with Helix internet is available from $50/mo
  • Get extra 100GB per year, always at full speed
  • Helix unlimited 400 internet at $70/mo
  • For a limited time, Vrai is offered for 12 months when you add it to your mobile plan
  • Get a discount & save up to $15 per plan every month if you team up by four.
  • Get 10 GB bonus data per year in Canada with Basic 4GB, 10GB Canada plan & $10 GB Canada-Us plan
  • Save $46/mo. on the TV light and 100 internet plan
  • Shop latest iPhones and get electrifying discounts
  • Save $24/mo. on the unlimited 100 internet
  • Get $200 in welcome credit with an All-Inclusive plan or $100 with a 4 GB, 10 GB or 15 GB Plan.

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 100 GB bonus per year in Canada with All-Inclusive 20GB, 25GB plan as well as 15 GB Canada – US without border plan
  • Get $100 off the accessories you really want.
  • Subscribe to the QUB musique Family plan at the exclusive rate of $9.99/month for 24 months
  • Take advantage of monthly discount with multiline $5 to $15 per line each month (depends on the number of lines)
  • Up to $500 trade-in credit on any smartphone purchase
  • Club illico mobile included on All-Inclusive Mobile plans

Browse Videotron cell phone plan

New deals:

  • Prepaid SIM cards are now $10 for a limited time
  • Motorola One 5G Ace with bonus Lenovo 300e Chromebook 2nd gen

Ongoing deals:

  • Get six months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade when you get an iPhone 11, SE, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro Max
  • $25 referral credit for both when referring a friend after they join on a postpaid plan.
  • Get three months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade with pre-owned certified iPhone – XR, X, 11 Pro, XS, XS Max and 11.
  • Bonus 500 MB data per month with Automatic Top-Up on the $30, $40, $45 and $55 both Canada-wide and Province-wide calling plans (all regions)
  • Shop online and save the $50 connection fee

Browse Koodo cell phone plans 

New deals:

  • Activate or upgrade to a $75/mo or higher Rogers Infinite plan and get a free tablet like the ZTE Grand X View 4 or the Huawei T5 (main regions)
  • Promo on $85 Infinite Plan 60GB + 6 months of Apple Music and + 6 months of Disney+ Purchase a tablet or Apple Watch on financing and get it free for 24 months (MB/SK/QC)
  • Get iPhone 13 for $0 when you trade in an iPhone 11
  • $15/mo. off on all Infinite plans except for $85/mo. plan, which is $10/mo. off in MB, QC & SK compared to other regions
  • Promo on Infinite Plan 60GB + 6 months of Apple Music and + 6 months of Disney+ & Purchase a tablet or Apple Watch on financing and get it free for 24 months for $95/mo. (main regions)
  • Get iPhone 12 mini 64GB for only $7/mo for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge when you return your device within two years
  • Get the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 128GB for $10.84/mo after bill credit for 24 months
  • Get the iPhone mini 12 128GB for only $0/mo for 24 months when you trade in an eligible iPhone 8
  • $40/mo for 4GB & $50/mo for 10GB of non-shareable data with any phone on financing or when you bring your own phone.
  • Get a credit of up to $250 for all the tech gifts on everyone’s list
  • Save $300 per line for your small business
  • Activate or upgrade to a $90/mo or higher Rogers Infinite plan and add a free tablet plan for 24 months – with tablets like the ZTE Grand X View 4
  • Get up to 3 months of Google One on us when you sign up through Rogers.
  • Promo on Infinite Plan 20 GB (was 15 GB) + 6 months of Apple Music for $65 (was 80) (MB/SK/QC)

Ongoing deals:

  • Promo on $90 Infinite Plan 40GB + 6 months of Apple Music and + 6 months of Disney+ Purchase a tablet or Apple Watch on financing and get it free for 24 months (main regions)
  • Choose from the iPhone 13 family and you can save up to $817 over 24 months with financing on a Rogers Infinite plan and Upfront Edge
  • Save $100 when you shop online
  • Sign up for Apple Music and get your first six months free on a Rogers Infinite plan
  • Get a limited time offer on a Rogers Infinite plan
  • Get the Pixel 6 Series for $0 down on approved credit, $0 interest, over 24 months with financing on Rogers Infinite plans.
  • Save up to $650 on iPhone 12 when you trade in your iPhone XR, iPhone XS or iPhone 8
  • Save $15/mo on every additional line you add to your Rogers Infinite plan.
  • Promo on Talk text Unlimited Canada Wide minutes for $30 (was $35)
  • Get two lines for $60/mo per line for 30 GB of data max speed (QC)
  • Sign up for Disney+ through Rogers and get six months on select Rogers Infinite plans
  • Activate or upgrade to a $75/mo or higher Rogers Infinite plan and get a free tablet like the ZTE Grand X View 4 or the Huawei T5 (QC)
  • Various monthly phone credits on select smartphones with Financing or Financing with Upfront Edge
  • $50 referral credit for both after they activate

Browse Rogers cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Save big on the flashiest phones with Bring‑It‑Back
  • Save $100 when you shop Mobility online with a $50 bill credit and a $50 connection fee waiver
  • Promo on Peace of Mind Can-US is 60GB for $82.50/mo (MB/SK/QC)
  • Promo on Peace of Mind Can-US is 60GB for $92.50/mo (main regions)
  • Get 20GB for your iPhone 13 and a connected device.
  • Join the TELUS Exclusive Partner Program and get 20GB for $50
  • Get iPhone 12 for as low as $20 per month with Bring-It-Back
  • Get a bonus 500MB of data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on $30, $40, $45 & $55 prepaid talk, text & data plans
  • Promo on Peace of Mind with 40GB for $77.50/mo; the Can-US version is $82.50/mo. (main regions)
  • Promo on Peace of Mind with 40GB for $75/mo; the Can-US version is $80 (MB/SK/QC)
  • Save up to $753 on Certified Pre-owned phones with Bring-It-Back
  • Save 30% on a case for your new phone
  • Get a Samsung Tab A7 Lite for $0 per month on a two year plan
  • Get 30% off Galaxy Buds2
  • Save $130 on Powerbeats Pro for a limited time
  • Get a $200 Google Play Promotional Balance
  • Samsung watches are now 30% off
  • Save $10 per month with the ultimate online protection
  • Join TELUS and buy a phone between November 25th – 29th, and Telus will give a free phone to a Canadian in need through the Mobility for Good program
  • Bonus Lenovo Chromebook with Motorola one 5G ace
  • Get Amazon Echo Show for $0
  • Save $407 on Google Pixel 6 with Bring-It-Back
  • Get Galaxy S20 FE 5G for $11 per month with Bring-it-Back
  • Double your data with Unlimited 40 and save $120
  • Get an Apple Watch with TELUS Health Companion from $49 per month

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 10GB of data for as low as $50 with a family of four.
  • Get up to 6 months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade when you buy an iPhone or three months with a certified pre-owned.
  • Get bonus 100MB data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on a $25 prepaid talk & text plan
  • $10 to $15/mo. off on Peace of Mind, Peace of Mind Connect and Simple Share plans in MB, QC & SK compared to main regions
  • $50 referral credit for both after they activate on a postpaid plan (all regions)

Browse Telus cell phone plan

New deals:

  • Get a $30 bill credit on any Certified Pre-Owned Phone
  • Get 50% off your SIM card when you purchase online today.
  • Switch to public mobile & get one month of free service on any plan and 2GB of monthly bonus data for free when you activate on plans $35/mo+ by Dec 1st

Ongoing deas:

  • 2.5 GB Data at 3G speed 2.5 GB +BONUS 500MB with AutoPay
  • $1 Loyalty Pays every 30 days after the first years. $2 after the second year, and so on.
  • $20 Helping Other every 30 days by earning points in the Community
  • 500MB bonus with Autopay on all Talk, Text & Data plans except $15 plan, which comes with 250MB bonus (all regions)
  • $2 off every month with AutoPay Reward
  • $1 off every 30 days for every friend you referred as long as they stay active and a one time $10 credit for your friend

Browse Public Mobile cell phone plans

New deals:

  • 250MB bonus with Autopay on Talk & Text Plan (Get one month’s fee in credit with new activations on all plans for a limited time)
  • Get 2GB bonus data per month for six months.

Ongoing deals:

  • 500MB bonus with Autopay on all Talk, Text & Data plans

Browse Chatr cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Hook up with unlimited internet and mobility and get Aa$100 visa prepaid card.
  • Get a $120 accessories credit when you activate at virgin plus store
  • Limited time offer – 12GB for $50/month & 20GB for $55/month

Ongoing deals:

  • 250 MB Bonus Data on the $25 Prepaid plan
  • Get a Google Chromecast when you hook up with TV on a 6-month term
  • Get a TCL 20 Pro with member benefits
  • Shop online and save $100
  • 500MB Bonus Data on the $30, $40, $45, $55 and $75 Prepaid plans
  • Two months FREE of YouTube Premium with the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, A32 5G, S20 Fe 5G
  • 500MB Bonus Data on the $28 Prepaid plan with PPU OR 100MB Bonus Data on the $15 prepaid plan with PPU with AutoPay option
  • Get up to $700 off a hot new device when you trade in your old one.
  • Four months FREE of YouTube Premium with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G and S21 ultra 5G

Browse Virgin Mobile cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Add a line with 3 GB data for $20/mo.
  • Samsung Galaxy A12 for $45/mo, Samsung Galaxy A32 5G for $50/mo and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for $50/mo
  • Bring your own phone plan: Get a 3GB bonus with a $35 plan, 8GB bonus with the $40 plan
  • 20 GB Fast LTE for $50/mo with digital discount
  • Purchase select Samsung Galaxy devices until December 9th and save on Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, or Galaxy Buds 2.
  • Moto G Power for $41/mo and Google Pixel 6 for 65/mo.
  • Bring your own phone plan: Get a 10 GB bonus with a $70 plan, a 20 GB bonus with an $80 plan and a 20 GB bonus on Canada/US $80 plan.

Ongoing deals:

  • BYOD Big Gig Unlimited plans: get 10 GB bonus data on the $60 and $75/mo plan
  • Get freedom home internet for $60/mo.
  • Activate an eligible Samsung phone on a $40+/mo. Plan and get a Galaxy Tab A7 Lite with 4GB Fast LTE Data for $0/mo. for six months
  • Get up to 20GB of Bonus Data when you sign up on select plans.
  • Get Talk, Text and 1.5GB of Fast LTE Data for $19/mo.
  • Unlimited talk & text starting at $99/year annual payment
  • BYOD Big Gig Unlimited plans: get 20 GB bonus data on the $85/$115 Canada/US plans
  • Refer a friend and get a $25 service credit for each referral. Save up to $250 a year
  • Get one month of Visual Voicemail for Free
  • $5/mo. digital discount on all plans

New deals:

  • Switch to a 2-year Internet contract plan and save $10/mo. off the regular price
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on the infiNET 300 plan and get this special deal + get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for the first 12 months
  • Upgrade to the next fastest plan at no additional cost for one month
  • Sign up for maxTV Stream and get your first media box for only $49! Add a second box for $99
  • For every five maxTV Stream theme packs you add, you get $8 in savings
  • Sign up for Super Channel and get your first month free!
  • Sign up for maxTV and get 50% off the Filipino 5-pack for three months.
  • Get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi for only $5/mo. for first three months
  • Get great deals on wireless devices and accessories.
  • Skip the activation and service fees on eligible online device purchases
  • Save big on wireless, internet, and TV.

Ongoing deals:

  • Get unlimited calling with our Anytime North America Long Distance plan—all for one low monthly price
  • Get our ten most popular calling features, including Call Display & Name Display, for just $10/mo. Add on Voice Mail for only $2/mo. more
  • Sign up for SaskTel homePHONE and get three months of Home Phone Service, Feature Package, and Anytime North America long distance for free
  • Sign up for Crave and get your first month free!
  • Sign up for TV & Internet to get big savings. Plus, get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for the first 12 months
  • Get three months of Apple Fitness+ free when you buy an Apple Watch.
  • Sign up for noSTRINGS Prepaid Auto Top-ups and get a $20 bonus
  • Bring your Google Pixel and save $600
  • Sign up for a noSTRINGS Prepaid Talk, Text & Data or Unlimited plan and save $10/mo. for eight months.

New deals:

  • Get your first three months FREE on any Smart Home & Security plan

Ongoing deals:

  • Save $59.95 when you DIY and save the installation fee
  • Add Mobile to your Bundle and save $15/month forever
  • Get Crave on us for two months when you add TV to your bundle
  • Bring your own device and get 40 GB of Data for $55/month.
  • Save $5/month on Rollover and Big Data plans when you BYOD.
  • Save $5/month when you add a line to your mobile service with Family Share

Browse Eastlink cell phone plans 

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 30 GB with any phone purchase.
  • Create your perfect mobile plan and activate your perks, one by one or all at the same time, before November 30, 2021, inclusively.
  • $50 credit offer each when referring someone
  • Any unused mobile data will be rolled over to the next month.
  • Visual voicemail is now offered at Fizz.
  • Various phone discounts on select smartphones with Full Retail Price

Browse Fizz cell phone plans 

New deals:

  • Save $5/mo when you upgrade to an Unlimited + U.S. & Mexico plan
  • Fibre+ Gig & Total TV
  • Fibre+ 300 & Total TV
  • Fibre+ Gig & Mobile Unlimited
  • Fibre+ 25 & Limited TV
  • Fibre+ 300 & Mobile By The Gig
  • Fibre+ 300, Total TV & Mobile By The Gig

Ongoing deals:

  • Rollover Data any time for just $10/GB and carry over unused data for up to 90 days
  • Get Unlimited Mobile with 25GB Fast LTE for only $25/mo when paired with a Fibre+ Gig 1.5 Internet plan
  • Fibre+ Gig, Total TV & Mobile Unlimited
  • Fibre+ 25, Limited TV & Mobile by the Gig
  • Fibre+ 25 & Mobile by the Gig

Browse Shaw cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get an additional 5% of the value of every Top-Up in points when you sign up for Auto-Allowance or Allowance with your PC Financial Mastercard or PC Money
  • Get 5% of the value of every Top-Up in PC Optimum points

Ongoing deals:

  • 20,000 PC Optimum points with new PC Mobile SIM card activation
  • Get 1GB of bonus data every month when you sign up for an Automatic Top-Up option, eligible on plans that have data.

Browse cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Bonus 1 GB data for three months with new activations only.
  • $25 account bonus + free sim with $100 top-up
  • MaxWest Nitro 5P with $74.99 and $50 top up voucher + FREE SIM
  • Data Plans start at $35 for 2GB

Browse cell phone plans

New deals:

  • 250MB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $15, 1GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $25, 3GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $35, 5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $40, 10.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $50, 15.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $60 ( main regions)
  • Refer-A-Friend to Lucky Mobile and you can each get a $50 credit
  • Bring your own phone or buy one starting at $75
  • Get a cheap phone plan from $15/mo.
  • For a limited time, get 50% off your SIM card when you buy it online
  • Get one month of service free plus 2 GB/mo. of bonus data for 6 months on select plans

Ongoing deals:

  • 500MB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $24, 3.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $33, 11.5GB bonus with Automatic Top-Up on $43 plans for QC

Browse cell phone plans

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus letting 300 lucky people finance a Nintendo Switch

In a strange move, Telus is now allowing 300 people to finance a Nintendo Switch as part of their internet package. Yes, you read that right. You don’t get the Switch as a free add-on. You just get to pay for it slowly over the course of two years.

Before we get too far into this, I should mention that this is only available to people in B.C. or Alberta that can get Telus Fibre internet.

The cheapest Switch plan costs $117 per month and includes unlimited Gigabit internet and two years of Switch Online services. A regular Fibre internet plan costs $99 per month, so this means that over two years, you’ll pay around $408 for the Switch on top of the $2,400 you’ll send Telus for your internet.

Since this is the older Switch, not even the new OLED model, you could buy a comparative model for $379. The two years of Switch Online is a nice add-on, but in the real world, that only costs $50, so it’s not worth that much. To be blunt, I think this is a pretty terrible deal, and anyone could likely find a better deal on both a Switch and a home internet plan that’s not going to lock you into a two-year-long payment program.

Anyways, if for some reason you still want to go for this deal, you can sign up here.

Source: Telus 

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus calls on CRTC to deny application merging Rogers and Shaw

Executives from various media groups across the country met in a Gatineau boardroom to continue the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) hearing into the merger of Rogers and Shaw.

The day focused on interveners, organizations raising various issues with the proposed merger.

Telus has been vocal about their opposition since day one. At the hearing, executives asked the CRTC multiple times not to approve the merger, targeting Rogers regarding the promises made during its presentation the day prior.

Stephen Schmidt, vice president of telecom policy at Telus, said Rogers failed to understand the harms this merger creates, including reducing competition and consumer choice. The scale the company will cover alone will give Rogers access to 47 percent of subscribers using the English language, and their network would pass 80 percent of English homes.

Telus also argues the scale will allow Rogers to determine what program would be available for English language consumers, whether or not they’re a Rogers customer, and secure exclusive foreign content.

The company says that the media giant failed to show the merger is in the best interests of Canadians and that the best proposal possible was presented.

Schmidt said the principle on non-exclusivity of programming was what the Canadian broadcasting system was built on to create “healthy competition.” But if approved, the merger will change that and give Rogers the ability to be the only provider to offer specific content and give consumers no other option but to subscribe to them.

“Denial of the application is the only response that is proportionate to the concerns that it raises,” Schmidt said.

The Global News fiasco

Another issue this merger creates is the funding associated with the Global News network that runs under Corus Entertainment. Shaw directs roughly $13 million towards Corus every year because of a federal rule that asks broadcaster distributors to redirect five percent of revenue towards Canadian content and local news.

Zainul Mawji, executive vice president of home solutions at Telus, said Rogers should continue to provide this funding, over redirecting it to its network, CityTV, because many Western Canadians rely on the network. She shared CityTV has roughly one percent viewership and Global about 20 percent.

Lecia Simpson, a director at Telus, said Corus might have to turn to the independent local news fund if the funding is pulled. $13 million is more than half of what the fund has, she shared.

“Further having listened yesterday to Rogers and response to their questions, or the questions you posed to them, there were no guarantees made, no actual firm commitments on how they would be spending the $13 million,” Simpson said.

Need for safeguards

The executives say the current safeguards offered aren’t enough, and Rogers hasn’t proposed any of their own, a concern raised by many others as well.

“Denial of the application is the only response that is proportionate to the concerns that it raises,” Stephen Schmidt, vice president of telecom policy, Telus

The Canadian Communication System Alliances represents dozens of broadcasting and telecommunications providers, specifically in rural and remote areas. Representatives raised concerns the merger could impact the investments and affordability of the services they offer. While they were clear to note they do not oppose the transaction, they say it will impact many people unless safeguards are implemented.

“We do not believe that the safeguards in your current toolbox are adequate to do the job. And we fear that, even if you impose the right safeguards, you will not adequately and effectively enforce them. Unfortunately, our own experience says that you won’t,” Jay Thomson, the organization’s CEO, said to the panel of CRTC representatives.

The Independent Broadcast Group also raised similar issues.

“Without clear enforceable safeguards, this transaction will make things much worse – if it can be – for independents. A combined Rogers-Shaw entity will set the market and, based on their current approach to independent services, it is going to be a choppy ride. The situation for many, if not most of us, is dire,” Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv and OMG Media Group, said.

Blue Ant Media, the parent company of MobileSyrup, has also raised an intervention with the merger.

Executives from Rogers were on hand Monday and said the merger would be the best for Canadians. On behalf of Shaw, representatives from Rogers will be back Friday to answer questions raised throughout the week.

Image source: CRTC (screenshot)

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus now offers the fastest 5G network in Dawson Creek and Drumheller, B.C.

The expansions in the British Columbia and Alberta municipalities are part of larger investments the company is making through 2024.

The expansion in Dawson Creek is part of $13 billion in infrastructure and operations funding going towards BC. The expansion in Drumheller is part of a larger $14.5 million investment allocated to Alberta.

The initiative is part of the companies goal to give 70 percent of Canada’s population access to its 5G network. Currently, 67 percent of Canadians have access.

“Indeed, the ongoing expansion of our next-generation 5G technology is bridging time and distance, allowing residents to live and work in any community without compromising productivity or economic opportunity,” president and CEO, Darren Entwistle, said in a press release.

The company is working with a number of vendors, including Samsung, Ericsson, and Nokia, to expand its network across the country. By the end of the year, 615 communities will have access to the 5G network, including an additional 135 communities in Alberta and 187 in British Columbia.

The company explains some of the benefits of this network over 4G are increased capacity, ultra-low latency and edge computing. These advancements help power enhanced health and education opportunities. Estimates show 5G will lead to the creation of 250,000 jobs and put $150 million towards the economy over the next two decades.

Source: Telus