Bell, Telus, and Rogers have been told by the federal government to lower mobile data rates by 25 per cent in the next two years.
If they don’t, the government will step in to see that it’s done.
The government expects Bell, Telus, and Rogers to reduce the cost of 2 to 6 gigabyte data plans, offering a talk, text and data plan costing less than $40 monthly.
The price reductions for the three national carriers would look something like this:
2 GB plans that currently cost $50 would drop to $37.50
4 GB plans that cost $55 would drop to $41.25
6 GB plans that cost $60 would drop to $45
The reduction would apply only to post-paid plans (consumers who already own their devices or purchase a new one at full price.)
A long-awaited price comparison study shows prices have fallen over the last couple of years. Still, wireless services in Canada rank among the most expensive in G7 countries.
The study also showed that, within Canada, regional brands, like Freedom Mobile, offer plans that are, on average, between 12 and 45 per cent cheaper than what’s offered by national providers.
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, which represents the industry, says prices are declining and have fallen further since carriers introduced unlimited data plans.
